JEANERETTE — It’s time to enjoy the sweet, distinctive taste of fresh figs.

Fresh off the tree or in homemade preserves made with whole figs that have been simmered in syrup until plump and tender, the fruit offers an unforgettable taste of summer.

When Earl Robin of Jeanerette arrives for a visit with family or friends with a bag of fresh figs in hand, he is welcomed with open arms.

“I’ve been picking figs for more than 20 years from my backyard trees and I always share with family and friends” said Robin.

Robin and his wife, Linda, preserve some of the figs to enjoy year round. Among their favorites are Mock Fig Strawberry Jam and Mock Fig Blackberry Jam. When the Robin’s grandchildren Sophie and twin sisters, Abigail and Breeann Doremus arrive from Cal City, Calif., for a summer visit, their first stop is at the backyard fig tree.

“I like to pick and eat them right under the tree while they are fresh,” said Sophie Doremus, 13.

While their grandfather was sorting freshly picked figs for storage Monday, Breeann Dormeus and the Robins other grandchild Emilie Richard of New Iberia were busy fixing one of their favorite sandwiches, a peanut butter and Mock Fig Strawberry Jam sandwich.

“I like to pick the figs as much as I like eating them,” said their cousin Amelia Larroque of Jeanerette.

With more than five common backyard varieties grown in Louisiana, the iconic fruit is available from June through August ranging in color from greenish yellow to purplish brown, depending on variety. Some of the newer varieties developed by the Louisiana State University AgCenter such as the O’Rourke, Champagne and Tiger have adapted well to Louisiana climate.

Fig lovers can choose from the Celeste variety, which is the most common and yields produce early, Southeastern Brown Turkey, LSU Purple, Florentine and Alma, which bears from late July through August.

Fresh figs freeze well with or without sugar for enjoyment year round. Preserved, pickled, oven dried or sun-dried, the Louisiana fruit stores well for future use.

Enjoy fresh figs while at their peak for out-of-hand eating as a snack, in homemade ice cream or slice them into salads, chop into relish and serve over fresh pork or grilled fish. Use them fresh or preserved in desserts and appetizers.