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Fig Flavor Group Master List

  • ross
  • · Edited

Hello everyone,

Like some of you.. I've been trying to categorize the figs that I'm growing by AscPete's flavor groups. You can find Pete's thread explaining the flavor groups here: http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/fig-groups-comments-welcomed-6530525?highlight=flavor+groups&trail=50

Anyway, I don't want to stop at just the varieties I'm growing, but instead create a master list. With your help I believe this is possible. The next step: correct the current list as you see fit & add the figs you're growing with the appropriate category in a post below, so I can add them to the spreadsheet. Please be 100% sure. I want this as accurate as possible.

You can find the master list in my signature or by clicking the sharable link here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1i3l2K21bbaAkHjmSnqPX4yvoWEYJ7-YjHOtMPFoe1ME/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks!
-Ross

I like your format, Ross. I know many have created lists similar to yours. I also would like to see a list that includes the other names by which each fig is categorized. But thats likely somewhere in this forum. Another idea i had is to have an archive of these lists somewhere here...just thoughts. Many great lists!!! Thx for taking the time to do this.

Meg! Thanks!

What do you mean by other names by which each fig is categorized? Synonyms?

Great list Ross! looking forward to see the input from fellow forum members. I have been looking into San Pedro varieties so your list is a great starting place.

It looks like you've put a lot of work into compiling this info Ross.  Thanks for sharing it with all of us!

Thanks everyone!

@Joe I love the videos thus far. Keep em coming.

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  • levar
  • · Edited

Hey Ross, Looks good so far! I'm curious though, what constitutes "exotic" in the exotic berry section?

Also, in "Fig Families", let's not forget a favorite which is the "Violeta" category, which includes at least both Black Madeira and Fico Preto. (Side note: I know Herman said that I258 falls into the B.Madeira category but I've also seen a few people say that I258 is basically a sweeter Bourjasotte Grise. I haven't tasted any of these yet so I can only point-out, but can neither contest nor verify.)

Also, in "Fig Families", the Col de Dame family is lengthy with synonyms as well as distinct siblings that apparently all taste basically the same, or at least are pretty similar. I've only tasted CdDG, so I'm basing that info on things I've read and have been told by those who grow multiple varieties. 


That's a debatable category, Levar. Many are not sure if Preto, Black Madeira, etc... deserve their own category. I think they do, but having never tasted them.. I can't write anything up on their taste. Definitely should consult Pete and see what he thinks.

I added the Violetta & Coll De Dama families. Good call! 

Great work!

I believe Black Madeira and Preto deserve their own category...they are in a class all their own.

Although, I have not tasted Violeta, and I258, regardless, it is pretty easy to tell a Preto from a Col de Dame and any other fig I have tasted.

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  • levar
  • · Edited

Oh and the family of Brown Turkey, which apparently is very closely related to Black Jack, Walker, Texas Blue Giant, and some others. I own TBG and I can safely say that it's BT's sibling. They're not the same thing but you really don't need to own both.

But on that note, I don't know much about the different "types" of Brown Turkey, like the "Californian", "Southern", - you got the "English" one there. Maybe someone with more info can clear that up. In the meantime: http://www.walterreeves.com/food-gardening/rays-givans-fig-page-dark-fig-varieties/ At the end of each description, he lists some synonyms. 

Also, in your chart's "English BT" category, you've got Nordland. I've been under the impression that Nordland is Longue d'Août. http://www.ourfigs.com/forum/figs-home/3108-longue-d-aout
Of course, there's also this: http://www.ourfigs.com/forum/figs-home/33227-are-these-two-figs-the-same

Lastly, I'm not sure if you've seen this but https://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/synonyms-to-fig-varieties-6730478

So you can definitely see some discrepancies throughout all of this but w/e. Just reading through this, some of these threads kind of get into territory of comparing Gala apples to Pink Lady - not a huge difference - and I think a broad, flexible, forgiving classification can be appropriate. When along come wildly distinctive varieties like Macintosh and Granny Smith and in comparison to the two aforementioned cultivars, the opinion that the Pink Lady is slightly more "floral" than its near identical counterpart might ought to get relegated a bit. Idk how anyone else feels but, imo, those distinctions, while important, feel more like footnotes. Not a criticism of your work, just thinking out loud.

I'm happy to see such positive feedback!

Side note: I made some changes. Fixed Nordland and Hanc's BT. Still much to add. Keep the suggestions coming!

Very nice work Ross! I'm sure this will help a lot of people decide what do chose as they add varieties

This is an excellent resource for folks with limited space who want a variety of different flavors from their figs. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this!

Great resource. Thanks!

Thank you for this excellent information.  Luckily enough, I've blindly managed to get something in each flavor profile.

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