The Common Fig (Ficus Carica) tree produces two crops of figs each year. The first crop, which grows on the previous years shoot growth is called the "breva" crop (from the Spanish term) or the "First Fruits" crop. In Italian these first figs are called "Fioroni". These first fruits of the fig tree are larger than the normal figs and often present with a different color. They are also less sweet and a bit dryer. They are however prized for their size which can approach that of a medium sized pear. "Brevas" are usually harvested between June and July while the main crop is harvested in August and September. The main crop of figs grows in the current years shoot growth.
It is not uncommon to see the main crop of figs growing while the Breva figs are ripe for harvest. In the top image of this post you can see how the Breva fig is growing from the previous years branch growth and the newer main crop is growing on the new branch shoot.
Great explanation on figs.
ReplyDeleteIt appears that there are several different types of fig trees. Is the Ficus Carica a species, or is it a genus with several different subspecies? If it is a genus, which is the species you describe in this article?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Ficus carica is a species in the "Ficus" genus. The tree in this blog post is not about a subspecies but rather about an aspect of the Ficus carica relating to its double yearly crop of figs. This is the tree species commonly called "Edible fig" which is the one used for commercially grown figs worldwide. I suppose it is likely that there are sub-species or cultivars of the Ficus carica species but I am not familiar with them at this time.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the response. I agree with the first poster, Scott; it is a good explanation. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteA prophecy in the Old Testament refers to the destruction of Nineveh as compared to the first fruits of figs being eaten. The pictures you posted make it easy to see why the first ripe figs would fall easily compared to the later crop.
ReplyDelete