Fig Culture: Edible Figs: Their Culture and Curing. Fig Culture in the Gulf States. — John Shaqi
Fig Culture: Edible Figs: Their Culture and Curing. Fig Culture in the Gulf States.Eisen, Gustavus A.
Science
Fig Culture: Edible Figs: Their Culture and Curing. Fig Culture in the Gulf States.
Eisen, Gustavus A.
Fig
In considering the suitability of the climate of a region for fig
culture, the purpose for which the figs are to be grown must be first
determined.
Figs may be grown for drying, for canning and preserving, for sale in
the fresh state, or for general home consumption. As the conditions and
treatment necessary to produce fruit suited to these different uses vary
considerably, each subject will be discussed separately.
FIGS FOR DRYING.
The best dried figs are produced in warm countries, such as the
Mediterranean region of Europe, Asia Minor, Upper and Lower California,
but especially in Asia Minor, in the valleys near Smyrna. The conditions
of climate there are as follows: The days are moderately warm, the
temperature seldom exceeding 90° F. These conditions prevail during the
summer, while the figs are growing and ripening. The winter is seldom
frosty. The winter climate, however, is of less importance, provided it
is not cold enough to injure the young figs or the tips of the branches.
Such frosts will not injure the second crop, which is used for drying,
but it is a great drawback to the wild fig and to the fig insects, which
are necessary to the maturing of the fruit of certain varieties of
drying figs. The summer climate is almost rainless, while in winter
there are abundant rains. The air in summer is not a dry, desert air,
however, but carries considerable moisture. The moisture of the air is
an important point, as in a very dry air the figs do not develop high
flavor, but are “flat” in taste. During the drying season there should
be little or no rain.
FIGS FOR TABLE USE.
Figs are grown for the table as far north as Paris, in France, and in
the south of England.
They may be similarly grown in most of the Middle States of the United
States. In England figs are grown against walls as dwarf trees or
shrubs, and the trees are covered with mats during the winter. In the
vicinity of Paris the trees are dwarfed and grown as “suckers,” which
are bent to the ground in winter and covered with several feet of soil.
Only certain varieties are suitable for this culture, which, however, is
very profitable. The figs produced are all “first crop” figs, and are as
a rule of superior quality.
FIGS FOR PRESERVING, CANNING, AND HOME CONSUMPTION.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account