There’s a reason why figs have been eaten for centuriesthey’re delicious and healthy!
Here’s everything you should probably know about figs, from how to enjoy them to their health benefits.
There’s something magical about eating a fresh fig.
Getty Images / Bertl123
It comes off as demure, but one bite reveals how shockingly colorful and flavorful it is inside.
Figs also connect you to the history of humanity.
Yes, there’s something magical about figs, but don’t let that intimidate you.
Here’s everything you’re gonna wanna know about figs.
What Is a Fig?
An achene contains each seed.
We see them more commonly on the outside of strawberries.
Figs' Origin and History
Figs are believed to haveoriginatedin Western Asia.
They arrived in the Mediterranean region, and consequently the rest of the world, through human migration.
Archaeological evidence traces figs back to at least 5000 B.C.
Some scholars believe that figs were one of the first plants to be domesticated by humans.
Throughout history, figs have also been used as a symbol of peace, prosperity and fertility.
Where and When Do Figs Grow?
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.
check that 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.
Do Figs Have Dead Wasps in Them?
The vast majority offigs cultivated for market in the U.S.come from self-pollinating fig trees.
Outside the mass market agricultural system, some figs are still pollinated by female wasps.
According to theBBC’sScience Focus Magazine, “If the fig is a male, she lays her eggs inside.
Luckily for us, the female fig produces an enzyme that digests this wasp completely.
The crunchy bits are seeds, not wasp parts.”
Varieties of Figs
There are hundreds of types of figs.
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.
They’re known for being particularly sweet.
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.
Their insides are vibrant pink-red, and they tend to have a stronger flavor than other fig types.
Grilled figs can make for fragrant appetizers when entertaining at home.
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.
What Are the Health Benefits of Figs?
Figs are not only tasty but they’re also full of good-for-you nutrients and potentialhealth benefits.
Dark-skinned and dried figs are especially rich in these antioxidants.
Some Warnings About Figs
For most people, figs are a nutritious and delicious treat.
Lastly, some people may experience an itchy or sore tongue after eating too many figs.
This is brought on by an enzyme called ficin.
Too much exposure to ficin can cause the tongue to burn and itch temporarily.
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.
