In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleWhat Is a Fig?Figs' Origin and HistoryWhere and When Do Figs Grow?Do Figs Have Dead Wasps in Them?Varieties of FigsHow to Eat FigsWhat Are the Health Benefits of Figs?Some Warnings About Figs
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
What Is a Fig?
Figs' Origin and History
Where and When Do Figs Grow?
Do Figs Have Dead Wasps in Them?
Varieties of Figs
How to Eat Figs
What Are the Health Benefits of Figs?
Some Warnings About Figs
Healthy Fig Recipes
Despite being called a fruit, a fig is technically asyconium—a tiny group of inverted flowers growing inside a pod. Each pod contains hundreds of flowers, and each flower produces a small seed, which is the actual fruit of the fig plant. An achene contains each seed. We see them more commonly on the outside of strawberries. Each fig consists of hundreds of achenes (they’re the slightly crunchy bit), which means that every time you eat a fig, you’re actually eating multiple fruits at one time. The flesh around the achene (the soft delicious part that we enjoy the most) isaccessory fruit, even though to us it’s the main event.
Throughout history, figs have also been used as a symbol of peace, prosperity and fertility. The fruit was an important part of ancient Greek and Roman life and continues to play a symbolic role in certain religions such as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism andBuddhism—Buddhists believe that the Buddha found enlightenment while sitting under a fig tree.
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Figs grow in climates that are warm and dry like in the Mediterranean region. In the U.S., the majority of figs are grown in California.
Figs are available during the summer to early fall depending on the variety. When choosing figs, look for ones that are plump but still give a little when touched. Figs don’t ripen after being picked, so avoid ones that are very firm. Fresh figs are delicate and do not last very long. Make sure to store them in the refrigerator and eat them within a week of purchasing. If you choose to leave them out, be prepared to eat them within a couple of days. Alternatively, dried, canned and frozen figs are available year-round at many major grocery stores.
There are hundreds of types of figs. They vary in color and size, but in terms of taste, there are only subtle differences between varieties. All figs have a jam-like quality and taste like a mix between a strawberry, currant and date. Underlining these flavors are notes of honey, flowers and nuts. Here are five common varieties sold in the U.S.
Black Mission Figs
Kadota Figs
These figs have a teardrop shape and are yellow-green on the outside and pink-brown on the inside. They’re not as sweet as Mission figs and are commonly used for canning.
Brown Turkey Figs
True to their name, these figs have purple-brown skin and a red interior. They’re large and milder than other fig varieties. This variety of the fruit is also sometimes referred to as Black Spanish figs.
Calimyrna Figs
These figs are large and squat with green skin and bright pink flesh. They’re noted as having a nuttier flavor profile. When grown in California, they’re called Calimyrna, but when grown in Turkey, they’re known as Smyrna.
Adriatic Figs
These figs are medium in size and have pale, yellow-green skin that is sometimes striped. Their insides are vibrant pink-red, and they tend to have a stronger flavor than other fig types.
Figs are wonderful eaten whole and raw, but they can also be roasted like in this easy and irresistible recipe forHoney, Balsamic & Rosemary Roasted Figs. Grilled figs can make for fragrant appetizers when entertaining at home. If you simply want to capture that figgy flavor but aren’t sure how you want to use your figs yet, make an easy fig jam. Figs work well in both sweet and savory dishes, and can easily be paired with many different flavor profiles and textures.
Aside from being eaten as a tasty snack, dried figs can be incorporated in stews and taste great with hearty meats such as duck and lamb. They can easily be incorporated into a salad, like this simpleFig & Goat Cheese Salad. They taste especially great with abalsamic vinaigrette.
Figs are naturally sweet and are an easy ingredient to use in desserts. Or for something super easy, simply slice and eat with Greek yogurt.
Figs are not only tasty but they’re also full of good-for-you nutrients and potentialhealth benefits.
Furthermore, according to theUSDA, figs provide a good source of magnesium, potassium and calcium, essential minerals that support bone health.
For most people, figs are a nutritious and delicious treat. However, if you’re on blood-thinning medications, be careful to consume figs in moderation because they’re rich in vitamin K, which can interfere with your prescription. Additionally, if you have an allergy to latex, know that fig trees naturally produce latex and thus you may want to be cautious about their fruits.
The Bottom Line
There’s a reason why people have been eating figs for centuries—they’re tasty, healthy and simple to prepare. Next time you come across figs at the store, grab a package or two. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you go through them.
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