Fig ID (Ancient Central Valley Tree)

[Steven J.]

I have admired this tree for years. It is absolutely massive. Our neighbor maintains it beautifully, keeping it in a large, multi-trunk shape. The tree is over 10 feet tall and loaded with figs.

We were out on a walk and were able to ask him about his tree. He said it is one of the original trees that was grown here in Fresno before they put homes everywhere. Unfortunately, he does not know the name.

Any ideas what this might be? It tastes very sweet, has lots of seed crunch, and it can dry on the tree. The skin is sweet and the pulp tastes like brown sugar.

My first thought was Kadota or something similar, but it looks way too big.

 

[Steven J.]

After doing some research, I am leaning towards this being Calimyrna. Can anyone confirm?

I told him I collect fig trees, and he said I could take cuttings if I like

 

[TorontoJoe]

The lobes on the leaves look more elongated but the fig to me looks like very classic Calimyrna. If not directly, perhaps related given your area.

Calimyrna may be one of the best commercially grown figs I've ever tasted. I really enjoyed..... Although cost a fortune in the north east.

 

[Steven J.]

The lobes on the leaves look more elongated but the fig to me looks like very classic Calimyrna. If not directly, perhaps related given your area.

Calimyrna may be one of the best commercially grown figs I've ever tasted. I really enjoyed..... Although cost a fortune in the north east.

Thank you for your input, Joe. It was absolutely delicious! No wonder it is grown commercially.

 

[TorontoJoe]

Thank you for your input, Joe. It was absolutely delicious! No wonder it is grown commercially.

Seriously... Normally I steer clear of any fig in a store here but on one occasion a local Italian market got some flown in and I had to buy a box of them.... They were outstanding. I don't know that I've ever purchased a fig that was better than those. Top shelf. I know nothing of commercial fig production but I would assume these come with some characteristics that make them more marketable. Shelf life and such. I can't say it'll beat out a perfectly ripe Smith or I-258, but if I could, I'd grow it in a second.... The ones I've had were beaten up from travel... and still outstanding. If you can, get one.

 

[Steven J.]

Seriously... Normally I steer clear of any fig in a store here but on one occasion a local Italian market got some flown in and I had to buy a box of them.... They were outstanding. I don't know that I've ever purchased a fig that was better than those. Top shelf. I know nothing of commercial fig production but I would assume these come with some characteristics that make them more marketable. Shelf life and such. I can't say it'll beat out a perfectly ripe Smith or I-258, but if I could, I'd grow it in a second.... The ones I've had were beaten up from travel... and still outstanding. If you can, get one.

Alright, I'm totally sold now

 

[TorontoJoe]

In Central Valley I don't think you can go wrong. It "should" be a workhorse of very good figs.

Of course.... after we apply the Fig Fanatic tax.... that's 45% of the cut... then carry the one and absorb the residual (whatever that means) you should only need to send me maybe 50 lbs of figs for the first three seasons... *terms subject to change

 

[ktrain]

It looks pretty awesome, unfortunately figs like that, (large and open eye) just don't do well here in the south.
Otherwise I would have it. lol

 

[GoodFriendMike]

Does look like a really good Smyrna type fig. If not calimyrna maybe sarizeybek?

 

[Steven J.]

I think I just had the most amazing fig so far. I picked some more figs off of my neighbor's tree. This time, we got some that were starting to dry. They had strong strawberry and guava flavors. They also had nutty notes to them. He let me get some cuttings. I definitely need this one.

I want to enjoy it before BFF hits us, if it does.

 

[GoodFriendMike]

I think I just had the most amazing fig so far. I picked some more figs off of my neighbor's tree. This time, we got some that were starting to dry. They had strong strawberry and guava flavors. They also had nutty notes to them. He let me get some cuttings. I definitely need this one.

I want to enjoy it before BFF hits us, if it does.

Get to rooting. From the sound of it. You might need more than two.