Top Tier Figs
- Thread starter ETXfigs
- Start date
GoodFriendMike
Moderator
Top tier are normally figs that are known to taste very good.
Many of them are not the most productive.
Many of them are not the most productive.
bushdoctor82
Well-known member
Entirely location dependent and personal preference.
What works and tastes/produces great out west won’t necessarily work down south or up north.
What works and tastes/produces great out west won’t necessarily work down south or up north.
I managed to ripen a few BNR over the last few years. I would list that as a top tier fig based on taste alone, but its vigor, production and ripening time all suck for my zone.
If you’re wanting the total package, so far (for me), nothing beats my Smith trees. That’s why I have 3.
It’s all about perspective.
If you’re wanting the total package, so far (for me), nothing beats my Smith trees. That’s why I have 3.
It’s all about perspective.
t_corey89
Well-known member
I haven’t actually tasted many different figs, unfortunately. But the big yellow figs from down the street from my dad’s house, are super good. I’m fairly certain it’s the Lattarula Italian Honey fig. Picture from google. But they look exactly like that and leak so much honey it’s almost nasty looking lol. Real glad the guy cut off a few branches and gave them to my dad, which means I now have a cutting that’s growing really nicely.
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grasshopper
Well-known member
I 'll vote for RdB or VdB. RdB is a robust grower, productive, early, nice berry taste and can be grown easily in most locations.
VdB is as good if not better than RdB in the taste department. My first VdB was a bit slow but I think it had to do with the mix that came with the tree. I like Vista, which is supposed to be the same as VdB according to genetic markers. Also had Negronne and Nero600M, which are in the same family.
VdB is as good if not better than RdB in the taste department. My first VdB was a bit slow but I think it had to do with the mix that came with the tree. I like Vista, which is supposed to be the same as VdB according to genetic markers. Also had Negronne and Nero600M, which are in the same family.
Beabchasingizz
Well-known member
Glad to hear this. VDB is really common at our CFRG exchange in SD. Never seen RDB here but I've heard a lot about it from YouTube. My VDB grafted last year has grown a lot this year and has a ton of figlets. I have one VDB breba I'm still waiting to ripen.
I'm still looking for RDB at the exchange next year. I heard it ripens earlier and is one of the better early varieties.
FruitBrute
Well-known member
Top tier would be any fig tree that grows well and consistently fruits an abundance of quality/tasty figs, regardless of grow zone, climate, or culture. Since I doubt there are any that fit that description entirely, and with taste being subjective, I believe @bushdoctor82 nailed it on the head. Top Tier is a marketing line in my opinion, and at best, a personal preference.
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I don’t think it’s a matter of getting the best top tier fig but rather get the best fig that one likes/loves that does well in your particular area.
What’s the point of having some top tier fig that doesn’t really produce in your given area.
I was listening to a recent Lou Monti YT video and he was talking about some top tier Mount Etna varieties, and he said after some time he’s come to the conclusion that some of these allegedly top tier Mt Etna’s/Hardy Chicago’s don’t taste that much different than a number of his other Mt Etna/Hardy Chicago types—so he’s going to start culling some tree’s to make room. And some of these have been all the rage the last court to few years, considered to be much better than normal. He was like I just can’t tell the difference side by side.
It was interesting to hear someone talk about some of these higher quality gigs that are on the market. And we know Lou Monti is not out there trying to make a buck, he just loves figs and gives his best take on what he’s tasting.
What’s the point of having some top tier fig that doesn’t really produce in your given area.
I was listening to a recent Lou Monti YT video and he was talking about some top tier Mount Etna varieties, and he said after some time he’s come to the conclusion that some of these allegedly top tier Mt Etna’s/Hardy Chicago’s don’t taste that much different than a number of his other Mt Etna/Hardy Chicago types—so he’s going to start culling some tree’s to make room. And some of these have been all the rage the last court to few years, considered to be much better than normal. He was like I just can’t tell the difference side by side.
It was interesting to hear someone talk about some of these higher quality gigs that are on the market. And we know Lou Monti is not out there trying to make a buck, he just loves figs and gives his best take on what he’s tasting.
Figgin' A
Well-known member
It seems that what 'top tier fig' is often very much dependent on one's definition. There are a few of those definitions it seems. If you've never tasted a truly premium fig, you will be inclined to put your top-tasting figs into that category. I once read on the other person an experience grower say 'a well-ripened RDB is as good as it gets'. And that's fine, but that won't make them top tier in absolute terms. A Ferrarri is a top-tier sports car, there is no argument with that. A Mazda Miata isn't. If all one can drive/afford is a Miata, it doesn't make it a top-tier sports car. It's a nice car, affordable. Maybe fun to drive too, in way. But let's be realistic.
For me, a top-tier fig is a fig with the highest taste qualities. Great texture. Great flavor. Multidimensional, layered, and nuanced flavor. Long finish. Great aftertaste.
There are figs that fall into that category somewhat automatically because of the widespread support of that reputation by the majority of growers. E.g. Black Madeira/Black Madeira synonyms, BNR, CLBC, CDDs, I-258, Martinenca Rimada, caprified Panache, Boysenberry Blush. etc.
Then there are those that may have less unanimous support but still come close, depending on who you ask. E.g. DSJG, Calderona, Figo Roxo, Paratjal Rimada, Borda Barraquer, Angelito, WM#1, IBG, Bourgasotte Grise, NDB, etc.
I personally wouldn't call my VDB top tier, and I love it. It's a fantastic fig. Very tasty. Excellent flavor.
But it doesn't have the same refined taste, same flavor complexity, and the same texture to compete with, say, I-258 or Black Madeira. My 2 cents.
ETXfigs
Well-known member
A lot of good information here. The reason I mentioned VdB is because it seems underrated because it's so cheap and easy to get. If a variety is better than a top tier variety in every way except the eating experience of two perfectly ripened figs side by side compared, is the top tier fig really better?