waiting....

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cjmach1973

Registered:1426471634
Posts: 30

Posted 1473604146	Reply with quote #1

So now I have to figure out how much waiting. When I read a lot of the posts on picked figs, most people seem to say I should have waited one more day. What's the best way to figure out that one more day? I know with my I. Honey I would wait until the color changed slightly, the figs would feel soft, and they would droop over and sometimes fall into my hand with a light touch. This is the first year I will have other figs that are ripe before October. My H Chicago has figs that are coloring up, one that is drooping, and even developing some tiny cracks, but it doesn't seem soft enough yet. My Macool is coloring up also, but not drooping yet. (buy the way, they are very similar in fruit and leaf to the H Chicago) Any thoughts? The Macool is the top photo.

Charlie

Registered:1404043833
Posts: 1,214

Posted 1473607152	Reply with quote #2

There's always one more day right! To me, if it comes off easy and no fig sap oozes from the separation then it's done. But you won't know if it's going to ooze sap unless you pull it off. :) __________________ Zone 7A ~ Fort Smith area Arkansas

arachyd

Registered:1345772821
Posts: 116

Posted 1473609417	Reply with quote #3

I pick when they droop or when the skin gets that very soft feeling. If I wait the flies get them as soon as the skin is soft. __________________ Wish list: Dalmatie, LSU Gold, Ponte Tresa, 豐產黃 (Bountiful Harvest) Zone 7b

gofiger

Registered:1468681189
Posts: 71

Posted 1473613054 · Edited	Reply with quote #4

This is only my second season with any kind of a harvest. Two seasons ago I only got a few figs off my one tree and I have to admit I picked too early...because I was just too anxious to get a taste of my very own figs!!! Last season I waited longer and did notice the taste was better. This season I waited even longer...after learning on here that the taste really improves. And they really do get more flavourful even just waiting another day. HOWEVER....because of waiting even longer I have had a real problem this year with Yellow Jackets getting my figs before I do. So for the last week I have been picking as soon as they feel soft and start cracking....just like the ones in your pictures. I still enjoy them this way and the yellow jackets are not as much of a problem. Good luck with your harvest. __________________ Steve Zone 5b-6a Oshawa Ontario That's Canada eh! Wish List: A Canadian member that is willing to share there cuttings with me.

SuperMario1

Registered:1441853363
Posts: 441

Posted 1473613445 · Edited	Reply with quote #5

Depending on the variety I prefer them at different ripeness levels. Some will stay on and shrivel a little and get really sugary while others will spoil. Generally I'll echo what Charlie said in post #3. __________________ Wish list: Galicia Negra, Violetta, Violette de Sollies, Dan_la's Black Beauty 10, Craven's Craving, Most important: YOUR FAVORITE FIG. A lot of people put emphasis on popular/exotic cultivars, which is great because it highlights some of the better fig varieties; however, I am most interested in the figs our members love regardless of pedigree. Currently Growing: a bunch of varieties.

tinyfish

Registered:1472353452
Posts: 223

Posted 1473614269	Reply with quote #6

I am no expert by far. The fig in the second and third picture is starting to droop might be ready if it has a nice feel to it. I wrapped some figs in organza sacks that I bought at Dollarama to keep ants and wasps off so I could leave them on the plant longer. I see you have a Macool fig, would you have a spare plant that you would like to trade or sell?

hoosierbanana

Registered:1287901146
Posts: 2,186

Posted 1473620393	Reply with quote #7

Hi CJ, each variety is different like you say, and the attachment strength of the stem, color, and firmness all can vary from year to year or tree to tree, branch to branch. My favorite trick with the Etna types like you have there is to give them a slight twist and look at the neck, if wrinkles form it means the skin has begun drying. The figs will not get any sweeter past that point, although if it is hot and dry leaving them will let them dry more and condense the sugars. Wasps will really start going after them once they begin drying though. Hey Charlie, I poke the stems sometimes when I am feeling unsure, it is not foolproof but most of the time if the small hole does not ooze then the stem won't after being picked either. __________________ 7a, DE

cjmach1973

Registered:1426471634
Posts: 30

Posted 1473626881	Reply with quote #8

So my waiting is over, I finally picked a ripe fig other than Italian Honey. Both my wife and I responded with a mild berry taste, with a melon or kiwi undertone, and a little seed crunch. I am not ready to give anything a number yet, but I would say it was a little better than the I Honey..... But then my wife would beat me with a stray cutting, because that tree came from her father.

FinleyFigs

Registered:1437151018
Posts: 45

Posted 1473633740	Reply with quote #9

Quote: Originally Posted by Charlie There's always one more day right! To me, if it comes off easy and no fig sap oozes from the separation then it's done. But you won't know if it's going to ooze sap unless you pull it off. :) Hey Charlie, good advice :) I picked my very first ever fig today from my own tree, that is. It was actually in the nursery from an HC. Sap oozed out quickly at the separation, but the fruit was much better than I expected- quite sweet. __________________ Eric Zone 7b - SE Oklahoma

jdsfrance

Registered:1376988473
Posts: 2,591

Posted 1473665267	Reply with quote #10

Hi, I go by firmness. When they get soft to a certain point, I harvest them. Especially if the day before they were already soft, and then get a crack. The problem for me is when they get a crack while not soft enough. In that case, it is hard to find the perfect day of harvest. I'll then do it on feeling ... Like crack + 2 days ... feel if soft enough ... But, having the fig get really soft is the target . __________________ ------------------------ Climate from -25°C to + 35°C Only cold hardy figtrees can make it here

rmulhero

Registered:1429223986
Posts: 263

Posted 1473685880	Reply with quote #11

Hi, I like to wait till they get very soft, and there is give then pressing the skin. I also look at the top of the fig by the stem, that needs to soften too. Also wrinkles are a good sign. It can take some time for them to ripen so be patient. ;) __________________ Becky, zone 5 Growing: Hardy Chicago, VdB, Dessert King, Celeste, Green Ischia, Marseilles VS, Kathleen's Black, Red Sicilian, Adriatic JH, Violetta bayerfeinge, New Brunswick, Magnolia and Italian Honey. Wishlist: Sicilian Black JR, Petite Negra, Sweet George, Lattarula, Sals Corleone (Gene), Vasilika sika, Galicia negra, Dalmatie and any cold hardy fig.

Mario_1

Registered:1398299123
Posts: 407

Posted 1473692152	Reply with quote #12

I'll refrain from giving advice on this, my wife just forbidden me to pick any more figs, my theory is to get them before the birds, the bees, deer and the rest of the wild kingdom around my house __________________ Wallingford CT, USA zone 6a would be happy to meet and get together with other members near me Wish list; Any fig from any specific place anywhere in Italy

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