Ficus carica Nazareth

The Nazareth Fig Tree is a variety that produces large fruits with green skin and pink flesh. This self-fertile variety is uniferous, meaning it bears fruit once a year, towards the end of August. The Fig Tree is a hardy deciduous tree and prefers a sunny exposure. Planting should be done in autumn/winter, frost-free (or in spring for colder regions).

Fig is used in the preparation of sweet dishes (tarts, stews, etc.) or savoury dishes in combination with goat's cheese, dry-cured ham, or foie gras. After harvesting, refrigeration is not recommended as it alters the flavours of the figs and the skin can suffer from humidity and condensation. The best way to consume them is straight from the table, and tasting them under the tree, which will preserve their honey-like aroma.

Among the varieties of Fig Tree, there are:

- uniferous varieties, such as the Nazareth variety, producing a single, quite abundant, harvest per year, at the beginning of autumn.

- biferous varieties, bearing fruit twice a year, producing figs called 'flowering figs' in early summer, appearing on the wood of the previous year, and autumn figs, developing on the branches of the current year.

Harvesting should be done in several stages, as the figs ripen. This variety is self-fertile and parthenocarpic, allowing the production of fruits without fertilisation. It does not require other Fig Tree plants and does not rely on the intervention of the fig wasp, the only pollinating insect of the fig tree, which is too delicate to survive in cold climates.

Originating from Turkey and Asia Minor, the Fig Tree (Ficus carica) belongs to the Moraceae family. It is a small, vigorous deciduous tree, with a rounded and erect habit, and often a twisted trunk. The leaves are rough, bright green turning yellow in autumn, finely hairy, relatively large (sometimes 20 cm (7.9 in) long), and equipped with a long petiole. The lamina is deeply divided into three to seven crenate lobes (most often five) of variable shape, with a velvety underside and prominent veins. The wood is soft and spongy, the bark grey and smooth. The root system of this small tree is powerful, spreading in all directions.

The Fig Tree is often considered one of the most beautiful fruit trees. Its unique foliage gives it an ornamental aspect and provides a beautiful shaded space, very pleasant during the summer heat. Plant the Fig Tree sheltered by a wall, which will protect it from the cold during harsh winters, with a south or southwest exposure, in the company of Pomegranate, White Mulberry, and Japanese Medlar in warmer climates. In more northerly climates, it can be associated with Quince, Akebia quinata, and Feijoa, which are also hardy and exotic. Take into account its adult size to determine the distance at which you will plant it. Although the roots do not cause damage to modern constructions, they can cause damage to dry stone walls or traditional walls made with weak mortars.