Black Fig Tree from Caromb – AB

Description

Black Fig Tree from Caromb

The Black Caromb fig tree (Ficus carica ‘Noire de Caromb’), also known by the Italian name Douquiera Negra, is an exceptional variety introduced to France after the Second World War by Italian immigrants from the south. This variety has acclimatized particularly well around the village of Caromb in the Vaucluse, giving it its French name.

Considered one of the best fig trees by many specialists, this biferous variety stands out for its remarkable productivity, natural resistance and the exceptional taste quality of its fruits. It perfectly combines rusticity and flavor, making it a reference choice for fig lovers.

Characteristics of the fruit

Noir de Caromb figs are characterized by their distinctive very dark purplish-blue, almost black color, nuanced with a fine light blue plum. Their elongated shape and generous size make them particularly attractive fruits.

size

The flesh is distinguished by its pinkish-red colour evoking the hue of a ripe strawberry. Its fine and juicy texture reveals a delicate, very sweet taste with an authentic fig scent. The fleshy receptacle allows easy peeling and excellent cooking resistance.

Exceptional biferous fruiting

The Black Caromb fig tree has the remarkable advantage of being biferous, offering two distinct harvests in the year, particularly generous in the southern regions.

🌟 First harvest (fig-flowers) – July:

• Production sometimes random depending on the year
• Larger figs (60-70g)
• Purple flesh, very fragrant
• Ideal for fresh consumption

🌟 Second harvest (autumn figs) – August-September:

• Abundant and regular production
• Medium figs (30-50g)
• Flesh more concentrated in flavours
• Perfect for drying and storage

Tree Features

The Black Caromb fig tree develops a vigorous and spreading habit, forming a small tree 3 to 6 meters high depending on the growing conditions. Its deciduous foliage consists of large, dark green, deeply lobed palmate leaves, creating a dense and decorative silhouette.

This vigorous tree requires sufficient space because it grows in width as well as height. It can be trained as a shade tree or pruned to suit medium-sized gardens. Its rapid growth allows for early fruiting.

Hardiness and climate adaptation

Contrary to popular belief, the Black Caromb fig tree has an excellent hardiness, much higher than many other Mediterranean varieties.

❄️ Cold resistance: Up to -15°C/-17°C
🌡️ Recovery: Base recovery down to -20°C
💧 Tolerance: Excellent moisture resistance
🌞 Adaptation: Successful even in less southern regions

This remarkable resistance allows it to be grown in a wide range of climates, from Mediterranean to temperate regions, as long as it has a sunny location sheltered from cold winds.

Cultivation and maintenance

The Black Caromb fig tree adapts to all types of ordinary soils , with a preference for light, deep and well-drained soils. It tolerates calcareous and even slightly acidic soils remarkably well.

🌞 Exhibition: Full sun, sheltered from the north winds
🌱 Soil: Ordinary to rich, well-drained, supports limestone
💧 Watering: Regular for the first 2 years, then moderate
🗓️ Planting: Fall-winter frost-free (spring in cold regions)

Pruning is carried out at the end of winter in spring when the sap rises. For biferous varieties such as Noir de Caromb, practise light pruning by removing the branches that clutter the interior and limiting the height to facilitate harvesting.

Culinary Use

Black Caromb figs excel in all culinary uses thanks to their firm flesh and balanced flavor. Their fleshy receptacle allows for versatile use in the kitchen.

Fresh consumption: Exceptional, juicy and fragrant table fruit
Pastry: Pies, clafoutis, jams, chutneys
Drying: Natural preservation, quality dried fruit
Savoury cuisine: Accompaniment to meats, cheeses, salads
Processing: Juices, compotes, artisanal preparations

Advantages of this variety

🍇 Double annual harvest : generous biferous fruiting
🍇 Exceptional taste quality : juicy and fragrant flesh
🍇 Remarkable hardiness : resistance down to -15°C
🍇 Climate adaptation : Succeeds in various regions
🍇 Ease of cultivation : robust self-fertile strain
🍇 Culinary versatility : all possible uses
🍇 Ornamental value : beautiful decorative foliage

The Black Caromb fig tree is a choice of excellence for any fig lover wishing to combine productivity, taste quality and ease of cultivation. Its established reputation makes it an essential reference in French orchards.

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