Tia Penya - an improved Smith?

Figgin' A

Figgin' A

Well-known member
It certainly feels like it to me. Both are light berry figs. Very similar flavor profile. The main complaint about Smith from some growers is that it's bland or that it doesn't wow them. It's just OK. Some argue that you need to ripen Smith to perfection; that's when it shines. I've had bland Smith and really good Smith. It's a good, quality fig overall. Tia Penya is consistently great for me. Always sweet and jammy. It has a rich flavor and a nice, lingering aftertaste even if you pick it a day or two early. Often, I feel like it tastes like what Smith would taste if it were perfect.

Today's Tia Penya
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berries-4.jpg

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Figgin' A said:
It certainly feels like it to me. Both are light berry figs. Very similar flavor profile. The main complaint about Smith from some growers is that it's bland or that it doesn't wow them. It's just OK. Some argue that you need to ripen Smith to perfection; that's when it shines. I've had bland Smith and really good Smith. It's a good, quality fig overall. Tia Penya is consistently great for me. Always sweet and jammy. It has a rich flavor and a nice, lingering aftertaste even if you pick it a day or two early. Often, I feel like it tastes like what Smith would taste if it were perfect.

Today's Tia Penya
berries-2.jpg

berries-4.jpg

berries-3.jpg

berries-5.jpg
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Its a large fig too. Impressive! I have Smith but no fruit yet will see how it taste, might replace it with Tia Penya
 
I thought that was a pretty late ripening variety, unlike Smith, a mid season fig.
I've never had Tia Penya and if I remember correctly because it is late?
And it's eye looks pretty open on yours...that does not fly here in the south.
Is that consistent?
 
ktrain said:
I thought that was a pretty late ripening variety, unlike Smith, a mid season fig.
I've never had Tia Penya and if I remember correctly because it is late?
And it's eye looks pretty open on yours...that does not fly here in the south.
Is that consistent?
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You are right on all accounts, Kevin. Open eye, late ripening. But very, very good. Great producer for me from year one, too. My most vigorous grower.
 
Figgin' A said:
You are right on all accounts, Kevin. Open eye, late ripening. But very, very good. Great producer for me from year one, too. My most vigorous grower.
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Okay, I believe that's why I skipped on it, I had so many late ones and not enough early and mids.
But ALL the pics I see look incredible.
 
ktrain said:
Okay, I believe that's why I skipped on it, I had so many late ones and not enough early and mids.
But ALL the pics I see look incredible.
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I hear that it's even better caprified. I intend to try next year, if all goes well.
 
Figgin' A said:
Main crop. Started in January. Been ripening for a few weeks already.
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That makes sense. According to Pons, this is quite late at his place(zone 9b?), it starts ripening in mid-October and all the way into November. I don't think mine even have any figlet on it. I probably need to give it a headstart next year. I thought only the Hivenenca or the Christmas fig are that late.
 
Tia Penya for me is very vigorous. The figs are large, very consistently syrupy. I'm surprised that it's a light berry fig for you. For me, it's one of the cherry berry type figs for me. It is one of the strongest berry flavor figs along side Unknown Pastiliere, Hative d'Argenteuil, St. Martin.
 
oat said:
Tia Penya for me is very vigorous. The figs are large, very consistently syrupy. I'm surprised that it's a light berry fig for you. For me, it's one of the cherry berry type figs for me. It is one of the strongest berry flavor figs along side Unknown Pastiliere, Hative d'Argenteuil, St. Martin.
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Mine is very vigorous. Probably my most vigorous variety. Could the flavor difference be the result of lack of caprification? Maybe lack of heat? Two seasons in a row, it grows and fruits exceptionally well, but the flavor is not what I would describe as a strong berry flavor. Sadly. I'll try to caprify next year.
 
Figgin' A said:
Mine is very vigorous. Probably my most vigorous variety. Could the flavor difference be the result of lack of caprification? Maybe lack of heat? Two seasons in a row, it grows and fruits exceptionally well, but the flavor is not what I would describe as a strong berry flavor. Sadly. I'll try to caprify next year.
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Mine is also the most vigorous tree. Mine were caprified for sure. I tested the seeds. However I don’t think it’s the caprification alone that gives the strong berry flavor, since growers outside of CA observed that flavor as well. It might be the dryer weather.
 
Figgin' A said:
Mine is very vigorous. Probably my most vigorous variety. Could the flavor difference be the result of lack of caprification? Maybe lack of heat? Two seasons in a row, it grows and fruits exceptionally well, but the flavor is not what I would describe as a strong berry flavor. Sadly. I'll try to caprify next year.
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Try grafting it. I am still waiting for the first fruit to ripen from the mother tree. But the grafted one has been changing color for a few days. I may be able to find out more about the flavor.

In terms of vigor, mine is above average.
 
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