Description
(Lycopersicon esculentum )
The Red Fig is an heirloom tomato named for a sweet delicacy that was made with this tomato and popular in the mid 1800s. Historically they were dried and packed away for winter use in substitute of figs. Pear-shaped, bright-red cherry tomatoes have wonderful, delicious, sweet flavour with a very sweet skin, making this a delightful snacking tomato. A perfect choice to serve in a tomato salad or as a tasty decoration to culinary creations and to use for making a delicious tomato chutney.
A smaller growing vine with attractive and unusually shaped fruit that has been cultivated since early in the eighteenth century. Named after its fig like shape and because it was used as a substitute for figs in preserving.
Flavours/Food Partners
Fresh tomatoes are enhanced by herbs like parsley, chives and celery leaf. If cooking mix with shallots, oregano, basil, garlic and chilli. Partners well with other Mediterranean foods like olives, artichokes and strong cheese.
Health/Cooking/Medicinal
Red Fig has been grown for many generations as an ornamental vine, as a small snacking tomato and for preserving. Like other small tomatoes it can be halved and used with olive oil and mixed herbs for a side salad. However this variety was originally used for preserving. The preserved tomatoes resembled figs and kept for many months. Refer our website (below) for a recipe.
Landscaping/Planting
Plant in an airy, sunny position in well drained soil or very large pots. Does not require a stake..
Cultivation/Fertiliser
Like all tomatoes it must receive a deep soaking when almost dry and should not receive overhead watering. Feed regularly with Seasol and Powerfeed. A small amount of dolomite lime after planting will make stronger plants. Harvest when fruit is full color.
Herb Attributes
| Position | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Height | 1.0m |
| Width | 70cm |
