Yesterday, I was able to taste test 6 varieties of my figs. I was somewhat surprised by the outcome.





The most unimpressive was the Aberberira. which are on the bottom row. The three figs are at different stages of ripeness but all were very bland.



Next in least flavorful was the Smith, J.H. Adriatic, and Black Ischia. The J.H. Adriatic was very pasty with some figgy flavor, the Black Ischia hung in there with it's fruit and berry taste and the Smith  was sweet and just a little better than the other two. I didn't get pictures of the BI or the J.H.
This is the Smith.


The second best fig out of the bunch was the Vincenzo. It was moderately sweet with a nice fig flavor.





On top of the list was the O'Rourke. It was sweet, figgy, with lasting flavor that burst in your mouth. Even thought is seems underipe in the picture, which it was, it still came out on top.



I might add that we had 15 inches of rain 2 weeks ago and none for the last 7 days. Perhaps the rain washed away the flavor. I hope to do another test later this week.
"gene"

Very surprising results. Thanks for posting. Can you tell us if any of these were first time fruiting? Are the trees young?

Funny. I heard great things about Smith from a few members.

thank you for the comparisons.  This is the type of posting that makes this site so useful (and friendly)

d

Gene

You should give some to Linda so she can stop saying words to me. LOL
Those are some great looking figs, especially the Vicenzo. Glad to hear this one gets your approval.

Very interesting! I, too, wonder about the ages of the trees. It just goes to show you that what is great in one location may not be so hot elsewhere, and vice versa. Good info.

First to reply to Rafed, Linda was in on the fig taste test and she would only say the the O'Rourke was great tasting and the other she just shook her head no. Rafed she doesn't say words, every package that come is she just shakes her head.

These trees are 3 and 4 years old. Some in pots and some in the ground. The O'Rourke is in the ground and 4 years old. It bore a few figs last year. The Vincenzo is in a pot and is three seasons and it's second bearing season. These are not very young trees although they have not matured yet.

I also feel that climate has a lot to do with it. Here figs ripen fast once they begin, because of the heat and moisture. Also the soil here is heavy gray clay which hold lots of available moisture that it meters out very well. Perhaps these same fig that would ripen on a longer period of time with cooler temps would make a big difference.

The Smith was a little more than bland but not even close to the two top figs. It is a 3 year old plant that is in a pot, it looks good but hasn't grown vigorously. Perhaps putting it in the ground will give it the boost it needs. I hope to do that this fall or spring.

The J.H is in a pot but I also have one in the ground that is loaded with figs. They are no where near getting ripe. The same goes for a Mead and a Strawberry. I'll have to wait to see what these will do.

"gene"

Gene,

I want also to add that don't take this as a definitive test. It only applies to my figs in my location and my climate. It also reflects my taste. Each one of you will have to evaluate your own figs.
"gene"

Gene I think the one thing that stands out in your taste test is that the tree planted in ground tastes best. Pretty sure it was Herman and probably several others who mentioned that often a variety planted in ground will have a better taste. Not something I wanted to hear since all but 3 of my trees are in ground. I also think with the hotter climates that growing in pots is much more challenging. I know, no fig shuffle, but constant watering and you must shelter the roots of young trees etc