Sefrawi is a fig that my friend Bass Samaan recommends for in-ground plantings in colder zones. He says it can re-sprout and fruit in one season from total winter dieback. So far Sefrawi is a hardy tree that has survived the past two seasons with almost no winter damage.
After a closer look at the fruits in 2023, I was shocked to find out how unique this variety is. For years I believed Sefrawi was under the Atreano classification of fig varieties. However, along with the Black Mission grouping, it's not a well-defined classification and it covers a wide range of fig varieties unlike Hardy Chicago or Celeste types. We know what a Celeste fig is and few of them exhibit significant differences. That's not the case with Atreano, White Triana, Unk Mittica, Emerald Strawberry, Sefrawi, and so on. Their differences can be quite noticeable even to the untrained eye.
However, Sefrawi doesn't even belong in this category. The figs are sugary sweet, they have a chewy skin like LSU Tiger and when allowed to ripen, the berry flavor is quite strong compared to the other figs I've mentioned. Sefrawi was one of my new favorite varieties of 2023. Hopefully it can survive this upcoming winter and I'll have much more to report on its differences.
Sefrawi Fig Tree
Why choosing the right fig variety matters
Choosing the right fig variety can make all the difference in so many positive or even negative ways. A variety that is well suited to your climate and taste preferences will ensure that your getting the fig experience that you deserve.
It's heartbreaking when you put years of work into a tree to finally realize that it's just not suited to your location because it will rarely produce high quality figs and in some cases, may never produce fruit that's even edible!
Fig varieties are very location specific because they're so highly subjected to their environment while they're ripening. Unlike many other fruits, the fig can be destroyed in its final ripening stage. It's a soft fruit that can absorb water into its skin causing cracking, splitting, mold & fermentation all because the inside of the fruit gets exposed to the outside elements of nature.
An apple has a hard covering. A persimmon has a hard covering. Berries and other soft fleshed fruits are also susceptible to bad weather conditions, but they have a short window of time in which they're soft and ready to be picked. Figs can be soft hanging on the tree for 5, 10 or even 15 days!
How to choose the right fig variety for your climate
When choosing a fig variety, it's important to consider the climate in your area during the winter, summer and fall.
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Some fig varieties are more tolerant of cold weather and others can be grown in climates that have mild summers because of their reliable breba production or their early main crop harvest period.
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Others are better suited for humid climates because they don't need to hang as long on the tree and they have a skin that acts like a waterproof jacket. The water just slides right off.
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Others are better suited to warmer climates and have the ability to taste incredible even in 100-110F temperatures.
If you want fig variety recommendations, read through the description of each fig variety carefully, or better yet, don't be afraid to contact me. In your message, include your growing zone, location, annual rainfall, and how you want to grow them.
To read more about choosing the right fig variety, click here:
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