These two fig varieties are in full ripening mode. The first is one of my favorite honey figs ( actually drips honey from the eye) and has a slight banana flavor to it when perfectly ripe called Izbat an Naj originates in Egypt. The second fig is a super sweet honey fig from Syria called qalaat Al Madiq. They are both very good and the trees are very productive.

Bill, do you have these two in the ground?

Do you have any experience with the hardiness of these varieties and their ability to fruit after winter damage? They look great.

I don't have either in the ground. I've heard they have good hardiness, but it is hard to believe that an Egyptian fig tree would have to be hardy. I have a few duplicates of each and am probably going to trial both in the ground this coming year. I will post my results. I just bought a house with a good sized lot, so I am going to be less conservative with my varieties in the ground.

I am intrigued by the banana flavor of Izbat an Naj. Is there a European source for cuttings? I would love to grow and taste it.

I look forward to your posts, Bill. These figs look great!

[QUOTE=bigbadbill]I don't have either in the ground. I've heard they have good hardiness, but it is hard to believe that an Egyptian fig tree would have to be hardy. I have a few duplicates of each and am probably going to trial both in the ground this coming year. I will post my results. I just bought a house with a good sized lot, so I am going to be less conservative with my varieties in the ground.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=pverdes3]I am intrigued by the banana flavor of Izbat an Naj. Is there a European source for cuttings? I would love to grow and taste it.[/QUOTE]

My friends's sister grows one in Gyál....

Thanks for posting the pictures. I was wondering if Qalaat Al Maadiq lived up to the enthusiastic posts people made. My second year Qalaat Al Maadiq didn't produce anything this year. I have it in a fifteen gallon pot so hopefully it will send out roots and produce next year. The main trunk seemed to be struggling with a virus and didn't grow that much, but a healthy side trunk came up and is almost as tall as the main trunk now. 

Gorgeous fruit!

They both get the big thumbs up!!