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Dessert decision....(more)
- Thread starter daricem
- Start date
barbara-in-va
Well-known member
Daricem, I am hoping you can answer some fig tree questions I have if you don't mind....
I have a fig tree, not sure what type of figs tho. It is super loaded with figs and they are just beginning to get ripe. First question:
How do you keep the critters away from the almost ripe figs? Almost every one that is close to ripeness has a bite taken out of it. I am thinking squirrels.
Next question: At what point do you pick them? When they get large and soft the ants start in on them but I am not sure that they are peak ripeness. They are still mostly green even tho they have ballooned in size almost overnight. Do I need to wait until they get darker in color?
I did pick a bunch this afternoon because the ants were attacking them but they were extremely mild in flavor. I made a tart with them anyway, along with some raspberries and then drizzled with some lavender honey and it was good but there was no fig flavor.
I don't know much about rhubarb so I don't think I could choose a combo to recommend! Sorry.
I have a fig tree, not sure what type of figs tho. It is super loaded with figs and they are just beginning to get ripe. First question:
How do you keep the critters away from the almost ripe figs? Almost every one that is close to ripeness has a bite taken out of it. I am thinking squirrels.
Next question: At what point do you pick them? When they get large and soft the ants start in on them but I am not sure that they are peak ripeness. They are still mostly green even tho they have ballooned in size almost overnight. Do I need to wait until they get darker in color?
I did pick a bunch this afternoon because the ants were attacking them but they were extremely mild in flavor. I made a tart with them anyway, along with some raspberries and then drizzled with some lavender honey and it was good but there was no fig flavor.
I don't know much about rhubarb so I don't think I could choose a combo to recommend! Sorry.
steve2-in-la
Well-known member
Do you know what kind of figs you have Barbara? Are they green and stay green or turn purple?
The white (green) figs are probably kadotas. We have 3 trees in the backyard with more "volunteering" all the time. We probably remove 3 or 4 every year simply because they take up too much space.
Don't know how to keep the critters away because between squirrels, tree rats and the birds, it's every critter for hisself. That said, we pick ours every day when they're in season. And it's a short season, maybe 3-4 weeks, max. They don't keep very long at all so they're best eaten raw when they're very fresh.
I make preserves with mine (as a few of our friends here have sampled) and mix the figs with almost anything I can get my hands on as well as making straight fig preserves.
They go great with cheese or on lamb or on toast with butter. Also make great gifts. If you're interested, I'd be happy to share the recipe. It's so easy, even I can make 'em.
The white (green) figs are probably kadotas. We have 3 trees in the backyard with more "volunteering" all the time. We probably remove 3 or 4 every year simply because they take up too much space.
Don't know how to keep the critters away because between squirrels, tree rats and the birds, it's every critter for hisself. That said, we pick ours every day when they're in season. And it's a short season, maybe 3-4 weeks, max. They don't keep very long at all so they're best eaten raw when they're very fresh.
I make preserves with mine (as a few of our friends here have sampled) and mix the figs with almost anything I can get my hands on as well as making straight fig preserves.
They go great with cheese or on lamb or on toast with butter. Also make great gifts. If you're interested, I'd be happy to share the recipe. It's so easy, even I can make 'em.
barbara-in-va
Well-known member
Steve, they do eventually turn purple. Is that when I should pick them? Does their flavor become
more assertive as they ripen? If so, I just have to keep the ants away as well as the squirrels...I also found a couple of torn limbs and am wondering if that is from deer.
There are 100's of figs on the tree. If enough of them ripen and are not eaten by the critters I would love to try drying some as well as jam and chutney.
more assertive as they ripen? If so, I just have to keep the ants away as well as the squirrels...I also found a couple of torn limbs and am wondering if that is from deer.
There are 100's of figs on the tree. If enough of them ripen and are not eaten by the critters I would love to try drying some as well as jam and chutney.
steve2-in-la
Well-known member
Well in that case, go crazy, make 'em all. You are getting hit from below and above so that attack
is beyond my experience. If you have kids, park one each night under the tree. That might just do it. (sorry.)
is beyond my experience. If you have kids, park one each night under the tree. That might just do it. (sorry.)