Question: My figs taste really bad. What causes that?

Answer: Usually, it’s the result of invasion by the dried fruit beetle. This tiny insect invades the fruit through its open end, or “eye.” The insects carry an organism that causes the fruit to deteriorate, or “sour.” There is no chemical control for the pest, but you can plant varieties like Texas Everbearing or Celeste. In South Texas, the variety Alma is another option. Each has closed eyes, so the insects cannot invade.