505-H
An early ripening sweet peach & berry ball of jam…
Type: Common
Family: Unknown, possibly Atreano
Flavor Group: Peach Fruit-Berry
Season: Early
Breba Crop: Some
Origin: California, found by Fig Gazer (Philip)
Possible synonyms:
Yellow Neches
The Sisters
White Baca
Description
The mother tree is a heritage tree having grown for over 100 years at the location in which it was found by Fig Gazer (Philip) in California. It is most likely Yellow Neches, which in its own right was considered an “Old World” fig that was said to be introduced in early colonial days. Older trees of this variety were found in the 1940s growing in Virginia and multiple parts of California. This also fits with the description of White Baca, another heritage fig tree found in New Mexico.
505-H is a coded name by the founder of this variety. The name Yellow Neches is of unknown origin, though Condit stated that “Neches” probably refers to the swollen stalk which is more prominent than in other varieties.
This fig is known for producing mule figs. The stalk is quite thick in comparison to other varieties. The skin is also soft with some fuzziness. It is known for its changing flavor profile. Some figs have a lighter colored pulp with a mild, stonefruit type flavor often likened to peach. Other figs have a dark red colored pulp and are strongly berry flavored, much like an Adriatic. This variation has been reported in different locations. However, caprification also provides quite a change turning it into a larger fig with deep strawberry-red pulp and a more sub-acid berry flavor profile.
This is definitely a unique fig. Some may find the flavor “insipid” as Condit describes it depending on location grown, but for others it can be a delicious berry fig.
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