Dels Ermitans is a rare Spanish fig with deep roots in the Balearic Islands, where monastic communities and hermits cultivated it for centuries, prizing it for its exceptional flavor and cold hardiness. This self-fertile Common fig thrives in zones 7-10 and grows rapidly in full sun, producing medium-sized fruit with a pronounced berry-forward sweetness and jammy complexity when fully ripe. Its closed eye and late-season ripening make it a distinctive choice for gardeners seeking a fig with genuine historical pedigree and superior taste.
Full Sun
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7-10
?in H x ?in W
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Moderate
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Grown by hermits and monks in medieval Spain for its hardiness and flavor, Dels Ermitans earned its name, 'of the Hermits' in Catalan, from a tradition of solitary cultivation that recognized its exceptional quality. The fruit carries a Bordeaux-type character: deep, sweet, and rich with subtle berry and earthy undertones that intensify as it ripens. Its cold hardiness and ability to produce a breba crop make it one of the most rewarding figs for northern gardeners willing to give it full sun and space to grow.
As an edible fig, Dels Ermitans is enjoyed fresh when fully ripe, at which point its jammy sweetness and berry-forward character shine most vividly. The deep, complex flavor and dense texture also make it suitable for preserving, whether as jam, dried fruit, or in traditional preparations that showcase the rich Bordeaux-type taste this cultivar offers.
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Sweet with a rich berry flavor and slightly complex undertones, Bordeaux figs offer a deep, jammy taste when fully ripe. Otherwise, they present a standard dark flavor with subtle earthiness.
Figs are ready to harvest when they feel soft to the touch and the skin has fully colored to a deep, dark tone. For Dels Ermitans, wait until the fruit is completely ripe, as the berry-forward sweetness and complex jammy character only develop fully when left on the tree as long as possible. The closed eye of this variety means no dripping latex once ripe; simply twist gently or cut with a sharp knife. Late-season figs may benefit from extra patience; allow them to hang on the tree through early autumn to achieve maximum flavor development.
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“Dels Ermitans emerges from the Balearic Islands of Spain, where its distinctive name reflects its long association with hermits and monastic communities who recognized and preserved its rare qualities. The cultivar's journey from medieval solitary gardens to modern horticulture represents a remarkable preservation of regional agricultural heritage. It was formally introduced by Monserrat Pons (MP) from Monserrat Pons i Boscana, whose work ensured this esteemed fig would not be lost to time. The name itself, Catalan for 'of the Hermits,' speaks to centuries of careful cultivation by those who understood that truly exceptional fruit rewards patience and attention.”