Figs don’t get the respect they deserve, probably because few people have tried these fruits fresh. The sweet flavor of a freshly picked fig cannot be paralleled by any other fruit. Sadly, figs have both high sugar and moisture contents, which dramatically reduce their shelf lives. This means that you’ve likely never seen fresh figs in a grocery store, or if you have, they only lasted for a week or two.
Lifestyle
All About Texas Hill Country Figs
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Grown in Texas
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Figs require long growing seasons and warm weather to properly produce. Texas Hill Country fig growers have to be cautious about drought as these trees tend to get stressed when they lack water. Many figs people acquire in the area come from backyard fig trees, where homeowners can leave the fruit on the tree until they are ready to use it. If you want to purchase fresh figs from a farmer, you may want to opt for a pick your own option or visiting the farm.
Types Grown in Texas
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Just as apples have varieties such as Granny Smith and Red Delicious, figs, too have different varieties. Certain types grow better in the Hill Country than others. Most of those grown tend to be Texas Everbearing, also known as Brown Turkey. Celeste and Alma are two other varieties frequently grown in Texas, though Celeste is more likely to be seen in the Texas Hill Country as it bears colder weather better than Alma. The Celeste variety makes great preserves, whereas Texas Everbearing tastes better fresh. If you’re not certain of the variety you purchased, ask the grower.
When to Find These Fruits in the Texas Hill Country
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Depending on the variety, these fruits may become available throughout the summer, but most ripen in July and August. Though the weather may feel too hot for picking fruit or driving to farms, if you visit in the morning, you’ll avoid the worst of the afternoon heat.
In some cases, you may be able to get fresh figs in a CSA box. Some farms deliver them to your home or to a specified location in town, whereas others require you to pick up the box at the farm. These packages have a mixture of what the farm produced most recently. Occasionally, figs may be add-ons to some of these boxes, depending on the time of year and what the farm grows.
Where to Find These Fruits in the Texas Hill Country
Photo: Facebook/Love Creek Orchards and The Apple Store
Where you find fresh figs depends on how you want to acquire them. If you prefer to pick your own, head to Medina’s Love Creek Orchards. Should you prefer a market setting, stop by Burg’s Corner in Stonewall, where you can purchase fresh fruit grown on the farm. Montesino Ranch in Wimberley sells farm baskets, and you have the option of adding figs to your pre-ordered basket.
What to Do With Fresh Figs
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You’ve got a basket full of fresh fruit. Now what? Use those in a variety of fig recipes that range from sweet to savory. These fruits are versatile enough to be used in appetizers, breakfasts, desserts, side dishes, and main courses. Their sweet taste pairs especially well with cheeses and other bold flavors.
References:
Texas A&M: Texas Fruit and Nut Production – Figs
Texas State Historical Association: Fruits Other Than Citrus
