Fig Tree Noire de Caromb - Ficus carica

The Caromb Black Fig (Ficus carica) is a vigorous and productive variety, producing large fruits with a bluish-purple skin and red, juicy, and sweet flesh. This self-fertile variety bears fruit twice a year, starting in early July and then again in late August. The fig tree is a deciduous, hardy tree that thrives in sunny conditions. Plant in frost-free autumn/winter (or in spring for colder regions).

The Caromb Black Fig produces large fruits with a bluish-purple skin and red, juicy, and sweet flesh. Figs are used in both sweet dishes (tarts, clafoutis, compotes, etc.) and savoury dishes e.g. paired with goat's cheese or dry-cured ham. After harvesting, it is not recommended to store them in the refrigerator as it alters the flavour and can cause the skin to suffer from moisture and condensation. The best way to enjoy them is fresh at the table or under the tree, to fully experience their honey-like aroma.

Among the varieties of Fig trees, there are:

- Single-crop varieties, which produce a single harvest per year, usually abundant, in early autumn

- Two-crop (biferous) varieties, which bear fruit twice a year, producing "flower figs" in early summer on the previous year's wood, and autumn figs on the current year's branches.

The Caromb Black Fig is a two-crop variety, bearing fruit from early July and then again in late August. The harvest will take place in several stages, as the figs ripen. This variety is self-fertile and parthenocarpic, meaning it can produce fruit without pollination. It does not require other fig trees and does not rely on 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 upright habit, often with a twisted trunk, reaching 3 to 5 metres (10 to 16 feet) in all directions. The leaves are rough, bright green turning yellow in autumn, finely velvety, relatively large (sometimes up to 20 cm (8in) long), and have a long petiole. The lamina is deeply divided into three to seven lobes with serrated edges (most commonly five), with a velvety underside and prominent veins. The wood is soft and spongy, and the bark is 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 appeal and provides a pleasant shaded area, particularly during hot summer days. Plant the fig tree against a wall to protect it from cold weather in harsh winters, with a south or southwest exposure, alongside Pomegranate trees, White Mulberry trees, and Japanese Medlars in the warm southern regions. In the cooler north, it can be associated with Quince trees, Akebia quinata, and Feijoa, which are also hardy and exotic. Take into consideration its mature size when determining the planting distance. Although the roots do not cause damage to modern constructions, they can cause damage to dry stone walls or old-fashioned walls built with weak mortars.