Edible San Fernando Valley Publisher Tami Chu and I agree about all things Edible— except fresh figs. Tami isn’t a big fan, and I adore them.

So does Ali Zadeh, the patriarch of AZRanch, which grows figs in Agoura Hills. For him, they represent a Middle Eastern cultural staple. (See page 8 for AZ-Ranch’s story and discover some seasonal fig recipes.) Part of my adoration stems from the fact that figs are delicious and high in fiber, vitamins and minerals.

It’s also because of my fig tree, “Harry-ette.” I don’t usually name my trees, but she’s special and you’ll see why.

Harry-ette reaches the roof with leaves the size of dinner plates. We planted Harry-ette six years ago as a spindly cutting from “Harry,” a fig tree that’s about 100 years old, on the Petty Ranch property in Saticoy.

“The family lore is that my great-grandfather, Harry Pardee, planted the tree,” says Chris Sayer, co-owner of Petty Ranch. “The tree was called ‘Harry’s tree’ and has become ‘Harry’ itself.” Because Harry’s figs are thought to be a Mission fig variety with their own characteristics— possibly due to the tree’s age, the soil and other factors—Harry-ette’s are, too.

We love them, and so do the squirrels and black fig flies, an invasive pest that causes the developing fruit to drop. The flies were first detected in San Diego County in 2021. By 2024, they had spread throughout much of Southern California.

As fig season comes to an end, I’m a little melancholy. I wouldn’t be surprised if the squirrels that have enjoyed Harry-ette’s dark purple fruit are, too. Later this fall, Harry-ette will drop her leaves as part of her seasonal rhythm—and ours as well. In this issue our thoughts turn to holiday festivities and no-alcohol beverage options so everyone feels included and holiday shopping.

Enjoy the season and as many fresh figs as you can get your hands on.

Sarene Wallace,
Managing Editor

P.S. If you have a fig tree that you think might be infested, check out this video from Southern California Pest Management: youtu.be/0JUNwRhW2VA?si=uajS8YCUg7RTeSsf