In South Australia's Riverland, Sunlands orchardist Ben Waddelow is navigating fig season, his orchard's peak period. Waddelow, who manages around 30 fig varieties, highlights the panache or tiger fig for its notable shelf life and commercial viability. This variety, among others, is in its inaugural production year, with aspirations for increased output in the coming years. Waddelow's meticulous cultivation has led to a diverse collection, including the Tobruk fig, renowned for its historical significance during World War II.
The fig, a fruit of intrigue and culinary versatility, is celebrated by Sydney-based food and travel writer Jane Lawson for its distinctive flavor profile, lending itself well to both sweet and savory dishes. Despite the fig wasp's role in the pollination process, many fig varieties are self-pollinating, a fact that reassures vegan consumers like Waddelow himself. However, the commercial availability of figs is limited, with most supermarkets offering a narrow selection, prompting advocates like Lawson to encourage direct farm purchases for a broader variety.
Source: abc.net.au
Photo source: Dreamstime.com
