Bass' Favorite Fig is a late-season common fig that produces exceptionally large fruit, typically weighing 20 to 45 grams, with a striking dark purple to violet skin punctuated by subtle yellow accents near the top and base. Named after Bassem Samaan of Trees of Joy, who introduced this variety, it earned its nickname for a reason: the flesh inside glows deep crimson, revealing a sophisticated balance of berry-forward sweetness and bright acidity that makes each fig memorable. Self-fertile and suited to full sun, this vigorous grower reaches maturity reliably and thrives in containers, making it accessible to gardeners in most climates.
Full Sun
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Moderate
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The real draw here is the flavor complexity. Unlike one-note sweet figs, Bass' Favorite delivers dark berry notes with just enough acidity to keep things interesting, layered with subtle flavors that reward you for biting into those crimson-filled interiors. The fruit size is genuinely impressive for a fig, and the plant's willingness to produce a breba crop means you get fruit earlier in the season than you'd expect from a late-season variety. Growing it in a container doesn't compromise its vigor one bit, and the three-lobed foliage adds ornamental appeal between harvests.
As an edible fig, Bass' Favorite is a fresh-eating variety best enjoyed at peak ripeness when the flesh is fully softened and the berry character sings through. The balance of sweetness and acidity also suggests versatility in preserves and jams, where that complexity can be preserved and concentrated. The large fruit size means fewer figs are needed to make a satisfying harvest.
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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.
Harvest figs when the fruit is fully colored, the skin yields slightly to gentle pressure, and the fig has begun to soften. For Bass' Favorite, look for the full purple-violet tone with yellow accents to develop fully before picking. The fruit should feel slightly droopy on the branch. Because this is a late-season variety, expect harvests in mid to late summer through fall. Gentle twisting or cutting with pruners minimizes damage to the delicate fruit.
Bass' Favorite responds well to pruning given its fast growth rate. To manage size and encourage branching, particularly in container growing situations, prune back new growth in late winter or early spring. The plant's vigor means it will quickly fill in any gaps left by pruning.
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“This variety owes its existence to Bassem Samaan, the founder of Trees of Joy, who selected and introduced Bass' Favorite to home gardeners. The nickname BFF captures the affection growers quickly develop for this fig, and its inclusion in the broader fig community reflects the ongoing work of passionate cultivators who recognize when a variety has something special to offer.”