Here's something that I have observed.  When a fig tree starts to ripen its main crop, the figs that ripen over the first 2 weeks or so are not as good as the figs that ripen later on.  It seems like the tree gets into ripening mode after a couple of weeks and then really starts pumping out its best fruit.  Anyone else notice this?

Joe,
Are you sure that you aren't so enthusiastic about those first figs that you are picking them too early, but later you give them more time to ripen?  ; )

I will make a note and keep watch on the large in ground trees and report back later in the summer. My trees are not large enough to be able to sample more than a few figs at a time.

Pete,

That could be it.  But it just seems like the figs get their full sweetness and flavor after a couple of weeks.

to me for whatever reason, the first figs are the best. been waiting so long, anything off the tree should be like filet mignon.