This fig is a stand out. Originally purchased years ago from Maggie Maria, this variety is excellent in flavor and looks. It really has a unique flavor. It is probably one of the richest figs I've ever tasted. The only variety that even resembles it is Smith, and even that is not an accurate description. My daughter said she never tasted one like it and she is quite a fig connoisseur. I'm glad she verified my earlier observation. She said it's really sweet followed by strong berry flavor. Last year I had in my notes that it was like a jolly rancher. It has a chewy skin but it isn't unpleasant tasting at all. It ripens mid September, so it is not an early fig, but it is a week behind my Adriatic JH figs. I have about ten or twelve more ripening, so I am very excited.

That's a great looking fig Bill...

That looks very good, too bad my season is so short.

Looks like a great fig, the flavor is intriguing. Do you know any history about the variety? Let me know if you have extra cuttings when the end of fall roles around. 

Thanks, guys. It is a later fig, unfortunately. Last year, the Rubados ripened in the third week of September. I think the first one this year ripened on September 12. I don't think they'll ripen much earlier than that.

Thanks, Becky. I know it is Italian and may have come from the Abruzzo region, but am not completely sure. I think Maggie said Rubado means heart in Italian. I'm sure I'll have a few cuttings this fall. It isn't a strong grower, though, but I'll try to get a few for you. They root very easily, though:)

After today's soaking rain and recent cooler weather, not many of my remaining varieties have had good flavor, with one exception. I think despite being a late season fig, rubado has a very unique flavor and a very tight eye. The flavor was not diluted at all and still had that sharp cherry like flavor. I really like this variety and am not sure why ( besides being a later variety) it isn't grown or discussed more. Here are a few pics including one fig on the left that I thought would surely not taste good, but I was wrong.

Bill,

Looks like a winner. Put me down for cuttings!

Nice fig, Bill... Tight eyed and cherry flavored are great fig attributes!

First time I've heard cherry as a description..

Hi Bill.
What a great looking fig. Enjoy it.
Vito

Bill, nice fig! It certainly sounds like a winner!

Striking flesh colour.

You're killing me here. I must not add anything onto my wishlist, but I keep seeing awesome figs to try.

Sounds like a great fig Bill! Looks like one too :)

Tyler

Congratulations on a great fig. By the way does she still run her nursery?

      This fig tree was in Russia from Italy Untitled 6 years ago. Those guys are very similar to Rubado.

Beautiful Fig Bill! Keep up the great work! : )

Thanks, everyone.

Vladis, I agree, they really look very similar ( maybe the same) with skin and flesh. Additionally, they sometimes have the honey drop, but due to the recent rain, I think it may have dissolved the honey this time. Is it a late producer for you- around the same time as the late bordeauxs ( VdB, Nero 600m, Aubique petite, etc)?

Sas, I haven't heard from her in years. I think she was out in Altoona PA for awhile but was going to move back east? I believe she said she got her Rubado cuttings originally from Sergio, if I'm not mistaken. Wow, that's many "forum generations" ago!

Looks and sounds like a great fig.
The comparison to Smith gives an idea how delicious it must be !

Hi Bill,

Thanks for your reply.
Just got an email from her. She's not selling any figs at this time.