The Olympian Fig: Origins, Characteristics, and Cultivation
Many people may not realize that thousands of fig varieties exist. Over the years, I have grown and trialed hundreds of these myself, investing significant time, effort, and money to better understand them—all for the benefit of fig enthusiasts like you.
This process is ongoing; every year, I test new varieties, gather more data, and uncover new favorites that are well-suited to different regions worldwide. Despite the time and cost involved, this work remains a passion and a continuous endeavor.
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The Olympian Fig
The history of the Olympian fig traces back to Olympia, Washington, where it was discovered. The plant material was eventually sent to the USDA, which houses a vast repository of fig varieties at UC Davis. Genetic testing revealed that the Olympian is a unique variety compared to others in the USDA collection. Its name, appropriately, reflects its origins in Olympia, Washington.
However, while the Olympian fig is technically unique in the USDA's collection, it is not a unique variety in the broader world of figs. Seasoned fig collectors will recognize it as a synonym of the English Brown Turkey fig, one of the most widespread and well-known varieties globally. This variety likely originated in Italy and later gained prominence in England as Lee's Perpetual around 1843.
Today, English Brown Turkey trees are most commonly found in England, which explains its name. In fact, during my visit to London during the summer of 2024, like any tourist would, I visited Buckingham Palace. On the grounds is what I believe to be a very old English Brown Turkey fig tree that was producing an incredible amount of breba starting around May 15th. That’s much earlier than I would have ever imagined they’d ripen in gloomy and mild England. If anyone has eaten fruit from this tree, knows more about it, or has photos of the fruits, please contact me.
English Brown Turkey has also made its way to Sweden, Norway, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands due to its incredible cold tolerance and reliability of its breba crop. Could this variety be old enough in England that it was brought home to Norwegian countries by Vikings?
We know that Kadota or Dotatto its called in Italy was grown commercially over 2000 years ago. 700-800 AD when the Vikings raided is not that much of a stretch.
The English Brown Turkey vs. Olympian
Brown Turkey figs come in two primary forms: the Californian and the English versions. The Californian version, often used for commercial purposes due to its large size and durability, is not particularly flavorful when eaten fresh. It's primarily used for canning and transport. For home gardeners, even in ideal climates, the Californian Brown Turkey is generally not recommended as there are far tastier options available.
The USDA's records show some confusion regarding the English Brown Turkey. Historical documentation suggests it was once part of their collection but was removed due to its perceived inferiority as a fig variety. This absence likely contributed to the Olympian being recognized as genetically distinct when tested against the repository.
The point is stated in Condit’s Monograph:
“Early reports of the California Agricultural Experiment Station include Brown Turkey among the varieties being tested at the substations. Apparently, it failed to compete successfully with other varieties, and until recently no trees were to be found, even in collections.”
You can learn more about the USDA’s genetic testing of fig varieties here.
Traits of the Olympian Fig
Origin: Likely Italy
Categorization: Bifera
Similar varieties: Bayernfeige Violeta, LaRadek's BT, Nexoe/Bornholm, Olympian, Sodus Sicilian, Sweet George
Taste grouping: Sugar Berry
Texture: Jammy
Size: Medium
Ripening period: Mid-season to Late
Vigor: High
Rain resistance: Low
Split Resistance: Low
Hang time: Average
Climate preference: Hot & Dry
Hardiness: High
Taste rating: 3.9/5
Light requirements: Average
Productivity: High
Strengths:
Breba Crop Production: One of its standout features is its ability to produce a reliable breba crop (the first crop of the season). This extends the fig harvest by 30-45 days and is especially valuable in regions with shorter growing seasons or mild summers, such as Olympia, Washington.
Cold Hardiness: It is among the most cold-hardy fig varieties, which explains its widespread cultivation in colder climates.
Weaknesses:
Late Main Crop: In short-season climates, growers may struggle to ripen the main crop, making them reliant on the breba.
Poor Performance in Humid Climates: The figs often split due to their large "eye" and rarely achieve high-quality ripening. In humid conditions, the flavor is noticeably diminished.
Average Flavor: Even in ideal hot and dry climates, the flavor of the Olympian fig is unremarkable compared to other varieties.
