So, let me put my very humble, Mediterranean input into this!!! :)
We all desire to grow our own wonder fruit the "Fig" which grows , originally, in semi desserty environment but we want them so much that we want to grow them in our backyards. Ignoring the fact that the only reason that a fig tastes so good is because it grows in hot weather and lets sun's rays dehydrate it's juices turning it into irresistible little pouch of sweetness and aroma that one might thing is fit only for Greek Gods and Kings.
So we plant them, in pots, taking them in and out and in and out of basements to garages to living rooms to outside and back and forth...do anything in our physical power to make them survive.
There is no such thing as Bad Fig.
There is sun starved, not properly ripened, not well developed and immature figs.
Stop renaming the same fig over and over because it tastes different in your backyard.
Stop thinking that just because your figs taste better it's because of you.
Stop torturing yourself to come up with answers to please others about "Bad Figs".
Secret to good fig is nothing but Climate.
I would say feel blessed to have what you have, enjoy each fig you see on your tree whether its in pots or in the ground.
Did you know that the fig is one of very few foods that balances body's pH. pH imbalance can make us very sick, too much acidity creates malignant tumors. Dried figs contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential amino acids. They also contain phytosterols, which inhibit the absorption of dietary cholesterol, thus decreasing the total levels of cholesterol. Figs also contain substances (benzaldehydes, coumarins) that may help prevent certain types of cancers. So, the Fig is considered to be an Alcalinic food. Another one is Lemon ;)

Some History Highlights... : 6 Types Of Figs To Try Right Now | Food Republic

Here's a sample of what the "fig" this is all about...

yes, good climate is the answer to the good fig. but lot of us live outside of perfect climate, and lot of us are doing this as a hobby. that means, fussing over the fig tree is a part of the fun. sometimes, people rename a fig for no reason, but that's rare. most of the time, the original name was lost and people will rename them to mean something. for example, Hardy Chicago. that name is now stuck. but no one knows exactly what it was that came in from oversea. Kathleen's Black. the owner lost the name and no one knows what it is for sure. then there are members who will put "Unknown" to indicate that the fig is "Unknown". Unknown JoAnn's Unknown Purple is one of them. Dominick's fig is also a unknown. sometimes, it's good to just put "Unknown" in the name, but sometimes who ever found the figs will put some name to give it a meaning. St. Rita is one of very good fig that no one knows it's original name, also Niagara Black. 

Nice information and video!

Travelling through southern Italy where the soils are volcanic in origin I found the taste of some figs totally different than the same varieties I grow here even when I have provided a favourable location. 
So I think the soils affect the taste and probably other composition of the fig.
This is also true with wine grapes where the same grape tastes different grown on different soils.

soil composition.. i think someone posted about that sometime ago. something in the CA soil working better for the figs. more lime? with container culture, you can add to take away what is needed. 

A fig with genetics that exhibit superior taste,
will exhibit various levels of quality based on environment and culture techniques,
but will always be considered good,
or great in flavor given the right conditions.

This is Awesome!!! :)

Eventually we will get this "Fig"in thing right.
Just keep adding input. And, if you like send me charts or video clips or even official documents  through pm and i'll add it to the original post.

I don't think it's soil Pete. UCD is all clay! And figs grow very well there. Soiless medium left in pots for 3 yrs or more, will still turn to dirt.

Also, growing the  "most" has nothing to do with quality
or best growing conditions either.
Usually has more to do with consumption patterns, labor costs
and transportation infrastructure.


Here is a question for you,
if California is the perfect climate as you claim,
why is  FMV so prevalent in that state for figs.
UCD/DAVIS  is a FMV hot spot,
many of the nurseries in cali have the same problems with figs and FMV.
If the climate is so ideal, why does this happen ?

Trying to educate you,
guess you're not interested in learning.

Your link does not show or prove anything,
nor does it state cali is #2 in fig production in the world.

Nor did you answer my simple question to you about
the prevalence of  FMV in so called "perfect growing" conditions.

Just because you dream/imagine something,
does not make it true.

Hope you can read,
I know I can
http://rankingamerica.wordpress.com/2011/04/13/u-s-ranks-6th-in-production-of-figs/


Enough of this topic for me.
Enjoy your figs.

I'm glad you found some outlet for your end-of-day anger. Good day. Just don't hurt anyone.

I'm not on anybody side, but IMO..... When the plant ( Fig tree in this discussion ) is planted in the best condition ( weather ,soil and altitude ) that suitable for the plant and being taking good care will produce a good or excellent ( depend on the planter palate or taste bud ) fruits also. That's just logic thinking. Disease and other environment factors is nothing we can fully control even with green house.... Still there is chance of that factors will happened. Basically all the fruits tree bearing good fruits unless mistreat or not suitable growing condition. Have a good day......

Regards,

Ong

Jakarta ,Indonesia

So Aaron you make statements that are not true and when that is pointed out you personally attack the person who is trying to correct your misinformation?   Unbelievable......

Oh... Figeddaboudit!

I'm tired of this meaningless argument. I don't get it. California produces most figs in nation, for a change...let's Thank California!
This is my last comment for this subject, all has been said.
Next Topic Please!..LOL

Just because we exported a bit more,
does not mean we grew more also.

There is no contradiction in the reports.

They have been killing off fig trees/orchards in California
and replacing them with  Almonds and Pistachios
which are more profitable than figs.