fig hunting

17 years ago

Today I went fig hunting in my area where there's a Greek community. I said to myself there gotta be figs amongst the greeks. I was right, I spotted at least one fig tree in each block.

One of them is hanging over the fence.

I stopped and I spoke with the man who was cutting the grass, who at first looked strangely at me. I said I see you have a fig tree, he answered with a heavy Greek accent and we opened a conversation. His name was George from Kios, Greece. That's where this tree came from. It was loaded with figs.

I asked for a cutting and he went and called his wife, she was happy to give me some cuttings. She said it's called Sika Mavra.

Figs were really late this year, but I was delighted to find a couple figs on it. I didn't pick them. They also have a white fig from Greece, but it was dropping the figs although it was large enough, my guess it was a Capri fig, I tried to explain that to him, but he didn't understand what I meant.

Then from there I spotted a few other trees, but this one caught my attention.

It was loaded with figs, a few were ripe already. I didn't see the owners there, but I couldn't leave without some photos and samples. I picked a couple ripe figs. Wow it's probably the sweetest figs I've tasted in a while. I collected some cuttings as well.

Sometimes what you're looking for is not much far away. I've never imagined that I will discover a Greek, early, and excellent tasting figs within a mile from me.

Bass

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

dieseler
17 years ago
Bass ,
great find i have to hand it to you that picture of dark skin ripe fig looks fantastic!!
Way to go!
bonsaist
Original Author
17 years ago
It's as delicious as it looks. I'm hoping to get more plants of both of these started.
The first one the Sika Mavra is at least 12 ft. high. The owner covers it in winter, but she said that she didn't cover it a couple times, and it came through fine after some die back.
Related Professionals
Ardmore Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Muskogee Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Nashua Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · San Diego Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Richmond Landscape Contractors · Myrtle Beach Landscape Contractors · Nashville Landscape Contractors · Waterloo Landscape Contractors · Seattle Landscape Contractors · Dover Kitchen Remodelers · Pittsburg Kitchen Remodelers · Fort Wayne Kitchen Remodelers · Allentown Kitchen Remodelers · Burlington Kitchen Remodelers · Pocatello Kitchen Remodelers
User
17 years ago
Awesome Bass! Way to go! I went fig hunting last year and found 3 trees. The owners of the property were not sure what type of tree it was. I got some cuttings and last year all died except 2. They are very hardy because these 2 survived in my trash pile because I thought they were dead. Now they are 14 inches tall with figs on them. The figs are white but not ready to pick yet. I found another tree that is just beautiful but don't have the nerve to ask for a cutting. Send me a cutting next year from your tree after it grows. Dennis
giants_2007
17 years ago
Elmer Fudd has nothing on you. Great find on the fig and hopefully a new fig friend.
Sal
johnsvmf
17 years ago
I am happy that your search proved productive but I do want to say I would very upset if someone trespassed on my property, removed fruit and cuttings from my tree. I know the intent is honorable but I recommend that a collector receive permission prior to taking cuttings and fruit from someoneÂs private property.
sage721
17 years ago
Very nice, Bass... Especially the dark fig, beautiful... I had a similar adventure this weekend in Lavallette, NJ... Found two different white figs, both loaded up with figs... Got cuttings and samples from both, and i could kick myself for forgetting my camera at home (my phone camera is basically worthless)... Managed to not eat two of the figs till i got home, pics to follow when I get around to uploading them...
loslunasfarms
17 years ago
Bass, I think I have this one. A friend from Greece gave it to me. I called it Vasilika Markopoulu or Vasilika Marvra.
bonsaist
Original Author
17 years ago
It may not be the same thing. In Greece they give their fig descriptive names. Sika Mavra means Black Fig, This one came from Khios Island. It maybe very similar though..

Bass