Ficus carica Bornholm's Diamant - fig

The 'Bornholm's Diamant' Fig Tree stands out for its ability to withstand cold temperatures down to -20 °C and adapt easily to drier or slightly humid climates, making it suitable for all regions. This self-fertile variety with high productivity offers generous figs, each weighing between 70 and 100 grams, with a green skin tinged with dark red, almost brown when ripe in August-September. Their pink flesh is sweet, juicy, creamy and delicately fragrant, rich in flavour and contains numerous small seeds (achenes). These delicious fruits can be eaten fresh as soon as they are picked, or transformed into multiple culinary recipes. Its graceful and rounded silhouette, original foliage, and compact growth, about 3 metres in all directions, make the 'Bornholm's Diamant' Fig Tree a particularly decorative fruit bush, ideal for the garden. This moderate growth allows for container cultivation, while maintaining fruit production. Plant in frost-free autumn-winter (or in spring for colder regions). It is disease-resistant and requires almost no maintenance.

The Fig Tree, Ficus carica in Latin, belongs to the Moraceae family and is originally from regions with a warm, temperate climate, ranging from the Mediterranean to Central Asia. It does not generally exceed three to four metres high and has a fairly twisted trunk and a bushy habit. The deciduous leaves are rough and hairy, up to 25 cm in length, more or less divided into three to seven lobes with variable scalloped edges. The underside of the leaf is velvety with prominent veins. The stems, leaves, and fruits contain an irritating white latex. The wood has grey and smooth bark and is soft, spongy, and hollow. The running roots of the fig tree are powerful. Among Fig Trees, we can distinguish:

— Unifere varieties, producing a single, quite abundant harvest each year in late summer, between mid-August and late September.

— Biferous varieties, bearing fruit twice a year. They first produce figs, called "flower figs," in early summer, around June-July, appearing on the previous year's wood, and then "autumn figs," which form on the new shoots of the year and ripen around September.

The 'Bornholm's Diamant' variety comes from the island of Bornholm in Denmark. This unifere variety produces an abundant single harvest of medium to large, round and elongated fruits weighing 70 to 90g in August-September depending on the sunlight. They are green and turn brown when ripe. The tender pink pulp is juicy, with a sweet and fragrant flavour, and the fruit contains few seeds. Harvest over several days to ensure that the figs are picked when fully ripe and can be consumed with maximum flavour. Ficus carica 'Bornholm's Diamant' is a self-fertile variety, fruiting without fertilisation. It does not need other fig trees or the fig wasp, the fig tree's pollinating insect, which is too sensitive to survive in cold climates.

When bathed in sunlight, the fig will reveal all its delicacy and creaminess. It is also used in desserts such as tarts, clafoutis, and compotes, as well as savoury dishes with goat's cheese, cured ham, foie gras, or as an accompaniment to poultry and white meats. Its fine and pronounced flavour can be enhanced with honey. It also pairs perfectly with sweet fruits such as cherries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, currants, blueberries, and grapes. Figs are among the best fruits for making jams due to their delicate taste, richness, and remarkable sweetness.

Figs are rich in fibre, have laxative properties, and the seeds aid digestion. They are also rich in minerals, trace elements, and vitamin B. To preserve the fig's flavours after harvesting, it is not recommended to store them in the refrigerator, as the skin can suffer from moisture and condensation.

The Fig Tree is often considered one of the most attractive fruit trees, with its distinctive foliage giving it an ornamental character and providing pleasant shade during hot summer days. For successful growth, choose a location sheltered by a wall to protect it from harsh winters, with a south or southwest exposure. In southern regions, it pairs perfectly with Pomegranate Trees, White Mulberry Trees, and Japanese Medlar Trees. In the north, companions such as Quince Trees, Akebia quinata, and Feijoa, robust and exotic plants, are ideal partners. It is important to consider the mature size to determine the appropriate spacing when planting. Although the roots generally do not damage modern constructions, they can affect dry stone walls or those built with lean mortars, in the old-fashioned style.

Among all the varieties of Fig Trees, it is important to choose the right variety based on climate, garden size, and desired use of the fruits.