Most people know about and enjoy Fig Newton cookies, but we're willing to bet not many have tasted a fresh fig, and boy, are they missing out. 'Olympian' is Pacific NW gardeners' opportunity to grow figs in their own backyards on trees that are anywhere from eight to 12 feet tall, but can be pruned to an "easier-harvest" size and shape. This variety is extremely winter hardy and was named after the city in which it was "discovered" in Washington state. That cold tolerance purportedly allows for two crops per year, once in July then another in September. 

Some people will think this an alien-looking fruit with purple striped, green skins and violet interiors. Fig lovers will swoon over the sweet fig flavor. Gardeners will have to wait one to two years after planting 'Olympian' to sample the first crop, but it will be well worth it.