Have you ever seen a fruit so tiny and cute that you just couldn’t wait to get your hands on it? After learning about the Little Ruby Fig, you’ll be trying to FIG-ure out where you can get a tree of your own!
If you’re new to figs in general or unfamiliar with this specific one, keep reading to learn all about the Little Ruby fig and why you should try it!
Looking to buy a Little Ruby fig? Check availability.
Origin
A fig is the fruit of a ficus tree, which is in the same family of mulberry trees.
Interestingly enough, a fig is neither a fruit or a vegetable. A fig is an “inflorescence”. Meaning, “a cluster of many flowers and seeds contained inside a bulbous stem.”
Denny McGaughy, a retired biologist, is to thank for making the Little Ruby Fig what it is today. He discovered this delicious globe in Olympia, Washington.
Characteristic of the Little Ruby
Little Ruby Fig is a dwarf fig which causes her to stand out among other figs. Many growers keep this tree because it is a true dwarf variety, measuring 6 feet at top maturity. Early ripening in late July – early October keeps this variety at the top of many grower’s lists.
The taste is described as “sugary-sweet” and the flesh is “jammy”. The skin of this fig is a yellow-green color and the inside is a beautiful ruby red.
Additionally, the Little Ruby Fig tree is self-pollinating which makes it an easier tree to grow.
Health Benefits
Figs are a great source of fiber and are full of vitamins and minerals. Whether eaten dried or fresh, you’ll reap many benefits when you add them to your diet.
When dried, kids love them because they are sweet and colorful – making them the perfect, healthy snack for sunny days at the park!
Nutritional Facts & Serving Sizes
One raw fig contains 2.5% of the recommended daily potassium intake and only 37 calories. It is recommended to limit portion sizes to 2-3 figs per day.
Buyer beware – if you have a known latex allergy, you may steer clear of these ruby snacks. Surprisingly enough, figs contain a type of natural latex that can cause anaphylaxis in those with a latex allergy.
Body Function Assistance
Figs are known to promote digestive health, aid in healthy blood pressure, and support bone structure. Especially ripe rigs are full of antioxidants and are key to managing oxidation in cells and tissues in our body.
Enjoying Them
Now that you know what a Little Ruby Fig is supposed to taste like and how good it can be for you, it’s time to dig in and see how it can be used in the kitchen!
This Phenomenal Fig Pizza looks so delicious and easy too! If you have a garden, it’s a great way to use up some of your freshest ingredients while incorporating a healthy fig or two while you’re at it!
Honey Fried Figs are the perfect, easy dessert to add to an ordinary week night. Heating figs up in honey and butter enhances their flavor. Kick it up a notch by adding a dollop of ice cream!
As mentioned above, kids love figs because they’re a fun color and so sweet! This Fresh Fig Grilled Cheese Sandwich may be what you’ve been looking for to add some extra nutrients to the kid’s favorite lunch dish!
Growing a Fig Tree
Growing your own food is extra rewarding and usually tastes better when you know where it came from and how it was grown. So, now the question is, can you grow figs?
If you live in zone 8 or higher, your chances of growing your own figs are very good. Some varieties are able to withstand temperatures in zones 6 and 7, this requires extra work for the grower. Gardeners in these zones will have to cover their fig tree with frost cloth when necessary or plant it in a pot and move it indoors during winter.
Care & Pruning
When fig trees are young, it’s essential to water them often to help the roots establish. Once they are established, be sure to lay mulch around the trunk to help lock in moisture.
Unless grown in containers, fig trees don’t require much fertilizer. It’s important to monitor growth if it seems like your tree isn’t growing as quickly as it should. If you see it’s growing less than 12 inches a year you can begin adding a nitrogen supplement when you water.
Pruning is only required during dormant season to encourage new, healthy growth. Pruning doesn’t have to be intimidating with a pair of heavy-duty pruning shears.
During the growing season, if you notice that your tree is full of small figs, it’s important to thin them out to encourage larger, healthier figs to grow.
When to Harvest
It’s important to remember that, unlike tomatoes, figs don’t continue ripening once they are picked. So you want to know when the prime time to harvest is!
Ripe figs are squishy, similar to a partially filled water balloon. If you can’t easily pierce the skin with the tip of your fingernail, they aren’t ready to be picked. Another way to tell if it’s time to harvest is that figs often droop down on the tree when they are at their prime ripeness.
Storing Fresh Figs
As long as your fresh Little Ruby Figs don’t have mushy spots or skin that has been ripped, they should last 7-10 days if stored in the refrigerator. Once a fig becomes mushy or shriveled, it’s past its prime time to enjoy.
Where to Buy a Little Ruby Fig Tree
If you’re considering trying your hand at growing your own Little Ruby Fig tree, be sure to check out Stark Brothers Nursery. They’ve been in the gardening business for over 200 years! So when you shop with them, you know you’ll be growing a healthy fig tree.
Try This Tiny But Mighty Fig!
Now you know what sets the Little Ruby Fig apart, how it grows, and what to do with your harvest. The only thing that’s left to do is to give it a try in your garden or kitchen!
If you’re interested in learning about other varieties of figs, be sure to visit our Fig Tree page to see if another variety catches your eye!