Figs have held significance in numerous cultures over the years due to their distinct taste and texture. To fully appreciate and consume them at their best, it’s essential to understand their ripening process.
This article gives an in-depth look at fig harvesting, introduces the fig ripening chart, and gives advice on how to tell when a fig is ready to be picked. For both experienced gardeners and regular people, knowing when a fig is ripe is important for getting the most out of its taste and enjoyment.
The Fig ripening chart can be used to select diverse fig varieties to substantially lengthen the harvest period. Using this method leads to a bigger and longer harvest, giving you a steady supply of tasty figs all season.
Figs are a delicious fruit that have been enjoyed for thousands of years Their sweet, honey-like flavor is perfect for eating fresh or incorporating into recipes While figs can be found dried or canned year-round, there’s nothing quite like biting into a fresh fig right off the tree. If you live in Texas, you’re in luck – figs grow extremely well in the Texas climate and there are several varieties that thrive here. Read on to learn all about when and where to get fresh figs in the Lone Star State.
A Brief Overview of Fig Season in Texas
The fig growing season in Texas typically runs from early summer through early fall. Most fig varieties grown in Texas produce a single main crop during the summer months of June, July and August. However, some varieties produce a smaller second crop known as a “breba” crop in late spring or early summer. The timing of the main fig crop can vary a bit depending on the cultivar and location, but mid-June through August is generally when you’ll find abundant fresh figs at Texas farmers markets and orchards.
Common Fig Varieties Grown in Texas
There are over 700 varieties of figs worldwide but some of the most common types grown in Texas include
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Brown Turkey – Reliable, widely adapted variety that produces medium-sized purple-brown figs in early summer. Often has a smaller breba crop in May or June in addition to the main crop.
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Celeste – Sweet, small to medium purplish-brown figs that ripen in mid-summer Well-suited to many parts of Texas
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Texas Everbearing – Heat-tolerant variety that produces greenish-yellow figs continuously from June through October in central and south Texas.
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Black Mission – Large purplish-black figs that ripen in late summer. Requires more heat so does best in southern Texas.
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LSU Purple – Cold-hardy variety developed in Louisiana, produces medium purple figs from July through September. Good option for northern Texas.
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LSU Gold – Yellow-skinned fig with strawberry-colored flesh. Ripens late June through August.
When and Where to Get Fresh Figs in Texas
The timing of fig season can vary a bit depending on your location in Texas and the cultivars grown in your area. Here’s a more detailed look at when and where you can find fresh figs in different regions:
South Texas
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Starts: Figs start ripening in South Texas as early as late May or early June. Breba crops on some trees.
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Peak: July and August are peak fig season with abundant crops on most trees.
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Ends: Fresh figs available into September or even October on some late-ripening varieties.
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Where to find: Roadside stands, farmers markets in Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio area, Houston area. Many home gardeners also grow fig trees.
Central Texas
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Starts: Early to mid June is when earliest varieties start ripening, some breba crops.
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Peak: July through August, main crop ripens on most trees.
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Ends: Harvesting often lasts through September.
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Where to find: Austin area farmers markets, San Antonio farmers market, and local orchards.
North Texas
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Starts: Late June or early July for the first early fig varieties.
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Peak: August is peak fig season for most varieties grown in North Texas.
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Ends: Fresh figs last into early September.
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Where to find: Dallas and Fort Worth farmers markets, local orchards.
West Texas
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Starts: Early ripening varieties start in early to mid July.
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Ends: August sees peak harvest, lasting into early September.
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Where to find: Farmers markets in cities like El Paso, Lubbock, and Abilene.
How to Choose Perfectly Ripe Figs
Picking out fresh figs at the peak of ripeness is key to getting the best flavor. Here are tips on selecting ripe figs:
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Color – Ripe figs will have deep, rich colors rather than pale or greenish hues. Purples, blacks, and dark browns are typical.
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Softness – A ripe fig will feel slightly soft when gently squeezed, similar to a ripe peach or avocado. Avoid hard or shriveled figs.
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Aroma – Ripe figs smell sweet and perfumey. Give them a sniff to check for ripeness.
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No leaks or bruising – Don’t select figs with sticky sap leaking from cracks or splits in the skin. Also avoid bruised or damaged fruit.
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Stem – A fresh ripe fig will have a pliable green stem. Dry, brittle stems indicate overripe figs.
Getting figs directly from a farmers market stand or orchard has the advantage – you can hand select the ripest, most perfect fruit. Gently squeeze figs to assess ripeness and enjoy their heavenly aroma.
Storing and Using Fresh Figs
Once you’ve brought home your haul of delicious fresh figs, proper storage is important for preserving flavor and texture.
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Store ripe figs in the refrigerator in a shallow container or bowl covered with plastic wrap. Don’t wash them until ready to eat.
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Use within 2-3 days for best quality. The delicate fruits don’t keep long.
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Rinse figs under cool water just before eating. Don’t soak them.
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Enjoy figs fresh out of hand, sliced on sandwiches, diced in salads, baked into tarts, grilled, or added to your favorite recipes.
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Overripe figs can be pureed into sauces or jam. You can also freeze whole figs for later use.
Follow these tips and enjoy the amazing taste of fresh figs this summer in Texas! Seek out local fig varieties at farmers markets and orchards during their all-too-short season from June through September.
How To Tell When Figs Are Ripe?
Determining the ripeness of figs is crucial for enjoying their full flavor and texture. Recognizing the signs of a ripe fig can enhance the overall experience of consuming this delightful fruit.
Color Indicators:
One of the most apparent signs of a ripe fig is its color. As figs mature, they undergo a color transformation. The specific hue will depend on the fig variety, but generally, a deepening of color indicates ripeness. Figs that are green might turn a darker color, while figs that are black will turn a deep purple-black color. Observing the what color is fig at maturity can provide a clear indication of its ripeness.
Texture and Feel:
A ripe fig will yield slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed. It should feel soft but not mushy. Overripe figs can become overly soft and may even exhibit signs of fermentation.
Stem and Attachment:
The stem of a ripe fig will droop slightly, indicating that the fruit is ready for harvest. Also, the ostiole, which is where the fig connects to the stem, may slightly open in ripe figs to let the fruit “breathe.” ”.
Natural Sweet Aroma:
A ripe fig will emit a subtly sweet aroma. It means the fig is too ripe or starting to go bad if it smells sour or baked.
How do I know when my figs are ripe?
When a fig is ready, its color will deepen, it will feel a little soft, and it may droop a little on its stem. The fruit will also emit a subtly sweet aroma. Observing these signs can help determine the ripeness of a fig.
Growing Fig Trees: Avoid These 11 Season-Ending Mistakes
When do figs ripen in Texas?
Ficus carica “Alma” offers a rich and deliciously flavored fruit that ripens from mid-July until the first frost. Ficus carica “Texas Blue Giant” is a recently developed fig tree producing large, purple figs that ripen in mid to late summer. For the best-tasting figs, allow the fruit to fully ripen on the tree.
When are fig trees in season?
The first, known as the “breba” crop, appears in late spring to early summer, while the second, or “main” crop, matures from late summer to early fall. However, the timing of these seasons can vary based on the region and the specific variety of the fig tree. Many things affect when figs are in season.
When do fig trees grow in Texas?
It produces two crops a year with good cultural conditions, one in late May-June and another in late September to early November. It has a broad-spreading tree shape. The leaves have five lobes as opposed to the three-lobed leaves of many figs. ‘Texas Everbearing’ With this variety there are a lot of conflicting opinions.
How do you grow figs in Texas?
Figs require long growing seasons and warm weather to properly produce. Texas Hill Country fig growers have to be cautious about drought as these trees tend to get stressed when they lack water. Many figs people acquire in the area come from backyard fig trees, where homeowners can leave the fruit on the tree until they are ready to use it.
