Kathleen's Black

Kathleen's Black is a highly regarded collector's fig whose documented history begins in 1989, when it was purchased as an unidentified variety from a mail-order nursery. The tree remained unnamed until around 2001, when collector Gene Hosey recognized its exceptional fruit quality and introduced it to the fig-growing community, naming it in honor of its original owner, Kathleen. Although many enthusiasts believe Kathleen's Black may be synonymous with the historic French cultivar Noire de Caromb, and others have suggested a connection to De la Reina, no definitive evidence has confirmed either relationship. Today, it is prized as a premium common (self-fertile) fig that produces medium to large, deep violet to nearly black fruit with a rich red to dark amber interior.

When fully tree-ripened, Kathleen's Black develops an exceptionally rich and layered flavor. The dominant profile is one of blackberry, dark grape, and berry preserves, supported by deep fig sweetness and notes of brown sugar and caramel that become more pronounced as the fruit reaches peak maturity. In warmer climates, some growers also detect subtle hints of ripe melon that add another layer of complexity. The flesh is dense, syrupy, and almost jam-like, while the thin, sweet skin contributes to the overall richness rather than distracting from it. Although often compared to Black Mission, Kathleen's Black is generally regarded as having greater complexity and a more refined balance of berry and caramel flavors, earning its place among the finest dark figs in modern collections.