FIG

Ficus carica

Fig trees will tolerate a wide range of climates, but will fruit best in areas with a relatively dry summer and little to no frost during winter. They need full sun and almost any type of soil, but it must be well-draining for best results. As figs ripen they become sweeter and sweeter. At this stage, they're so soft that transporting them to market would be impossible, so the best-tasting figs you'll ever eat are the ones you grow yourself!

PLANT

Best planted in winter. Expect fruit 2–3 years after planting.

HARVEST

Figs produces crop twice a year – the first forms in spring and matures in summer, the second in summer and matures in autumn. Fig should be picked when they have full colour, are soft to touch and sweet smelling. You hand pick them by gently twisting and pulling off from the stem. Fig trees are small, reaching a height of 6 metres, with a 5 to 6 metre spread.

EAT

What’s a cheese platter without a couple of fresh figs? These gorgeous fruits are not fruits but inverted flowers and can be eaten fresh, cooked or dried.

PRESERVED

Dry the fruit or make into a jam.

RECIPES

Try this whipped ricotta and baked fig recipe for a decadent breakfast!