The symbolic fig is one of the oldest documented fruits. From the Garden
of Eden, through biblical times to the modern day. Together with olives
and grapes, figs have survived millennia to arrive in gardens and
delicatessens of New Zealand.
They are becoming more popular as people discover the delicious
sweetness of flavour of a truly ripe fig, their earthy exotic opulence
and health attributes. Figs have one of the highest dietary fibre of any
fruit, nut or vegetable. Although many New Zealanders have never tasted
a luscious fresh fig, many perhaps turned off after trying immature
fruit.
Overseas they are an important commercial crop, for fresh and processed
markets. Currently there are only a few commercial growers here selling
to the under supplied local market, reaching up to $1.00 per fruit, they
are also exporting, especially to Japan. Figs have a short shelf life
and need to be picked daily and transported quickly to reach their final
market.
They are a handsome spreading tree, with bold distinctively shaped
leaves and gnarled branches. Because of a fig's appearance some think it
is purely subtropical, but figs can grow anywhere in N Z where the soil
is not too acid, and the temperature does not drop below -10° C. They
benefit from root restriction and are easy to grow in containers,
partially buried tubs or planting next to a wall, fence or pathway.
Generally where grapes thrive so do figs. Ideally choose a warm
sheltered site with drainage. A slight slope to the sun is beneficial,
as is lime application and compost or manure in autumn.
Irrigation is required from spring until autumn, especially at fruiting
time. A general low- nitrogen fertiliser or blood and bone can be
applied in spring although too much can promote rank growth. Also prune
to thin out shoots & renew the fruiting wood in September. Figs in pots
need little pruning, simply remove the tip of each shoot after four
leaves have appeared.
Most N Z varieties are of the common fig, producing large quantities of
fruit often bearing two crops annually. The first on previous years wood
ripens around January. The second and main crop develops at the base of
the leaf stems and ripens from February to April, depending on variety.
So care is needed not to prune too many fruit buds.
Figs are relatively free from pest and diseases. Birds, however, can be
a nuisance as the fruit ripens and the only reliable protection is to
cover the trees with netting.
When fully mature the fruit bend over at the neck become soft and are
ready for harvest, they will continue ripening only for 8 hours.
There are many varieties, classified by skin and flesh colour, and fruit
shape. Some have sugary white or yellow green flesh . Some are pear or
egg shaped, some rounded. Colour shape and flavour are a matter of
personal preference. But if you haven't tried some yet, you may not know
what you are missing.
