My Fig Tree

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When I purchased The Bungalow in 2017, there was an eight-foot fig tree adding its charm to a corner on the east side of the backyard.

Admittedly, I didn’t pay much attention to it at first, despite my Italian heritage and the significance of fig trees in our family history.

That changed when it was time to remove a rusty, old chain-link fence and have a cedar privacy fence installed. Sadly, one of the main branches of that fig tree was an obstacle to the new construction.

The fence builders suggested I simply have the fig tree cut down!

Little did they expect me to vehemently object, stop the work at hand and tell them more than they ever wanted to know about fig trees!

Little did they know the fig tree has always been a symbol of abundance, fertility and sweetness. Little did they know that the fig tree’s abundance of leaves and fruit make it a great shade tree (as little sun passes through their branches.). Little did they know that’s why so many Italian immigrants (like my grandfather) planted fig trees before they planted anything else in their gardens.

I told them, “Many varieties of fig trees originated in Italy, a country very dear my heart!”

I told them, "Fig trees produce delicious fruit. They can grow to heights of 15 to 30 feet; some of them reach up to 50 feet.”

The fence builders listened with more respect than interest but, finally, the crew boss offered another suggestion, “If you really want to save that fig tree, we could simply lop off that one large branch over there. The tree won’t look too good, but it should survive. But, it may not bear fruit for awhile.”

Without hesitation, I agreed to that plan! And, I’m glad I did.

Today, my treasured fig tree is still standing; it’s taller, fuller and prettier than ever! Yearly, it produces the sweetest fruit, and harvests are always plentiful.

As a result, I've collected a lot of recipes using figs. Most were found in Italian cookbooks. I’ve learned to make fig jam and fig chutney, fig pudding, pies and tarts. I learned to add figs to salads and how best to serve them with cheeses and meats and on pizzas.

I’ve also learned that ripe figs can be put in the freezer to eat (or cook with) later on.