Gardening - Figs

It's that time of year when the first figs of the season ripen. If you can convince the birds to leave enough for you, there's nothing quite like a tree-ripened fig. For those that haven't grown them before, figs are simple, hardy, beautiful trees. The figs themselves, although typically thought of as a fruit, are actually the flowers of the tree. This type of flower is known as an inflorescence, or false fruit, where the seeds and flowers actually grow together to create a solid mass of goodness. Whether you call it a fruit or a flower, it grows curiously from the tree's branches. Starting out green...

...with some actually ripening green, dark blue, or brown. The one seen here is a brown Turkey fig, which adopts its name from the country, not the bird. It's a cultivar that grows well in Florida.

If you love figs, try reducing balsamic vinegar to a syrupy consistency, and then drizzling it over cut figs. It's awesome. If you're really looking to impress, throw a little goat cheese on top too.