Figs!?

[vfem]

So this farm I am working with had a fig tree behind their house. One day I went over and there were a few brown ones... we dug them off and ate them up... YUM!

We've been waiting patiently for some of more of them to ripen... but they are all still green. She says she never ate them because she didn't know what they were for so long, but eventually was told they were figs and to eat them when rip... brown.

Now I'm curious after some pictures I saw of someone eating green figs and I'm thinking WOW... do they stay green even when they are ripe? Or really? I was there a month ago and ate a few... and she's telling me that chances are they may not ripen for another month? Do you think they are ripe?

 

[hoodat]

So this farm I am working with had a fig tree behind their house. One day I went over and there were a few brown ones... we dug them off and ate them up... YUM!

We've been waiting patiently for some of more of them to ripen... but they are all still green. She says she never ate them because she didn't know what they were for so long, but eventually was told they were figs and to eat them when rip... brown.

Now I'm curious after some pictures I saw of someone eating green figs and I'm thinking WOW... do they stay green even when they are ripe? Or really? I was there a month ago and ate a few... and she's telling me that chances are they may not ripen for another month? Do you think they are ripe?

Figs are one of the oldest cultivated fruits so over the years hundreds of varieties have been developed. Some are still green when ripe, some are brown and some a sort of purplish black. At least one is even so pale green it is almost white.

 

[sequin]

I want fig trees sooo bad. They are just soo cool!!! Not to mention Delicious and can be used in SOO many recipes!!!

 

[vfem]

I want fig trees sooo bad. They are just soo cool!!! Not to mention Delicious and can be used in SOO many recipes!!!

They are, this is the first time I've had fresh!

 

[ninnymary]

Vfem...my bet is that those could be the black mission figs of which I have a tree. Like hoodat says, there are green and black figs. The green ones are ripe when they are big and soft, sort of like when an avocadoe is ripe. I believe these are called kadota. My neighbor has that tree. I prefer the black mission. One of my favorite desserts is just some slices of fig with blue cheese. Yum.

Mary

 

[bid]

Maybe brown turkey fig. It's a pretty common variety in your area and is brown-ish when ripe.

 

[vfem]

Maybe brown turkey fig. It's a pretty common variety in your area and is brown-ish when ripe.

Ooooh, I bet that's it!!!

 

[elf]

If you found them on an old homesite in NC , usually planted up against a certain side of a bldg. for frost protection, I'd bet they're the brown turkey. Very traditional to plant in the south for fig preserves. Since that's your thing, you are in for a treat. Fig preserves are sought after; I don't think I've noticed them sold commercially, either. They have a unique texture; just don't let them scorch or overcook. I put in a little lemon slice, and maybe ginger; there are also recipes for pickled figs (look online). Most of the time when given some, I just rinsed and stuck them in the freezer and cooked with my oatmeal or added to recipes.

When ready, they should be soft,slightly squishy. Leave firm ones for next picking. Pick every other day, probably for 2 wks.to a month.Great when they've just burst open, but pick still a little firm for preserves. Don't leave long after picking or they sour. Watch out for yellow jackets when picking. They love them, too. Some people peel before eating, as the rough skin can sort of make the edges of your mouth raw. I'm just careful to open wide and not rub against lips. You'll figure it out, but might need to help your child by peeling, or teaching her to. Happy picking. Now you'll want a bush of your own. Research which side of bldg. to plant on. Or someone here will know.

 

[elf]

Oh, better mention; they do act as a laxative.