“Uprooting Gentrification: A Fig Tree’s Tale of Resilience and Cultural Preservation”

Embracing the opportunity to walk and bike in the heart of New Orleans has not only allowed me to enjoy the city’s unique charm but has also heightened my appreciation for the hidden treasures that may go unnoticed by others. The lively streets of this vibrant city hold countless wonders just waiting to be discovered by those who explore it on foot or by bike.

During the New Orleans Tricentennial Treme Neighborhood Cleanup and the 3rd Annual Treme 7th Ward Arts & Cultural Festival, I was presented with an opportunity to explore the city on foot, since I reside in the 8th Ward. After taking a Lyft to the event, I chose to walk back home, immersing myself in the city’s lively atmosphere and capturing precious moments through pictures and videos along the way.

As I continued walking through my neighborhood with the exposed roots of the fig tree in hand, I felt a sense of pride. Some of my neighbors inquired about my actions, and I explained that the tree had been growing like a weed in an inhospitable environment. Given its small size, I considered that it must have been cut down. However, my neighbors still didn’t seem to understand my motivation for rescuing the tree from the impending gentrification.

It baffled me how they couldn’t comprehend the deep connection between this fig tree and our culture. The roots of this humble tree symbolize our community’s rich and enduring heritage, and saving it was more than just an act of preservation; it was a statement about the resilience and importance of our shared history.

Initially, I considered giving the fig tree to my two aunts with expansive yards. But then I remembered the property in Maribeau that my father left for us. The house there had to be demolished after Hurricane Katrina, but a majestic oak tree still stands in the front yard, accompanied by a small area that once served as a playground. Planting the fig tree on this property would symbolize my fresh start in New Orleans.

However, the location would mean traveling a considerable distance just to enjoy the figs, which isn’t a practical solution. Furthermore, the challenge of splitting the property into thirds and the financial constraints of rebuilding make this option less feasible. I hope and pray for an abundance of wealth so I can buy out my siblings and construct a new house on my father’s land. But for now, let’s return to the story of the fig tree.

There will come a time when the unique aspects of our community blend into the ordinary, and we lose what once made us stand out. I’ve noticed a house occupied by what must be newcomers, with a large misbelief tree in their yard, its fruit left to dry up or rot on the ground. Perhaps they believe the tree is merely for the birds.

Many young people nowadays are unfamiliar with native fruits and vegetables like figs, misbeliefs, kumquats, mirlitons, and others. There was once a time when we could rely on an after-school snack freshly picked from a tree. These fruit trees and vines bore fruit without anyone intentionally planting a seed, but now such occurrences are rare, and finding seeds requires a dedicated search. I recall my youthful adventures, hopping fences to snatch some juicy figs, even risking an encounter with a protective dog – the fruit was just that delicious.

I dream of engaging in guerrilla mirliton-vine planting along random chain-link fences, hoping that in a decade or so, our community will be reminiscent of my childhood when people had fruit-bearing plants everywhere without even trying.

I’m committed to preserving the native flora of New Orleans and resisting gentrification. If it takes personal effort to carry on the legacy left by my ancestors for my family, then I’m determined to do it. I’ll continue rescuing trees and other native plants, ensuring that our rich heritage remains alive and thriving for future generations.

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In conclusion, the rescue of the fig tree serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving our community’s unique identity in the face of change. As we continue to navigate the challenges brought on by gentrification and urban development, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding the rich cultural heritage that defines New Orleans.

It’s not merely about saving a single tree or planting vines along fences; it’s about nurturing our connection to the past, embracing our roots, and fostering a sense of pride and belonging for future generations. By taking small, meaningful actions, we can collectively ensure that the enchanting spirit of New Orleans remains alive, allowing our community to flourish and maintain its distinct character for years to come.

NOLA Fig Facts

Fig trees, particularly those grown in New Orleans, possess several unique and interesting characteristics. Here are a few facts about these enchanting plants:

Variety: The most common fig tree species found in New Orleans is Ficus carica, which is native to the Mediterranean region. However, there are numerous cultivars that have been developed to suit the specific climate and growing conditions in the city, such as the ‘Celeste’ and ‘LSU Purple’ varieties.
Climate adaptation: Fig trees are well-suited to the warm, humid climate of New Orleans. They can tolerate a range of temperatures, but they thrive in the subtropical conditions of the Gulf Coast region.
Fruit-bearing: Fig trees typically produce two crops of fruit per year. The first crop, known as the “breba” crop, grows on the previous year’s wood and ripens in early summer. The second, or “main” crop, grows on new wood and ripens later in the summer.
Pollination: Many fig varieties grown in New Orleans, such as ‘Celeste’ and ‘LSU Purple’, are self-pollinating, meaning they do not require the presence of fig wasps for fertilization. This makes them particularly suitable for urban cultivation.
Culinary uses: Figs have long been an integral part of New Orleans cuisine. They are enjoyed fresh, dried, or incorporated into various dishes, such as preserves, jams, and desserts. One popular local specialty is the fig cake, which blends the fruit’s natural sweetness with the richness of cake batter.
Historical significance: Fig trees have been a part of New Orleans gardens since the city’s early days. The fruit has long been cherished by residents for its taste and versatility, and fig trees have become a symbol of the city’s deep-rooted cultural heritage.
Landscape value: Fig trees provide visual interest in New Orleans gardens, with their large, lobed leaves and striking fruit. They can be grown as single specimens, as part of an edible landscape, or even trained as espaliers against walls or fences.
Wildlife benefits: Fig trees provide food and habitat for various species of birds and insects. Their fruit attracts songbirds, while their dense canopy offers shelter and nesting sites.

By cultivating fig trees in New Orleans, residents not only contribute to the preservation of the city’s horticultural legacy but also enjoy the delightful fruit these trees bear, connecting them to the rich history and vibrant culture of the Crescent City.

Easy Fig Pairing Recipe

Fig and Goat Cheese Crostini

This easy fig recipe is a delightful and simple appetizer that pairs figs’ natural sweetness with goat cheese’s tangy creaminess. Perfect for any gathering or as a light snack, these crostini showcase the versatility of figs.

Ingredients:

1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
8-10 fresh figs, washed and sliced into quarters
8 oz goat cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup balsamic glaze
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bread is lightly golden and crispy.
While the baguette slices are toasting, prepare the figs. Gently wash and pat them dry, then slice each fig into quarters.
Remove the toasted baguette slices from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
Spread a generous layer of goat cheese on each baguette slice. Top each crostini with two fig quarters.
Drizzle honey and balsamic glaze over the fig-topped crostini. You can also warm the honey slightly to make it easier to drizzle if needed.
Garnish each crostini with a fresh basil leaf.
Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors in this easy fig and goat cheese crostini recipe.

This recipe can be easily customized by substituting the goat cheese with blue cheese or mascarpone, or by adding a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect fig pairing.