Green Fig Tree Varieties

Did you know that some fig varieties remain green even when fully ripe?

Unripe figs are green and firm, though some varieties may have a reddish tint, indicating they will become dark or black figs. Other varieties, like Rimada figs, have variegated unripe fruit and wood. Other than these exceptions, all figs stay green while ripening, which takes 60 to 120 days. In the final stage, they soften, become sweet, and change color. That’s when a fig can go from green to a completely different color in just seven days.

Many new fig growers are surprised to learn that several fig varieties remain green when ripe. While some may know of just one green-when-ripe variety, it’s fascinating that many exist. For example, the White Adriatic fig, known by names like Verte or Green Ischia, is particularly striking. Its skin stays dark green, while the interior is a deep red, creating a beautiful contrast reminiscent of a Christmas tree. This unique appearance often makes people wonder if the fruit is truly ripe when the skin remains green.

In this article, I’ll share with you the fig varieties that stay green when ripe and how to know if your green-when-ripe fig variety is ready to be harvested.

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Identifying Ripe Figs

As we’ve just learned, determining a fig’s ripeness can be challenging, as visual cues like skin color are not always reliable. Many fig growers look for changes in color, sugar spots, honey leaking from the eye, or cracking on the fruit’s surface. The way the fig hangs, particularly if the neck droops and softens, is another common visual indicator. However, these indicators only help you approach your fig tree. 

The best method is to touch the neck of the fig. A fully ripe fig will have a soft neck, typically softer than a tomato. Why? The way that figs ripen is from the bottom of the fruit to the top. The bottom of the fruit is always more ripe than the top.

Post-harvest indicators include:

• Absence of latex sap when the fig is removed from the tree.

• A white pith between the skin and pulp; bright white indicates early harvesting.

• Under-ripe figs may have a resinous taste, a tingly sensation, or a tough texture. Fully ripe figs are sweeter, with a jam-like interior.

Related: Harvest Perfect Figs Every Time | How & When to Pick Figs

Green Fig Tree Varieties

White Adriatic (Verdino)

Without a doubt, the Adriatic fig is the most commonly known green fig variety.

Also known as Verte, Strawberry, and Green Ischia, this fig features dark green skin and deep red pulp, creating a striking contrast. It has origins in Italy, particularly Tuscany, where it was a staple at every home. The fig is exceptionally flavorful and performs well commercially, even in cooler climates. White Adriatic is a must-grow variety due to its excellent taste and adaptability.

Related: Varieties that Perform well in the Cold Fall vs. the Warm Summer

Verdino del Nord

Probably closely related to the Italian Verdino, but is instead pular in Northern Italy (north of Verona). Verdino del Nord produces smaller fruits and is better suited to humid and cold climates than Verdino. It shares Verdino’s strawberry-like flavor but has a slightly different texture.

Related: The Best Fig Varieties for Humid Climates: The Northeast, Midwest & South

Ponte Tresa

Originating near the border of Italy and Switzerland, this fig once sold for over $1000. Its wow-factor is its deep purple pulp, which gives it a berry flavor reminiscent of blueberries or blackberries. It ripens later than other varieties but is well-suited to moist conditions.

Related: Early Ripening Fig Varieties

Panache

Known for its eye-catching stripes, Panache mutated from a Bordissot Blanca tree in Spain. The mutation was obvious because the figs displayed beautiful striping. However, as it ripens, the stripes fade, leaving a color between green and yellow. It’s highly popular in California and produces excellent fruit under dry and hot conditions.

Coll de Dama Blanc

Known as one of the best-tasting figs, this variety features cake-like thick pulp and performs well in humid climates. Other variations, like Coll de Dama Grise and Negra, differ only in skin color, showcasing the natural mutations within the species. 

Related: The Best Tasting Fig Varieties

LSU Hollier

LSU Hollier is a product of the LSU breeding program, which used Celeste as the main parent in an effort to improve it, but comparing LSU Hollier to Celeste is like comparing apples to oranges. Celeste is the classic sugar fig, while LSU Hollier is what I refer to as a "honey berry" fig. It combines the eating experience of a honey fig and a berry fig in one.

Dalmatie

Dalmatie is another fig variety usually confused with the Adriatic figs. Dalmatie is much bigger, has a different shape, and has a different flavor, texture, and leaf pattern. Yet, because of its green skin and red pulp, it's carelessly placed in the same category.

And there's so many more green-skinned fig varieties: Verdolino, Salame, Thermalito, Green Michurinska, Medieval Yvoire, St. Martin, Paradiso, Martinenca Blanca, etc...

Yellow-Skinned Vs. Green-Skinned Fig Varieties

Most figs don’t stay green as they ripen—they often turn yellow.

Interestingly, soil conditions can influence skin color. For example, potassium levels may affect whether a fig's skin remains green or turns yellow. While some figs might stay green in warmer climates or with specific soil nutrients, most green varieties will lean more yellow as they ripen.

Kadota aka Peter’s Honey & Dotatto

This classic honey fig has many names and produces sweet, jelly-like pulp with a thick texture. While its skin often turns yellow when ripe, it may remain green in certain climates.

Related: Fig Synonyms | What is a Synonym & A List of Types or Categories and their many names

Conadria, White Triana, Atreano, & Sicilian White

These fig varieties are not synonyms but are all similar to each other producing large jelly-like figs. They do well in many conditions and are worth growing, though their skin is more yellow than green when ripe.

Related: Types of Fig Trees: A Full Understanding of Other Species, Its Varieties, Lower Classifications, & More

Myth of Skin Color and Flavor

While green-skinned figs are quite tasty, figs with similar skin colors can have very different eating experiences. Unfortunately, it’s a common misconception that skin color determines the taste. It’s actually the pulp color that matters. Generally, figs with red pulp taste like berries, while those with amber pulp have a honey-like flavor. For example, Verdino del Nord has an intense strawberry flavor, but not all green figs taste like that.

Many new growers mistakenly choose figs based on skin color, thinking light figs (white or yellow) will taste a certain way and dark figs (black or purple) another. While light figs are often honey-flavored and dark figs more berry-like, the skin color doesn’t tell the whole story.

Related: What Do Figs Taste Like? The Different Types of Fig Trees & Their Flavor Profiles

For further details on fig varieties and cultivation tips, check out additional articles linked below. Happy growing!

Related: 15 Steps to Success for Proper Fig Tree Care: A Fig Checklist