This first-harvested Smith was good. I love the purple veins on this fig. Another day for the sugars to concentrate (if they can) would have been ideal but I needed to enter a few other figs into the Fig Protection Program so this one entered my stomach as part of the Program to Eat Breakfast.

 

Flavor. Is comparable only to Socorro Black (for me). It is not a sweet fig as there are figs with a sweeter flavor profile. Smith is complex, rich and it has some subtle undertones that I cannot pinpoint - maybe someone who drinks wine will describe it better than I have. It is berry flavored with a slight acidity that makes it finish smoothly on the palate. This is different from Celeste and other sweet figs that have a sugary intense after taste, i.e., almost a sugar burn that beckons for salt or acid to balance it.

Texture. The seeds offer a texture that I prefer. It has a hollow interior and an eye that is not closed and will be a problem in heavy rains. And it is unlikely that this fig can actually concentrate it sugars like others with a closed or better protected eye.

Thanks for the great report, JD. I've always read that Smith is an ugly fig, wrong after seeing your great photos,  great tasting, and a favorite in the South. My 2 potted Smiths have small figs, and I can't wait to try them. The trees are really vigorous, and after your description, I look forward to seeing how they turn out here in CA.

I see the fig is leaking honey from the eye. I wonder if in a dryer climate the honey will seal the eye? We shall see, Colorado has plenty of dry air.

Now that is a nice looking fig!

Looks great, I agree with celeste, I got rid of mine as it's like eating sugar from a spoon.

Nice looking fig JD......I had my first one yesterday and I must say its close to number one in my book.

That is one nice looking fig, and your description of flavor profile makes me want one bad! I am not a fan of the super-sweet figs, I like a little acidity. I will have to ask around for cuttings this fall.

JD

I thought Smith was a late ripener, even in the deep South. Main crop in mid July? Can't beat that. Have you seen any brebas on this cultivar? I hope mine will ripen, there are about 16 fruits on my first year tree.

JD: Very tasty fig and thanks for sharing.

Best,
Tam

Great description of taste and texture, Jimmie. Looking forward to adding this one to the orchard.

Frank,
Looking forward to your description of Smith this yer but more interested in next year after it has acclimated to the Back 40, much better care, and space for roots to spread and grow. It should be very good.

Looks wonderful JD. 

More photographs of this tasty beast. Look at the crooked, bloody, partially toothed...NHL post-fight smile on this fig!

The Smith flavor profile rang true even after I had a Black Mission NL followed by a Miles Davis solo trumpet playing Petite Negri (excellent no doubt but solo). The acidity of the Smith is fantastic (for my taste buds)

I am concerned about it splitting which did not occur last year. I am not concerned about the fact that it has also produced an order of magnitude more figs than it did last year; I like that. My corrective action plan is to do nothing for one tree to decrease the watering frequency of the brother tree by 1/4.

Awesome pics as usual.  I have one just up-potted today.  I can only hope it will look like yours.  grow baby grow!

How would you like to have someone hand deliver a mature Smith fig tree with ripe figs hanging from its branches right to your door? Plus a bunch more fig trees as an afterthought. Man, it's a tough gig being on the receiving end, but someone has to do it.

These were my first Smiths and I won't even attempt to describe the taste. Jimmie said it best, above in his post.

Again, thank you Jimmie!


             

You are welcome Frank. It was my pleasure. Those deserve a better home than I can give them and the Back 40 is paradise for fig trees. Is it time for a video update of the Back 40?

Cant wait for my Smith to ripen some. Its currently got one little figlet that just showed up last week. I hope it will ripen for me this year and not fall off. Ive read nothing but good stuff on this fig other than being a shy producer early in life for some folks.

Looks great Jimmie.

Amazing!  I want one!  

Unlike none other. As I have said before, the acidity is unparalleled. Thus we are forever...Smitten with Smith. And as others have said before me and encouraged me to wait, I encourage you. Be patient...grasshopper. The fig will appear. I have been commanded - by my taste testers - to have more Smith figs ready to eat next season...by any means necessary

 
 

Very nice.

Happy growing

Doug

JD:
Awsome photos as always. I have a Smith fig tree and the figs are very flavorful. However, here in Albuquerque, it has never been a productive tree compared to other varieties. Is yours the same?

Leon,
What is your definition/measure for productive?

My definition is ripening 50+ in a season with minimal losses (to dropping, splitting, or souring) excluding those lost early to birds and critters. Note. The majority of my trees are potted. If grounded for four or more years, then my threshold is 75+ figs.

That said, Smith is *not* productive. It will produce about 30-35 high quality figs (if I protect them and I do) that are second only to maybe one or two others over the season.