Does the Smith fig have a umami taste to it? I have two Smith trees but they haven’t produced figs yet.

Ben B. has a video on YouTube called “Smith Fig” where he eats two Smith figs and describes the taste as “umami”.

I had never heard of “umami” and Googling came up with the info that:
“Umami (oo-Ma-mee) has joined sweet, sour, salty and bitter as an accepted taste.”
“Marmite turns out to be a rich source of what we now know as umami.”
http://tulsafood.com/uncategorized/umami-the-science-ingredients-cooking-with-the-fifth-taste/

 I tasted some Marmite I have in the fridge for cooking and it possibly could be a very subtle taste with some figs. Has anyone else noticed this? 

TL;DR: Umami is kind of like, the idea of "savory." Parmigiano Reggiano, anchovies, mushrooms, lamb, and marmite. None of those things taste alike yet they all contribute an element of "umami" much in the same way that vinegar, lime, and tamarind, etc. will contribute sourness while tasting nothing alike.

Personally, I think the ostiole end of some Black Missions have an umami thing going on that's sorta in the family of parmigiano reggiano in terms of flavor profile. I definitely see how umami can be applied to figs; kind of sweet and umami in varying proportions.

Tried to get it but no luck this year. Seems like this variety is not in europe-middle east yet.

I would not agree with the umami assessment at all. Smith are fragrant, fruity, and rich. I would not call any of those umami. If any fig borders on umami, I would say it is Preto, due to an almost "smoky" hint in the background.

Hi its Ben, First off thanks for watching the video.

Sometimes I wonder if anyone's ever actually watching my videos lol. But I do fig videos because I enjoy figs and want to share my passion for them.

For me, when I say umami about the Smith fig, it's more of the lingering rich almost buttery taste that I get from the smith. Most of that flavor comes from the syconium. It's like the same sensation and after taste of eating a piece of werthers caramel candy in your mouth. Not to the same intensity but similar.

That sweet slightly savory taste is what I was trying to describe as umami. I think it's a great fig and does well in seattle.

I'm still waiting for my Preto and and bm to bear fruit. Based on most accounts those have a spectacular taste even better than Smith.

Ben, can't speak for the rest of the community, but I watch and enjoy your videos on this and the other forums as well. Also visited your blogs. Keep the information flowing.

Me too Ben...

Smith is by far, one of the best tasting fig out there!  Absolutely amazing!!!