Bacorinho is a rare Portuguese fig variety that represents some of the finest white fig cultivars grown in Madeira, now regrettably scarce in its homeland. This small to medium-fruited fig thrives in zones 7 through 10 and produces fruit with a captivating balance of sweetness, subtle berry notes, and gentle acidity that reveal layers of complexity with each bite. The variety is self-fertile and cold hardy enough to survive winter in cooler climates, while its closed-eye fruit and ability to produce a breba crop make it a rewarding choice for dedicated fig growers seeking something genuinely uncommon.
Full Sun
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7-10
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High
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Bacorinho delivers a sophisticated flavor experience that combines pronounced fruitiness with dark berry undertones and a touch of acidity, creating a balanced sweetness that deepens with complexity. Its closed-eye fruit form and moderate seed crunch contribute to a chewy skin texture that many fig enthusiasts prize. The variety's hardiness in zones 7 to 10 combined with its ability to produce fruit across seasons and set a breba crop means you'll enjoy multiple harvests rather than a single concentrated fruiting.
As an edible fig with a complex flavor profile balancing sweetness with berry notes and subtle acidity, Bacorinho is best enjoyed fresh, allowing its nuanced taste to shine without the competition of cooking or preservation methods. The moderate seed crunch and chewy skin create a textural experience that rewards eating the fruit whole rather than processing it.
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From mildly to very sweet, with distinct berry notes complemented by a touch of acidity. They often feature subtle complexity, with additional layers of flavor that enhance their rich and balanced profile.
Bareroot or containerized figs are typically transplanted in spring after the danger of hard frost has passed. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and at the same depth it was growing previously, backfill with amended soil, and water thoroughly to settle it in place.
Harvest Bacorinho figs when they develop full color and yield slightly to gentle pressure; ripe fruit will often droop slightly on the stem. The variety's closed-eye form means you won't have an open ostiole to signal ripeness, so rely instead on visual color development and the fruit's soft give when squeezed. Figs do not continue to ripen after harvest, so pick only when fully mature. With its ability to fruit across seasons, you may find harvest opportunities from late spring through fall depending on your zone.
Prune Bacorinho lightly in late winter or early spring to remove any winter-damaged wood and shape the tree for better light penetration and air circulation. Since this variety produces both a breba crop and regular season fruit, avoid heavy summer pruning that would sacrifice the main crop.
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“Bacorinho emerges from the agricultural heritage of Madeira, Portugal, where it has been cultivated as a localized fig variety. According to accounts shared on Fig4Fun in 2013, this cultivar represents one of the most exceptional white fig varieties found throughout the island, though it has become increasingly rare in contemporary cultivation. Observers like Nelson20vt and Francisco (known as lampo) documented the variety's superior qualities and distinctive characteristics, highlighting the importance of preserving these heritage figs before they disappear entirely from their region of origin.”