August marks the second round of fig harvesting in Virginia. The fruit makes two appearances, at the start of the summer in June and again from late August into October.
Figs are a Mediterranean fruit and thrive in hot and dry weather.
According to Beata Knop at Ticonderoga Farms in Fairfax County, the main issue fig growers face is weather fluctuations.
“The problem is normal weather is not something we currently deal with,” Knop said. “However, the nice thing about figs is that even in an abnormal weather year the plant survives. It will simply get killed back to the ground and regrow the following spring.”
Figs will grow “in almost impossible conditions and don’t need great soil,” she said. “A crack in a rock wall would keep them happy.”
Within the past few years figs have seen a boost in popularity. They typically are enjoyed fresh with the skin, and they can be paired with chocolate, cheeses or other foods for a more sensuous experience.
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