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Friday, September 8, 2017

Why do I grow Figs + Tasting the Takoma Violet Fig & Brandon Unk Main Crop

Why do I grow figs? Well there's lots of reasons.


1. Figs are not easily accessible at any grocery store. Have you ever seen figs at Safeway or at a major chain? Probably not, besides the dried ones. a fresh fig is just so much better
2. Figs are an easy fig to grow. They are mostly disease and pest resistant
3. Figs are plain and simple deliscious
4. They are very nutritious


5. I failed to mention on the video that collecting figs can be very fun as well. The community around figs can be great to learn and share knowledge with Visit my Fig Addiction Group on facebook for more info.




Brandon Unk (Left) Takoma Violet (middle) LSU Tiger (Right)



Brandon St. Unknown Fig:

I think the Brandon Unk Fig is a real winner here in the PNW! It ripens 2 crops successfully without any protection. The brebas in my opinion tastes better than the main crop. It's also got decent production. You can see from the photo below that there are 6 figs on just one branch.


Here's a few shots of the main crop. Smaller fig with a tight eye which makes it rain resistant.


16.2 Grams


I have to admit the flavor of the main crop is not as good as the breba. I'm attributing that to the fact that it's still in small pot and hasn't received enough watering. The flavor was more of the classic figgy taste. The sweetness content was lower as well. Makes a good little snack. 

Brandon Unk: Main (9/5/17) 2yr old plant
Taste: 6
Sweetness: 6
Size:  2
Productivity: 2
Total = 16



Takoma Violet Fig:

Another real winner in my book. The Takoma Violet fig is productive and very tasty. It is also a very fast grower. My single trunk tree which is only 1.5yrs old had 10 figs on it! I love the crackling of the skin on this fig. It means the skin is delicate and easy to eat.


It too has a tight eye. The coloring could be darker but it ripened in the greenhouse and didn't get any direct sun exposure. Which may have attributed to the delicate skin. It usually is a bit dark.

This is what a sunripened Takoma Violet looks like. Much darker. Photo from 2015

2017 Greenhouse ripened. Notice how the color and the skin looks so different.
 

34.3 grams



This a delicious fig. Is strawberry jam like taste is quite desirable. It also has hints of acid when it hits the back of your throat. Combine this with it's cold hardiness, productivity, and you have another winner!

Takoma Violet Main Crop Fig (9/5/17) 1.5 yr old plant
Taste: 8.5
Sweetness: 8.5
Size:  4
Productivity: 8
Total = 29


LSU Tiger Fig:

OK. This fig has risen to the top my list for favorite figs. I do not know how but it's a perfect combination of jammy sweetness, all the while remaining this juiciness that gushes all over your tongue. It's quite amazing!! 


It's got beautiful coloring, firmness,  a tight eye and is a perfect size for eating.

45.2grams



This fig is now in my top 5 for favorite figs. Now if you have been following me, I like the figs with more melony tones vs something that is too thick and jammy that. I don't think overly syrupy figs that clue your tongue to the roof of your mouth. 

Well the LSU Tiger is a perfect combo of jamminess, sweetness and juiciness. I plan on propgating more of these trees for my own personal garden. It's a great fig!

LSU Tiger Main Crop Fig (9/5/17) 2yr old plant
Taste: 9
Sweetness: 8
Size:  5
Productivity: 1
Total = 23




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