This Fig Tree is for you!

Summary

In this video, the speaker helps viewers choose the right fig tree by addressing common requests such as the biggest, sweetest, most prolific, or cold-hardy fig. They discuss various fig varieties like Long Dute, Cypress Honey, and LSU Champagne, offering insights into their benefits and drawbacks. The speaker also touches on the most beautiful figs and explains why certain categories like green or dark figs can be subjective in flavor. Ultimately, they recommend varieties like LSU Tiger for their balance of size, flavor, and productivity. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding each fig's unique qualities and limitations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Long Dute is the speaker’s top choice for the biggest fig, despite other large options like Brown Turkey and Yellow Long Neck.
• 😀 When asked about the sweetest fig, it's almost impossible to answer definitively, but favorite honey figs include Cypress Honey, sugar figs like Improved Celeste, and berry figs such as Cold de Dom Blanc.
• 😀 For the most prolific fig tree, Salziel and LSU Champagne are recommended, though they produce smaller figs compared to others.
• 😀 Cold-hardy fig trees like Desert King and Chicago Hardy types are best for colder zones, with Desert King offering protection but no main crop ripening.
• 😀 Beautiful fig trees include Panache and Word Salt Blanca Negra, though they may struggle to ripen in colder zones.
• 😀 The best green fig or dark fig doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer, as both categories include multiple varieties with different flavor profiles.
• 😀 LSU Tiger is a versatile, recommended fig that combines size, flavor, and prolificness, although not as amazing as varieties like Black Madeira or i-258.
• 😀 Figs like Improved Celeste and Pinta Soga are highly recommended for their flavor and overall quality.
• 😀 Many fig varieties depend on your local growing zone and conditions, so it’s important to choose one that fits your environment.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes that most fig videos only highlight the benefits of specific varieties, but not the downsides, which should also be considered.

Q & A

What is the best fig variety for someone looking for the biggest fig?

The best fig variety for the biggest fig is Long Dute. Although other large figs like Brown Turkey, Stella, and Yellow Long Neck exist, Long Dute is considered the top choice in the large fig category.

How do you define the sweetest fig, and which variety is recommended?

The sweetest fig is determined by its flavor profile, with three main categories: honey, sugar, and berry. Cypress Honey is recommended as the best honey fig, Improved Celeste for sugar figs, and a tie between Cold De Dom Blanc and Pintasoga for berry figs.

Which fig tree is the most prolific for those looking for a high yield?

The most prolific fig trees are Salziel and LSU Champagne. While they are smaller in size, they produce a higher quantity of figs, making them ideal for those who want a greater harvest.

What is the most cold-hardy fig tree, and what are the options for colder climates?

In colder climates, Desert King is the best choice for a protected tree, though it does not ripen its main crop. For a main crop fig in cold climates, Chicago Hardy types like MBVS are recommended.

Which fig tree varieties are known for their beauty?

Panache, a striped variety, and Word Salt Blanca Negra, a dark variegated fig, are known for their beauty. However, their ability to ripen in colder zones can be a challenge.

What makes a fig a good choice for a green fig, and which varieties are best?

Green figs can be either honey or berry figs. Peter’s Honey and Atriano are great honey figs, while Strawberry Verte, Sucret, and Smith are good green berry figs.

What are the best dark figs, and what do they taste like?

Some of the best dark figs include Fantastic, Early Rende de Bordeaux, and Niagara Black. Dark figs have deep, rich flavors, but each variety has its own distinct taste, which may vary by preference.

What makes LSU Tiger fig a good overall choice?

LSU Tiger is a balanced fig, offering good size, flavor, and productivity. It is larger than Chicago Hardy types, earlier than others, and quite prolific, though not as perfect as Black Madeira or I-258.

Are there any figs that are both early and prolific?

Yes, LSU Tiger is both earlier than many figs and highly prolific. While not as early as Rhonda de Bordeaux or Improved Celeste, it still ripens earlier than most other varieties.

Why is the question 'What is the best fig?' difficult to answer?

The question 'What is the best fig?' is difficult to answer because it depends on what aspect you're looking for—whether it's the largest, sweetest, most prolific, or cold-hardy fig. Different figs excel in different categories, and each has its benefits and drawbacks.