Tasting the Violet Sepor Fig 2018

Tasting the Violet Sepor Fig 2018
Picked 10/12/18
1 Crop

I was surprised to see a ripe fig on this young tree. It had a cluster of figs strangely at the base of the tree near the soil line.

There's some chatter about this fig being the same as Bourjasotte Grise. In my opinion they havw similar pulps but based on my two tress they do appear to be different figs. The leaves look different and so do the exterior of the figs. 

Here's a link to the Bourjasotte grise  I'll pay more close attention to these two next yr and will grow them in the same conditions to see for sure.

By all accounts, this seems like and average looking green fig. It's not until you cut into it that you'll see the true beauty of it's deep red pulp.

37.1 grams

It's incredibly jammy and syrupy juicy. I wish there was more heat to ripen this fig. But when you have to deal with October temperatures and an unheated greenhouse. It's hard to get figs to produce enough sugar when you have 40 degree nights and 60 degree days.

With that said, this fig was quite good. The potential is there for it to be a fantastic fig. The flavor was pure strawberry jam and no acidity. The sugar level was average but I blame that on the colder temperature. 

This will stay in my collection potted with the recommendation of an early wake up.

Violet Sepor  (10/12/18)
Main crop
Taste: 8.5
Sweetness: 7
Size: 4 (37.1 grams)
Productivity: 4
Total = 23.5

New Arrivals: Violet Sepor, White Madeira & Becnels Native Black

New Arrivals: Violet Sepor, White Madeira & Becnels Native Black

Native Black, Violet Sepor, White Madeira

Becnel's Native Black

"The "Native" part of the name was  a nickname given to this variety by the Becnel Family who live in Belle Chasse, LA. They have been in the wholesale nursery business for a very long time.

The Becnel family is also credited with bringing the Smith variety into the trade. The story goes that Smith was found growing on Saxon and Thomas Becnel's grandfather's farm. It just hasn't gotten as much "exposure" as Smith. 

Native Blacks produce brebas and main crops, although brebas tend to drop on young trees.

A knowledgeable fig enthusiast who worked with Dr. O'Rourke during the LSU fig breeding program told me that Native Black was an Italian heirloom fig brought by immigrants into the New Orleans/ Belle Chase area. As Henry indicated, it was brought into the retail trade by Saxon Becnel Nursey. There are many other 'heirloom' figs in Louisiana left to be re-discovered. Louisiana was/is a melting pot of many cultures and many of the arriving immigrants brought their favorite fig cuttings with them when they settled down here years ago."

* Sited from Gardenweb

White Madeira

The leaves are very similar to Black Madeira. The origin of these came from Madeira. There's some debate that this maybe a Adriatic or Col De Dame Blanc but I don't think the leaves are similar at all.

Fruit photo credit to Tam

Violet Sepor

Not the prettiest fig but it kinda reminds of a Smith. It's known to be very sweet and have intense berry flavors and very productive. Let's see how well they do here in Seattle.

Photo credit Leon