What would be the characteristics of your perfect fig if you could make your own?  And do you have one that you consider perfect already?

For me, in a sandy, rainy zone 10, I would start with:

a closed eye (insects, rain)
a droopy syconium (rain)
skin that doesn't crack, split, or get ugly looking (insects, rain, visual appeal)
obvious color change when ripe
good taste even if slightly unripe
flesh that is firm enough to resist a bird peck
complex, sweet flavor that leaves a good aftertaste
two productive tasty crops
small seeds
nematode and rust resistant
dense foliage
well branched
10-12 foot maximum height

i don't know of any fig that is firm enough to resist bird peck. 

I agree with most of your wish list Charles but the bird peck. If a bird couldn't peck it, it may be difficult to eat for those of us with purchased choppers. LOL

I agree with your list  Seems very comprehensive.  I would add VERY JUICY!

Suzi

I'd take even a sub par fig that could survive with no protection up to zone 5.  Too much to ask I know.  Or how about an evergreen fig that grows even in winter.

i want one that tastes like really good root beer. 

It would be free
it would jump in the hole and pull dirt tightly around itself
It would flourish year round
It would bear three different figs all year round
It would not require fertilizer
It would be okay in winter
It would never need watering
Birds and tree rats would dare not come anywhere near it
All figs would be in easy reach
The most perfect zone for ripening, flavor, etc. would be the one that it is in, regardless of where it is

And it would be called Pollyanna, or Ann Margaret, and come with affordable health care, and a $25 minimum wage to it's owner, and would be term limited to my life time.

My ideal fig:
- is prolific
- very dark color, with dark red interior, though I know there are some good lighter ones.
- lovely 'ripeness' cracks
- rich, outstanding flavor
- sweet, but not too sweet
- dry-ish, jammy texture
- not affected by the weather.
- does not attract insects
- healthy - or only light FMV

So which fig would be closest to the ideal fig in Charles' original post (except for a bird peck)? 

Very close to Gina's post #9 and even agree with her whole
2nd typed line .   Would like to add thin skinned.      Wow Gina !

Feel i have found the holy grail of figs past few years and now stop looking for different types
as its a lot of work as i age and just want to relax more .

I consider myself satisfied and fortunate after some 50 years of eating them.

Well, Martin, spill the beans.  Which varieties do you love?

I'll have a serious talk with my aunt Freaulette, to see what she can do for you....   ...she's a which! LOL

Hi,
For me, the perfect needs to be :
- the tree should be prolific
- the tree should be cold resistant
- the fruit should be soft when ripe
- have a beautiful color when ripe - be it golden or black/violet
- one/two cracks when ripe
- Good sized to big size
- flesh honey-type
- flesh sweet
- flesh with not too much seeds.
- The tree should not go over 3 meters of height,
- The tree should ripe the fruits in one season even if starting the season after Winter hard pruning.
Aaron, call your Aunt now !

Rcantor -Well, Martin, spill the beans.  Which varieties do you love?

The black beans on bed of basmati rice. ; )