I know that some fig growers believe that Hardy Chicago and similar type figs come from the Mount Etna region of Sicily.  I am very interested in these figs, as HC was the first fig variety that I ever purchased.  I also grew up in house that had a HC type unknown (Joe's Jersey) growing in the yard.  I also have Marseilles VS and I would consider it to be a similar type of fig.  I don't grow Sal's but have heard that some consider it to be a similar type.  All of these figs are tough, healthy growers, with small fruit.  They have a strong fig flavor, but are not as sweet as some other figs.  HC, MVS, and my unknown all have a similar leaf and growth habit.  I observe that in addition to being cold hardy, these figs also grow very well in the Arizona heat.  Their leaves do not curl from the heat as some other varieties do for me.

Hi Joe.  Everything we "know" is defined by probabilties of certianty.

Are the people we believe to be our anscesters our real ancesters?  Probably, but there is alway a degree of uncertainty.  The lineage of figs has the same problem.  These things quickly become clouded and confused over time.

Our HC produces relatively large fruit, and has a very upright growing habit.

So is it really an HC?  Are the HCs really from Sicily?

You can find more evidence to increase your certainty, but you never get to absolute certainty. 

For example, someone could have planted a fig from Naples in Sicily, or someone could have planted a fig from Sicily in Naples.

When the fig is brought to the U.S. is the fig really from Naples or from Siciliy?

Also, I know a LOT of Italians from Sicily.  You know a lot from Naples maybe.  But that doesn't mean the HC came from either location.  All you needed was one person bringing one fig, not millions of immigrants from anywhere.

In the end, is it a good fig?  That is the question.  And that is what matters.

The history does make it much more fun though, but even when someones tells us the real "truth" it will be more or less the reality depending on the evidence available, but you never get to 100% certainty.  There is always an element of faith required to believe any story, and for most people, the fig will be from where they believe it is from in the end. 

That doesn't mean that there isn't truth.  There is.  It's just that we rarely ever have enough unquestionable evidence to get there with absolute certainty.

A very interesting question though.  And hopefully we can learn more about this great fig.

Best wishes my friend.

John

The figs of Sicily are large as I C said,but,he was talking about the figs in the orchards of Sicily, for ex:Sal Corleone,is a orchard fig,of S,and yes it is large.
The Hardy Chicago type figs were growing wild,at high elevations,on mount Ethna,so that is why it is much more resistent to adverse condition,and has smaller fruits.

I actually have two trees, started from cuttings, from my dad's tree .. his is a cutting from my grandfather's tree (Papa died in 1964 -- he would be 117 this year) .. Papa's tree was from HIS cutting, brought with him, originally, through Elllis Island, from Sicily -- from Ragusa .. 

They are what you now call the "Chicago Hardy" .. plump, sweet, prolific, and the best I've had, to date. We were originally from the southside of Chicago .. just north of the Chicago Stock Yards, on Halsted .. and had a large, bushy tree in the yard .. 

My dad (he'll be 86 next month) continues to nurture his tree, which comes back every year, in spite of our Chicago winters, and bears the best figs .. Ciao Giusseppe!

I am reposting the original Belleclare notes which show Bensonhurst Purple, later taken to Chicago, came from Sicily, in particular a place in Mt Etna called the Rifugio di sapienza.

Thing is, Joe, my Italian unknown came from Modena, Italy. I know this because I cut the cutting and transported it myself. If an old timer from Mt Etna did that in the 19th century, and it is documented, I don't think u can argue with it. But just in case, on my next trip to Sicily, I will go to Mt Etna and report back on what figs I find growing there. I have no doubt they will be the famous Mongibello, called Hardy Chicago on this side of the pond.

From what I can piece together so far about Hardy Chicago it probably originates around Mt. Etna in Sicily, but has been in widespread distribution in Italy and elsewhere for some time.  There are numerous named varieties in trade that strongly resemble "Hardy Chicago", originating from Italy, France, and Portugal at least.  And who knows how many unnamed backyard trees?

Anyone ever grow Unknown Owensboro?  To me the leavse look like a Hardy Chicago type.  I have not tasted the fruit yet.  Growing in a container.  Looks like a healthy grower so far.  Thanks Figfinatic.