KTJ vs. Flanders: A Tale of Two Figs (or Just One?)

Rigo   •   09 Jul 2025   •   497

In the fig world, names carry weight—and price tags. Few debates have stirred the pot like the ongoing discussion around KTJ (Kafe Te Jiate) and the Flanders fig. While many collectors initially believed KTJ to be a new or distinct variety, mounting evidence suggests it may simply be a rebranded Flanders—a fig that has been widely available for years and at a fraction of the price.

When KTJ first gained traction in fig circles, it was promoted as a rare Albanian fig with exceptional qualities. The name “Kafe Te Jiate” added an exotic mystique that made it an instant draw for collectors. But soon, seasoned fig growers began noticing something strange: KTJ looked, tasted, and behaved exactly like Flanders. As photos and taste reports poured into forums like "What the Fig," comparisons revealed no consistent differences.

In one widely discussed Facebook post, a grower stated, “I’ve fruited both KTJ and Flanders for three seasons now and I can’t tell them apart. Not by taste, skin, growth habit, nothing.” Others chimed in, echoing the same experience. Side-by-side photos of the fruit, leaves, and even the tree's shape show no distinguishable traits. Figs of both types exhibit the same beautiful violet skin, classic fig shape, and richly sweet flavor profile.

The problem isn’t that KTJ is a bad fig. Far from it. It’s that it's being sold and hyped up at prices significantly higher than Flanders—sometimes by more than 5 to 10 times. This has led to accusations that the KTJ name is being used to exploit less-informed collectors who believe they are acquiring something unique. Flanders, meanwhile, can often be found for under $20 from reputable nurseries or private growers.

The Fig Database listing for Kafe Te Jiate, while neutral, is a valuable resource for understanding where the variety stands in the broader fig community. As with all listings on Fig Database, it provides a platform for growers to share their experiences and observations—whether in agreement or debate. The listing gives growers a voice, and helps document the real-time evolution of this conversation.

While some continue to sell KTJ as a separate entity, the lack of distinguishing data or origin details continues to raise eyebrows. Several community members have openly questioned whether KTJ is just another example of fig renaming for profit—a practice that has unfortunately become more common as the hobby has grown.

For collectors, the takeaway is simple: do your homework. The fig community is rich with knowledge, and many long-time growers are happy to share honest evaluations. If a fig looks, tastes, and grows like another one—it probably is. Paying a premium for a renamed clone doesn’t make the fruit any sweeter.

Whether you call it KTJ or Flanders, you’re likely growing the same delicious fig. But if you want to save money and avoid the hype, Flanders might just be the smarter pick. The tree won’t know the difference—but your wallet certainly will.