If you thought you heard Little Miss Piggy the first time you were introduced to the Little Miss Figgy tree, you’re not alone.
However, Little Miss Figgy has little in common with the infamous diva from The Muppets other than its name makes for a good cadence in a potential nursery rhyme alongside Miss Piggy.
The Little Miss Figgy is no diva. This fig (not pig) is easy to please since it’s small and easy to transport from outdoors to indoors. First-time fig growers and pros alike will fall in love with this compact fig tree!
Read on to learn more about Little Miss Figgy and how you can include its luscious amber fruit into your life.
Looking to buy the Little Miss Figgy tree? Check availability.
Characteristics of the Little Miss Figgy
The Little Miss Figgy tree is considered a miniature or compact dwarf fig tree. It’s the smallest fig tree you can buy. The tree only grows four to six feet tall and three to four feet wide, which makes it ideal for containers or small gardens.
The tree has distinct round, dark green leaves, producing dark purple fruit with smooth, amber flesh. The delicious fruit is produced in large quantities along the branches.
When you sink your teeth into this fruit, you’ll taste a deliciously sweet flavor you may recognize from the Violette de Bordeaux. The Little Miss Figgy and the Violette de Bordeaux produce the same fruit.
History of the Little Miss Figgy
Little Miss Figgy is a newly cultivated tree. The tree was a naturally occurring branch mutation of the Violette de Bordeaux.
It was discovered in September 2010 in Ridgeville, South Carolina, by Michael Nobles, who filed a patent for the tree in 2015.
Today, Little Miss Figgy is becoming popular and easily found online.
Eating the Little Miss Figgy
Snacking
Like other figs, the fruit is excellent for snacking off the vine. Both kids and adults enjoy these sweet luxuries.
Many Little Miss Figgy growers say it’s too tempting not to eat all the fruit off the vine, and they later regret not saving the delicious fruit for cooking because there are all kinds of fig recipes you can enjoy if you can resist the temptation not to eat them all.
Recipes
Dehydrating
Dehydrated figs are a yummy sweet snack, especially for kids. You can dry figs either in a food dehydrator or a traditional oven.
Wash your figs and halve them. If cooking in a dehydrator, place the skin layer on the rack. Avoid overcrowding your figs.
If your dehydrator allows you to adjust the temperature, set it to 135 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for six to eight hours or until the figs are completely dry and chewy.
The oven method isn’t too different. You want to set your oven temperature as low as possible, as close to 135 degrees Fahrenheit as possible.
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and place the skin side down on your sheet. Make sure none of your fruit touches. Then bake for eight to ten hours.
Cool your dried figs completely before storing them in airtight containers. If stored properly in a cool, dark location, these figs will last you for two years, assuming you can resist the temptation not to eat them all in one sitting.
Jams
You’ll want to save some figs to enjoy some easy-to-make fig jam.
Cut your figs into half-inch pieces, and toss them in a large saucepan. Add sugar or your preferred sweetener, then continue stirring for about 15 minutes until the sweetener is mostly dissolved.
Add lemon juice and water, then bring the mixture to a boil and stir until the sweeter is completely dissolved. Reduce to moderate heat, and simmer the jam until the fruit softens and the jam is thick when it slides off the spoon.
Spoon the jam into mason jars with about one-fourth of the space remaining at the top. Your fig jam jars will last up to three months in the refrigerator.
Health Benefits of Little Miss Figgy
Figs are packed with nutrients and are a great addition to your diet.
Iron
Figs contain iron, which is essential for the body’s production of healthy red blood cells. Iron is a common mineral missed in vegetarian and vegan diets because iron is often found in meat. Figs are an excellent choice for people who have eliminated animal products from their diets.
Fiber
Fiber aids in promoting healthy bowel health and is a vital complex carbohydrate used to help keep you regular.
Potassium
Potassium helps regulate the fluid in your body. Bananas may be your go-to to help keep your potassium in check, but now you can add figs to your list, too, for some additional potassium.
Calcium
Did you know dried figs contain more calcium than fresh figs? Dried figs can contain up to 162 mg of your daily value of calcium. Calcium is essential for bone health, so figs are a great option for those who dislike drinking milk.
Growing Your own Little Miss Figgy
Planting
Little Miss Figgy will grow best outdoors in USDA Zones 7-10, though you can grow it indoors since it’s small and compact.
Read our tips on How to Grow a Fig Tree and Fig Tree Care before you plant your new tree.
The Little Miss Figgy is a disease and pest-resistant plant, though it’s a good idea to learn more about the illnesses figs are susceptible to.
Watering and Fertilizing
Water two times a week for three months until the tree is established. After establishing the tree, you’ll only need to water it during dry spells.
Use a slow-release fertilizer. Once the tree is established, you shouldn’t need to fertilize it.
Harvesting
Wait until figs turn a purplish brown hue to harvest. Be careful not to harvest too early.
The fruit will be available to harvest in spring and fall.
Where to Buy Little Miss Figgy Trees
You can buy Little Miss Figgy Trees online on Amazon. You can also check local nurseries, especially near South Carolina.
The Perfect Little Fig Tree
The Little Miss Figgy tree adds fun variety to the fig family, and we’re glad she was discovered. Are you looking to learn more about other fig trees? Check out our Fig Tree page.