We have several Fig trees in the garden, the foliage is dramatic and unflappable. This one above is the only one that I have 'played' with.
Several years ago I pollarded it; then left it to re-grow, taking out whatever branches I deemed unnecessary. It has now become a proper tree-shaped tree, with a good solid trunk and round canopy. It is also covered in slowly ripening Figs.
We have very little other fruit this year, so I shall bottle some for winter. I did this a few years ago, and they were really delicious (I'll post the process) . They should be ready in about a week. I can't wait!
Interesting Fig recipes always welcome.
Why is it that fig trees remain so very under-used by the altitude-enabled? Everyone these days seems to be up gum trees like ferrets in a trouser factory, but very few folk think to run up a fig tree during emergencies.
ReplyDeleteIs pollarding effective or did you just do it to show that you do, in fact, give a fig?
I think I've adopted the French obsession of altering nature. Why leave it as a bush, if you can torture it into becoming a tree!
DeleteI love fresh figs, and especially the smell of the leaves. Unfortunately our fig-tree babies didn't like unusual cold winters they happened to experience...
ReplyDeleteOh and btw, UFO in the knitting world meens UnFinished Object :-), there's no socks flying around like saucers over here...
DeleteYou've ruined my day.... I imagined socks filled with little green people!
DeleteThere is a large fig tree here in the town. Last year it was laden and the fruit was just dropping down and rotting on the floor.
ReplyDeleteIf it were mine, I'd put them outside the gate for people to take,like we do surplus apples.
Seems such a shame doesnt it?
We have a fig tree growing out the side of our barn. No matter how many times we cut it back it always returns. Sadly I'm not a lover of figs - they are too sweet for me. (You could try grilling them with goat's cheese)
ReplyDeleteLucky you! I know some people try to grow fig trees here but I think they have to be brought indoors in winter, or buried in straw or some such thing.
ReplyDeleteFresh figs from Italy are just arriving in our supermarkets Cro...here's my favourite (simplest) use of them.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/salad-recipes/the-easiest-sexiest-salad-in-the-world
I've seen this recipe before. Ham with figs is very nice, and all the other ingredients just as good. I'll give it a go.
DeleteI tried this recipe this year, and it is a refreshing change from preserved figs. Here is the blog: http://tomatoesonthevine-velva.blogspot.com/2012/07/dirt-to-table-experience-fig-and.html
ReplyDeleteWe made Fig jam last year, and it wasn't really to our taste. I found it rather sickly sweet.
DeleteCurious as to what name variety of fig tree. I had a Turkey Fig that was splendid but gave it away.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea. I've always simply plucked suckers from favourite trees. I still don't have a white Fig, but I'm looking.
DeleteI'm not a huge fan of figs. The Greek family that lived next door to my grandmother had a huge fig tree in their back yard, and invited me to help myself to as many as I wanted. I had a propensity for over-indulging in fruit when I was a kid, but I'd never even eaten a fig before, and couldn't get over how sweet and juicy they were. OY! Did I ever get sick on them. Can't even bear the thought of eating anything that sweet and mushy now.
ReplyDeleteThe fig scene in "Women in Love" is one of my all-time favorites. Thanks for helping to call it up!
ReplyDeleteWe only have one fig tree - unfortunately the tree rats have stripped it clean.
ReplyDeleteThose wretched Lincolnshire tree rats... are they called Wayne, Darren, and Troy?
ReplyDeleteYou can make quite an interesting chutney with fresh figs. Also a nice lemon and fig chutney which is very good with curry. I have recipes which I can email you if you would like.
ReplyDeleteLady Magnon is making her Fig Chutney as I write.... very good it is too (at least last year's was).
DeleteMy Brown Turkey figs could do with a slightly longer season to ripen properly. They could also do without the tiny waxeye birds, which eat before I can get to the few ripe ones.
ReplyDeleteEveryone's figgy suggestions are utterly tantalising. Must try some out.