Just back from 2 days in the Wolfskill Experimental orchard (WEO), photographing and tasting the collection, again. Very light crop this year, similar to last year when cold weather in late spring disrupted normal fig development. Will work on new pix and other observation in the coming months, and get them added to the Figs 4 Fun website.

There were some very good figs among the "numbered" selection that need to be more widely tried.

Tried some amazing wines made by a friend in Davis, who is opening anew winery late this year. Pomegranate Merlot, Durian wine, Passionfruit wine, and any other wine that you can imagine. Not fruit juice and wine, but fruit juices fermented with the grapes for unbelievable aromas.

Jon, Glad you enjoyed your trip. I wish I was able to make it.
Are you referring to Joe real? I know he's been making some unique types of wine.
Did you see Ken at wolfskill?

Please let us know which numbered varieties impressed you.  I'm already working on my order for 2013.  So far 2 of the numbers made the list:  UCR 278-128, and 143-36.  They made the list from comments found on this forum copied and pasted into my excel spreadsheet for my wish list.  Comments are below.  Did you try those?  How did or did not,  they impress you?

Comments on the above two:
A large, sweet, yellow fig that deserves a better name than it has now. UCR 278-128 is my son's favorite, and he will go straight to this tree before searching the others. The late summer crop is much better, and is more resistant to the dried fruit beetle, than the early breba harvest. This fig is similar to another yellow variety, Deanna.

I include this yet-unnamed variety, as it is the most promising fig I've planted recently. The 143-36 has a nice sugar-acid balance, and the red flesh under a green skin tastes to me like a ripe Laroda plum. This fig has a closed eye, it droops to let you know when it is ripe, and sets a good late summer main crop. Our 143-36 trees are only two years old, and already one of my favorites.

Suzi

Suzi, 143-36 is also called Emerald Strawberry.

  http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/Emerald-Strawberry-UCR-14336-5952001

Thanks Gina!  Did Jon name it that?  Sounds like a good name for it!

"Emerald Strawberry" can not be found on the UC Davis list of available figs.  At least not THIS year.  It must be ordered by 143-36.  I'll put AKA on my spreadsheet, but until UC Davis calls it that, I'm going by their list.  Wouldn't want to take the chance of not getting it.  It's too late for me anyway for next year.  My order is in, and I don't want to complicate things and cause them extra work by changing this year's order, so in May of 2013, I'll place my next order.

Suzi

Bass, Joe will be our new vintner. I did spend a little time with Ken Love (of Hawaii). he  was there researching grapes for use in Hawaii. most people will know him for the fig poster he did a few years ago.

143-36 is the accession name at USDA/UC Davis. I got tired of trying to explain "sexy" names life 143-36, to gave it a new name, Emerald Strawberry, to more accurately describe its color and taste.

No disrespect, Jon, and you named it an awesome name, but, if any of us propagate these numbered things from UCD, do we have the right to rename?  And when our friends ask for cuttings?  What do we call them?  Here is where the confusion begins!!  This is a strain from UCD, and it has an identity:  143-36. 

If I get a successful cutting, and name it plumdelish, who can stop me? 

Just trying to question the random naming of cultivars.  Ends up there are thousands... and that's where the confusion begins!

Suzi

Suzi, Can I get cuttings of this plumdelish?


luke

give me a few years!  LOL!
Suzi

Maybe give it a name but still keep the UC Davis number in it. Plumdelish143-36, that way you'll know where it originated from. A fig with a name is easier to remember than just a number.

I understand Suzi's point, and I did not come to renaming lightly. In defense, I have been public about the rename, and have it documented on the Figs 4 Fun website as a synonym. Not trying to hide anything.

Raspberry Latte was a seedling, and was originally named Coffee, because it grew up under my coffee tree, Later, when it fruited, it got a more appropriate name. I have been naming unknowns that have been found after the street they were found on. I could take a guess on what they are and use the "guessed" name - but that would really add confusion, so street names give them unique identifiers that allow them to be traced to their origins. Again, they are all public and documented at Figs 4 Fun.

Black Madeira and Violette de Bordeaux are not that awesome, frankly. Sounds like heresy, but when they are grown at USDA/UC Davis and caprified, they are not as good as when they are not. Now, it might still be soil or weather of some other factor at their location, but from experience, they taste better in my yard that theirs, and caprification seems to be the most obvious difference.

Interesting Jon!

Thanks for this report.  Still waiting for the report on the numbered ones. 

Also wondering if the known really good tasting varieties most places, that weren't so good there, are telling us something.  Most of us don't have caprifigs or wasps to influence our figs.  I guess it goes back to the "What tastes good in my backyard might not taste so good in yours," idea.

What is the zone up there?  Interesting info!  Can't wait for your report on the numbered types!

Actually in extreme heat this year, Violette De Bordeaux has been disappointing.  Usually she performs, but this year, NOPE!

Suzi

Hey Jon!  I had a grea time at UCD!  I also enjoyed Joe's wine!  My 2  bottles made the flight back.  I stopped by Target and got a roll of large bubble wrap.  I triple wrapped the bottles and all is well.  Email me Joe's address so I can send him and Amy a couple jars of my Fig Chutney and Fig Compote.  That video I made of us at UCD turned out great.  Some time this weekend, I'll post it on Youtube and start a new thread for all to see. 

I was able to cover all the hybrids this year and now that I know how they taste.  My list to UCD will be going in this weekend.  People just don't know how excellent some of those hybrids are!  Both Black Madeiras looked in bad shape.  I don't think I'll request any of those cuttings this year.  VdB was not good either and the same is true for my area in Charlotte.  Black Ischia was good.  Giant Amber was terrible.  I'll post my comments in another thread. 

Oh and Jon send me the link for those tags we talked about.  I need to get a head start on Fall planning now.  Thanks again for the trip and enjoy you tree!

For numbered ID tags, see "Growing Tips"

Please post some pictures and videos soon.  I can't wait to see those.  Thanks!

Scott, You'll have to be patient. I am catching up on e-mails, and only halfway through putting names on the pix.

However, if you are rich, and willing to adopt, I can ditch my day job, and get right on it. ;-))

Same ole story Jon with you and Dennis and all the UcDavis pictures.

Believe me if i was filthy rich i would adopt the both of you and you gals would be working for sure.

Martin, get ready for a shocker this year. This was my second time with a video camera I think you guys will be impressed.

Dennis, you ARE a tease!~  And they blame that feature on girls!! ;-))

Nope! Not me.....video 1 is being uploaded now as I type this.

and all the pictures you promised months ago Dennis  ?
Aww the pain of it all !

All talk, no show!

Can't be a no show: he showed up at USDA/UC Davis.

Here are my tasting results. Only did about 1/3 of the orchard - concentrating on the numbered varieties in the "A" block.