Fig

Many DGers may not be familiar with fresh figs -- what different varieties are available -- how they grow -- when they are ripe -- how to go about eating them -- et cetera, et cetera.

I thought that some might be interested in a couple of my observations.

I have been growing several varieties for the past few years -- some from neighbor's cuttings -- some from the nurseries. The best producers come from the neighbor's cuttings -- because you know that they grow and flourish where you live.

Ripening is of prime importance, and must be strictly observed in order to reap the true ambrosia of the fruit. As a hint, the fruit usually grows rather rigidly, but when it droops -- grab it.

As for eating it, there are many instructions, here are mine:

!. Remove it off of the plant with an upper pulling motion.

2. Grab it by the stem and carefully strip the skin off, section by section. (I do this because I refuse
to wash the fruit -- and I know that little varmints may have left their footprints on it.)

3. Carefully bite off the bottom half.

4. Chew, slowly and methodically, then swallow

5. Place the remaining top of the fig into your mouth.

6. Repeat 4.

7. Lick your lips, swallow a couple more times and savor the moment.

8. Check the plant, and if there is another "drooping fig," start again with 1. above.

9 Repeat as necessary.

Now I am sure that many DGers will have their own protocol -- and I welcome their input.

d(^_^)b