Meet a Bay couple who really do give a fig

VENTURE: Helen Walker and Murray Douglas drive artisan Hawke's Bay business Te Mata Figs.

Say the word fig and most people would likely think "oh, those green round things on trees".

Which is correct, but so very far from the full story of this remarkable and versatile fruit.

Call by at the "Figgery" at Te Mata Figs near Havelock North and you will get the full story from Murray Douglas and Helen Walker who started growing figs here in the Bay in 2008 - because they loved them.

It was while working in the corporate world of business in Sydney they developed a taste for the far-from-humble fruit.

They loved the fresh taste so after arriving back in New Zealand decided to grow some - commercially.

Today there are 23 varieties of figs growing on their spread near the Te Karamu Stream and some of the varieties are as colourful as the "contents".

There is Brown Turkey, Preston Prolific Bronze, French Sugar Purple, Panache Yellow, Malta Brown, Adriatic Green and Cape White to name but a few.

Helen said the orchard was originally laid out with cherries and nectarines.

"But we converted to figs as unlike most other trees or crops they require no spraying and prefer a hot, dry climate."

In 2011 she made the first preserves and the Just Fig Jam was the result and the accolades soon began arriving.

Great on toast but equally great as a condiment with lamb, or simply stirred through ice cream or yoghurt.

Today, it is joined by delights like Just Fig Syrup, Fig and Walnut Salame and Fig, Port and Cardamom Paste.

Figs are not widely grown in New Zealand and the company is the biggest producer of them, and people never fail to be surprised (and after tasting delighted) by the varieties.

They are sold through the "Figgery" and at the Hastings Farmers Market and the best providores nationwide.

-Te Mata Figs

Napier Rd, Havelock North

tematafigs.co.nz

Ph: 027 4764 777

The Figgery is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.