Got Figs?

[BilletHead]

Anyone raise there own figs? A long time ago I met a lady who had a fig bush next to a south facing storage shed. I knew what it was but had never seen one in person. She explained cold weather kills them but if you get lucky and put it in the right place and facing South they will grow. I asked if I could pick and eat one, she said help yourself. Man what a tasty treat. After that I always wanted one and finally a seed catalog came and I found a start. Not recommended for my area but heck I'll try. Found a spot on the South side of the house and stuck it in the ground. It grew every year but most years it froze back to a stump. I thought it was dead every year. One year it got big enough I got a fig (singular fig). Cool I thought. Every few years I got more and then froze back to a stump. The last two mild winters have been good to me and the fig bush. It only died back to three foot tall. How do I know how far back it dies? Spring leaves tell the tail and I trim it off where the leaves stop. This season it is now six foot tall,

Full of figs too, the most I have ever had.

The darker you pick them the better they are. From green to purple to almost black and shriveled.

I pinch them open and eat out the heart. Usually I only get enough to graze every day but this year I have enough to founder on. Question is if I dry some do I just wash them and do it whole? Any good fig recipes? I know I will reduce some on the stove and drizzle the reduction on some rare seared duck.

BilletHead

[exiledguide]

When we lived in Benton AR fig trees were quite common and the lady who lived across the street made fig jam with hers, mighty fine. She was a wonderful neighbor , I had 3 pecan trees and used to share them & got a lot of pecan pies in return. My bride said she didn't have her recipe.

Good luck

[BilletHead]

Fig jam sounds good Mr. Guide, I may have to google that recipe up. Thanks,

BilletHead

[ness]

I dunno, BilletHead. I guess I'm more of a date guy. That fig looks a little like an inside-out intestine or something left over from surgery.

Seriously, I like the idea of perennial fruits like that. I've got a hot spot on the west side of the house that needs something...

[Quillback]

They do look disgusting, but thanks for posting that info.

[BilletHead]

Yucky looking for sure but tasty none the less. I ask the Mrs. if she wanted a fig leaf outfit.

BilletHead

[Ham]

Glad to read of your success. I had my Dad start some cuttings for a lady I know. She lives right on the state line on the northeast side of Norfork lake. She has three young trees to plant. I think I will encourage her to keep them in pots until next spring and place them on the south side of buildings in the Spring. Maybe IF they get a good running start and she protects them thru the first winter, they'll make it.