Figoin (aka Verdino del Nord VR)
Early ripening ball o’jam with Adriatic-like flavor…
Type: Common
Family: Unknown
Flavor Group: Red Berry
Season: Early
Breba Crop: Yes
Origin: Italy, Vladimiro Rocco
Possible synonyms: ?
How To Pronounce
(Fĭ gween)
Description
Figoin first appeared on the scene years ago in the old, defunct Figs4fun forum, introduced by Vladimiro Rocco. He has since changed the name from Figoin to Verdino del Nord on his site. The fun with that is there are different fig varieties also known as Verdino del Nord, a common one was distributed by someone named Tatiana. So you may see Verdino del Nord (VR) or Verdino del Nord (Tatiana) out there when purchasing fig varieties. To save in confusion, I’m going to refer to this one just as Figoin.
Figoin is a very small fig with a classic red berry flavor similar to that found in the Adriatic family of figs. It is early ripening which is fantastic for short season growers wanting a fig with this type of flavor. It also can be quite productive though the tree seems to stay relatively small in comparison to more vigorous varieties. The skin is yellow-green and the flesh a deep red.
One thing that really strikes me about Figoin is its similarity to 505-H, Yellow Neches, and The Sisters (the latter three I feel are synonymous with each other.) It has a very similar small shape, can have a swollen stalk, and even throws mule figs just like 505-H. The leaves are also quite similar. Figs on 505-H can have a peach/nectarine type flavor but it also will put out some stronger berry figs. It’s these strong berry figs that are incredibly similar to Figoin. These striking similarities really have me wondering about origins and possible sports having been separated and distributed so very long ago evolving into the different varieties we have today. I would love a DNA test on these four plus White Baca!
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying Figoin is the same as 505-H or Yellow Neches as it doesn’t seem to have the same peach vibe, just that I suspect a relationship. At the least, this is a possible family of figs we have here that hasn’t really been identified before. At the most, these may be synonyms and sports that really require DNA testing for more conclusive verification. Whatever the case, 505-H will give you peachy-berry figs with occasional strong berry ones and Figoin will consistently give you those berry flavored figs. Figoin is a delicious fig, it is enjoyable to eat and produces a lot of figs making up for its diminutive size. Its earlier ripening time also means starting off the season right with some really tasty morsels.
»» Do you have your own pictures of Figoin that you would like to add to this variety’s gallery? Let me know in the comments or PM!
First figs from a young tree will sometimes have muted flavors. I think this might be what I sampled from my Figoin. After a nice pruning and up potting…I should know better this season weather I want to keep my tree.