John Myers
The fig, popular as a dried fruit, can also be enjoyed fresh. Below you can read where it comes from, what you should look out for when shopping and what you can do with the sweet little fruits.
Interesting facts about the fig
The real fig belongs to the mulberry family and is one of the oldest cultivated plants. It is cultivated throughout the Mediterranean region, which is also where the main export countries can be found today. Like dried figs, fresh specimens are also available from us all year round. Depending on the season, they are sourced from Turkey, Brazil, Israel, Peru or South Africa. Depending on the variety, the pear-shaped to spherical fruit from the tree is light green to violet-green on the outside and pink to bright red on the inside. The fig tastes aromatically sweet and juicy. You can eat the skin of fresh figs, which varies in thickness depending on the variety, as well as the small seeds in the flesh.
Purchasing and storage
On the fruit shelves you will find the fruit named by region of origin, not by variety. When buying, make sure that the fruit is not too soft and does not show any bruises or damage. At home, they should be stored cool and away from contact and eaten within a few days, as fresh figs ferment quickly. To preserve them, you can also dry the fruit yourself with a dehydrator or in the oven. With the latter method, it is best to choose a low temperature and leave the oven door ajar.
Useful kitchen tips
You should observe the following when processing figs: Rinse the fruit thoroughly, let it dry and remove the stalks. They can then be eaten whole or sliced and scooped out. After eating or processing, you should wash your hands as a precaution, as figs can ooze a whitish liquid that can sting your eyes if touched.
Cut into small pieces, the fig complements fruit salads, muesli and desserts, can be boiled down into jams or chutneys and baked in cakes. The fruit also tastes delicious in combination with hearty dishes. Cooked in the sauce for the roast, it skilfully refines the meat, and as an accompaniment to the cheese platter, spicy varieties such as goat’s cheese or manchego. Our aromatic fig mustard and our fig jam also go well with this. An autumnal salad with figs, grapes and walnuts is also a great combination of flavors.
What are the benefits of eating figs?
Figs are a good source of both calcium and potassium. These minerals can work together to improve bone density, which can, in turn, prevent conditions like osteoporosis. Studies suggest that a potassium-rich diet, in particular, can improve bone health and reduce bone turnover.
Is there a wasp in every fig?
No. While female wasps lay eggs within a fig fruit, the crunch you experience when eating a fig does not come from those eggs. All wasps have either exited the fig or their exoskeletons have been broken down and absorbed by the fruit.
What does a fig taste like?
What Does It Taste Like? Fresh figs have a sweet, honeyed taste and a soft, squishy texture studded with discernible seeds that give it crunch. Dried figs have a concentrated sweetness and a chewy texture; the seeds are nearly undetectable.
Are figs good for sperm count?
Figs include a high level of antioxidants and essential nutrients and minerals. As a result, it can help improve sperm motility and count. Therefore, fig fruits are incredibly beneficial in increasing sperm count. A study proves the efficiency of fig leaf extracts in increasing sperm count.
Can I eat raw figs?
The best way to enjoy figs is raw, with the skin and seeds intact. You can also remove the peels and scoop out the seeds, if you like, or cook figs by baking, broiling or grilling them. But, the quickest and easiest way to enjoy these gems is by removing the stem and taking a bite right out of the raw fig.
Do figs have worms in them?
So yes, there are definitely dead bugs in figs. But the fig essentially digests the dead wasps as it ripens—ashes to ashes, dust to dust, fig to fig, you get the idea—so don’t worry, that crunchy texture in the center of a fig really IS just its seeds.
Are figs toxic?
Although the plant is not poisonous per se, F. carica is listed in the FDA Database of Poisonous Plants. Organic chemical compounds called furanocoumarins are known to cause phytophotodermatitis in humans. The common fig contains significant quantities of two furanocoumarins, psoralen and bergapten.
Can dogs eat figs?
Yes, dogs can eat fresh figs in moderation. When consumed in small quantities, figs can have health benefits for your pooch. They are a great source of dietary fiber, potassium, and calcium—essential nutrients for promoting strong bones, good blood pressure, and a healthy digestive system.
Is it OK to eat figs everyday?
However, moderation is the key as dried figs are high on calories. It is recommended to limit portion size to about 2-3 figs per day. Moreover, dried figs serve as a healthy snack for gaining weight.
Are figs high in sugar?
However, fig fruits — especially dried figs — are high in sugar and may increase blood sugar levels in the short term. If you have trouble managing your blood sugar levels, you should limit your intake of dried figs.
Do figs make you gain weight?
Figs are fairly low in calories and high in fiber, which makes them very filling. Incorporating high-fiber foods like figs into a balanced diet may help you stay full between meals and avoid eating too much, which may promote weight loss.
