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Unknown Virginia fig help ID

While heading to the beach today to photo some waves and dunes, I see a fig growing o n the side of the road on the grass path near the sound wall. 

The flavor was a mild melon with a splash of citrus. After taste was almost pure citrus pucker. Excellent flesh compositions with non crunch seeds. Took a few cuttings and will def be growing this one in the future. 


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Since I am unable to find a correct name at the moment of this variety as it appears to be a random seed sprout that is only a few years old (looking at archived google earth images) and the location was basically all white sand tagging this one in the log book as : Blanche de Sable. It does appear to be some sort of "White" as well. 

Looks like a not-quite ripe Conadria or 143-36. 

http://figs4fun.com/Thumbnail_Conadria.html

http://figs4fun.com/Thumbnail_UCR_143-36.html

Don't judge by Jon's pics there - my Conadria and 143-36 both look more like yours on the inside versus his.  Blame it on west coast vs. east coast.

Jason,

Fig was extremely ripe. I broke several trying to get them off the tree in one piece. In contrast though there were plenty of rotting figs on the ground, and a few unripe ones still forming. 


Chris

I know you say it's extremely ripe, and I know I wasn't there to see, but ... I beg to differ. 

Here are some extremely ripe Conadria, compare the fruits and skin to what you have.  Most of these are "dead ripe", yours appear to be on the verge of "nicely ripe".

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/Can-anybody-identify-this-5481042

Not trying to pressure you into believing, just offering up some additional evidence ;)

(There are some other names you may want to consider yours to be there as well - Stella, Atreano)

I looked at both of them earlier today and looked at the leaf structure. 

From the leaves I samples from the mystery tree, a majority above 98% were of the one posted above. A lot though had road tar and other "junk" all over the tree. 

How do you judge being ripe? 
The one posted above came off one of the stems I grabbed for cuttings. To ensure it did not split open when removed from the branch I cut the stem at the union with the branch. 

I call'em ripe if when squeezed they break open. 


Chris

I do agree there are traits of several other varieties. Atreano has different leaf shapes and the cut fig is white fleshed.

Seems I may need to head back out to the area and pick up some  of the figs on the ground as well. 

Ripe is subjective. I think a fig is ripe when I can barely pinch it between my fingers and it just leaves a dent in the fruit. Everyone has their own schtick. I don't typically like light figs for a number of reasons, one being it is so hard to tell when dead ripe (they look rotten to me) and the mild flavors.

Is J.H. Adriatic considered a "light" fig?

SEGeo here is an example .

 Can be eaten at this point but its not at its optimum flavor.

Same fig 36 hours later
Click to enlarge.

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i prefer the figs when it's just ripen. no latex from the top of the fig. my wife enjoys it when it's still firm. she just remove the top where there is latex.

i tried figs dead ripe. they are good, but some of the figs when they are dead ripe, the skins become tough.

most of the time, i'll just eat whatever looks ripe.

I wouldn't consider figs still firm to be ripe but that is my preference.

Any chance we could get a google earth link for those of us that regularly get around in VA to look at figs?

Jason, the closest is Anteano, however the fruit and leaf shape do not match very well. These are more pear shaped instead of round with the leafs being 5 lobed versus 7. 

Matt, these were good and soft. 

Did find some other pics not on Jon's site that had the same color as the ones I posted earlier.

Went back today and there is a construction crew setting up. Looks like I am heading back to get more cuttings just to be safe. 

Chris

I have read that Atreano taste close to cucumber. I can say this was nothing like a cucumber. 

I have been eating 2 different cultivars of Conadria here in Virginia for weeks now as they are a nice size and age (6 yo) and that fig doesn't resemble my Conadrias at all.
I think the pictures Martin posted are an excellent example of when the fig looks like it may be ripe and then when it is actually ripe (in my opinion, of course) - especially with Conadria if you want a sweeter more concentrated flavor you have to show patience.

Michael, which varieties are on your profile page? 

The ones on the Right are close to the color I saw in person of this fruit. 

I am not unpleased with the flavor as my mother said it was the first fig she actually could eat and not make faces. So once it roots it is a keeper as far as she is concerned. 

In addition it should be mentioned her mother was named Blanche so it holds a special name for her. 


Chris

Sad news everyone. 

Went back to the fig tree mentioned in the first post. 

Construction is moving forward and the tree has been bulldozed. I was able to get a few more branches and are putting them in the rooting box. There are two batches of cuttings going out tomorrow to two other forum members to ensure survival of the tree. 

Will let you guys know if I have extras after the new batch is prepped. 


Chris

Sad thing. At least it's genetic material has been preserved. Good job, Chris.

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