The Atreano Fig Family: Balanced Flavor and Orchard Favorites

Rigo   •   23 Jan 2026   •   73

For many fig lovers, certain varietal “families” stand out not just for flavor or productivity, but for the cohesion of their characteristics — a shared essence that binds them together as a recognizable group. Among these, the Atreano fig family has earned a reputation for balance in flavor, hardy growth habits, and reliable production that appeals to growers in diverse climates. Named after its most famous member, the Atreano fig, this family includes a fascinating lineup of light-skinned, honey-sweet figs that sit comfortably between the honey-rich Kadota group and the fruitier Adriatics.

At the heart of the family is the classic Atreano fig variety on Fig Database®, a fig that originated in Durazzano, Italy and was popularized in North America by fig enthusiast Hanc Mathies. This variety is celebrated for its large, light green fruit that ripens to golden hues, smooth amber flesh that delivers light honey and strawberry notes, and strong, productive trees that often yield both breba and main crops.

Collectors and growers appreciate how well Atreano and its relatives adapt across climates. Many of these figs produce early breba crops, making them reliable in regions with shorter growing seasons. Their skin tends to be thinner than some darker figs, offering a tender, pleasing texture, and the mild sweetness appeals to those who enjoy a lighter fig flavor in fresh eating or salads. This balance of traits makes the Atreano family a popular choice for backyard orchards and collections alike.

Within this family are several noteworthy varieties that collectors frequently seek out. For example, Bordissot Verda on Fig Database® is part of this group and known as a classic green fig with traditional Mediterranean roots. Its fruits fit perfectly into gardens where a lighter fig flavor is desired. Meanwhile, Lyndhurst White on Fig Database® is another member that many growers compare to figures like Lattarola — a honey-leaning fig with a soft pink interior and a pleasant sweetness that echoes its Atreano cousins.

Other varieties in the Atreano family — though not all have full profiles on Fig Database — include Brooklyn White, Conadria, Constantine de Algerie, Doctor Gowaty, Emerald Strawberry, Lattarola, Lattarula (AgriStarts), Long Yellow, White Marseilles, White Triana, and Yellow Long Neck. What unites them is often a light-to-medium green skin that ripens toward softer yellow tones, fruitiness that is never overly bold but always satisfying, and an appeal that is at once classic and versatile.

For collectors thinking about diversification, the Atreano family offers a gateway into figs that are easy to enjoy fresh, reliable in cooler climates compared to some exotic varieties, and generally forgiving in care. Many of these figs will develop both breba and main crops, and their sweeter, balanced flavor profiles make them excellent garden additions for sharing with friends and family. Most are also self-fertile, meaning they fruit without special pollination requirements common to Smyrna types.

What makes the Atreano family so beloved isn’t just the fruit itself — it’s the way these figs fit into the rhythm of a garden. They aren’t the flashiest figs, nor the most intense in flavor, but they are dependable, generous, and delightfully balanced. For fig collectors who want a family of varieties that performs well year after year, the Atreano group deserves a place near the front of the orchard.