For sale is a named Adriatic fig called Paradiso Bronze (VS)-- a must-grow variety for every fig grower.
VS is the initials of Vasile, a respected grower in New Jersey who experimented greatly with fig varieties suitable for cold and humid climates. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any of the original information about this fig variety. Hence, one of the many reasons I have created this blog. However, I recall that this Paradiso strain produces breba, and both the main crop and breba have bronze specks on their skin when ripe.
After spending time with this tree in 2023, I realized that those bronze specks are a consistent visual with the start of the drying process. Despite some fig enthusiasts not speaking highly of it in the past, I found this strain to be very tasty. It hasn’t received any attention for reasons I can't understand.
I need to evaluate more fruits, but so far, it's one of the best-tasting figs of 2023 & 2024, and its ability to dry on the tree is impressive. Most figs remind me of White Madeira #1, which is the best-tasting named Adriatic fig. I believe it should not have the name Paradiso attached to it. It's not similar to the other Paradiso figs I've written about.
White Adriatic or Adriatic was one of the primary fig varieties that played a pivotal role in California's commercial fig cultivation, standing alongside the Black Mission variety. In Italy, where it's widely cultivated, it's recognized as Verdino. During my 2023 visit to Tuscany, the prominence of the Verdino tree in local homes was underscored by commercial grower Siro Petracchi, who mentioned that there was a time when almost every household had one.
One of the significant attributes that give the Adriatic fig its commercial edge is its delightful taste, even when not fully ripe. This characteristic is beneficial as many figs are often harvested before peak ripeness. This is especially useful for home growers who might struggle to identify the optimal ripening period.
Over the years, the Adriatic fig has been renamed multiple times, leading to its widespread recognition and, consequently, numerous synonymous names. For clarity and simplicity, passionate fig enthusiasts typically group these variants under the 'Adriatic' category. To illustrate the extent of its variations, there are over 25 different fig varieties that can be equated with the original White Adriatic.
Though these varieties might have the same genetic base, there can be discernible differences, attributed to epigenetic shifts and mutations. An authentic Adriatic fig should embody the defining characteristics of the original White Adriatic. Key identifying features include its green exterior skin and a rich, deep-red pulp that offers strawberry and raspberry flavors. However, it's crucial to note that not all figs with green skin and red interior are genuine Adriatics. It’s not solely about the colors.
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