The Cherry Fig Flavor Profile: Its Varieties & Meaning
Updated: Jan 29
To help new growers choose fig varieties, experienced growers have grouped similar-tasting figs into flavor profiles (Sugar, Honey, and Berry). However, these are guidelines, not strict rules, as growing conditions, harvesting at the proper time, and pollination can influence their taste.
Figs have a complex flavor–a mix of dried fruits, melons, berries, and sugar. There are over 1000 varieties of figs, each with its own unique flavor. If you haven’t already, read about the different fig flavor profiles and what figs taste like in the article linked below.
This article is about the "Cherry” fig flavor profile.
Cherry Fig Flavor Profile
The cherry fig flavor profile is exactly what it sounds like—berry-flavored figs with a distinct cherry taste.
Fig varieties with berry undertones often resemble raspberry or strawberry, so encountering one with a cherry-like flavor can be an unexpected treat. This profile also tends to have a bit of acidity, which is uncommon in non-caprified (unpollinated) figs, making it even more unique.
Here are the varieties that fall under this category:
Cavaliere
The fig that immediately comes to mind for this flavor profile is Cavaliere. This Italian heirloom variety is a good size and easily ranks among the best-tasting figs out there. In fact, it’s one of the most uniquely flavored figs I’ve grown—an absolute dream for those who love acidic figs. Its flavor is reminiscent of cherry candy, and it produces some of the best dried figs I’ve ever had. Even after coming out of the dehydrator, the cherry notes remain and intensify.
One drawback is that Cavaliere can be prone to splitting. However, I’m now trialing it in the ground instead of a container to see if that improves its resilience.
Related: The Best Tasting Fig Varieties
Hative d'Argenteuil
Hative d'Argenteuil is a fig variety that the USDA imported. As the name suggests, it’s likely from the Argenteuil region of France. However, if you speak to French fig growers, they've never heard of it.
Despite a somewhat unclear history and origin, Hative d'Argenteuil has garnered significant praise over the years. Initially, I learned about Hative from a fellow and well-respected fig enthusiast, Dennis Johnson many years ago on the Figs4Fun forum.
After gladly growing it and many years of evaluating it, I would consider Hative d'Argenteuil to be highly productive, vigorous, and reliable. Additionally, Hative d'Argenteuil stands out for its skin quality, which helps it resist water absorption, reducing the likelihood of lower fruit quality from a lowered brix, cracking, or splitting. This trait, shared with other varieties like Smith and Celeste, makes them particularly great at withstanding rainy conditions. To boot, Hative has a shorter-than-average hang time and tastes great even when harvested underripe.
The figs of Hative d'Argenteuil ripen mid-season (at the same time as Smith & Hardy Chicago on August 15th), and its skin can change color from yellow/green to grayish blue as the season progresses. It’s one of the most visually striking fig varieties I have grown.
Flavor-wise, Hative d'Argenteuil is distinguished by its distinct cherry flavor, setting it apart from other varieties in this article. Like Smith and the Coll de Damas, Hative also expresses a cakey texture when ripening under favorable conditions. Its eating quality is a clear notch above most figs and in my opinion, is among the best-tasting figs you can grow just about anywhere.
San Biagio
This variety originates from Pomona Gardens in Italy and remains quite rare in the U.S. I’m thrilled to have acquired it, as it’s consistently among the earliest to ripen there. While I recognized its potential last year, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that its flavor exceeded my initial expectations.
The variety produces small figs but the tree performs well in cold, dry weather. I’m still evaluating how the skin handles moisture and whether splitting will be an issue, but it’s already proven too delicious not to highlight as an exceptional variety. It has lower-than-average vigor but sets fruit well even in low-light conditions, making it a highly productive tree. Without a doubt, one of the standout new fig varieties of 2022.
Other varieties in the Cherry category:
Verde Passo
Fico Rubado
Unk Pastiliere
Boscorosso
Negra d'Agde
Negra d'Adge has been receiving high praise lately from respected fig growers, and for good reason. It’s proving to be an excellent variety—vigorous, productive, and packed with flavor. I have a few trees of this variety, including one planted in-ground, which has turned out to be exceptionally productive. It’s a mid-season fig, robust and healthy, and I was particularly impressed by its resistance to rain. Despite their shape, the figs rarely split. Flavor-wise, it’s one of the better-tasting varieties, featuring nice acidity with cherry-like notes.
Related: Early Ripening Fig Varieties
From Galgoni:
"Pretty thin and durable skin. From one year to the next the figs have slight variations in shape and color. Weight around 60 g. Sweet and very tasty meat but without the distinctive nuances of a Coll de Dama. Good taste quality, compact and dark red meat. Unlike the Coll de Dama, it withstands storms and humidity very well without deteriorating or exploding. It is earlier than Dama's Neck with a staggered production as well. Ripe figs remain on the tree without falling. Drying on the tree naturally. As dried figs, they are also good enough."
