Do you like figs? Have you eaten a fig? At my local grocery store, I saw bins and bins of this sweet fruit – all shapes and colors. In the USA, they are available in produce sections May-November.
Since figs aren’t on my go-to list, I researched this exotic fruit and want to share some of my findings. Some of the points I’ll cover below include the fruit’s history, how to select and store figs, the health benefits of figs, and recipes featuring figs.
The Fascinating History of Figs
Figs are native to the Middle East. They were first cultivated in Arabia and Egypt around 4,000 B.C. They are mentioned in the Bible and Greek mythology. They were a staple food in ancient Rome. Ancient Romans used them as a sweetener and a medicine. They ate them fresh, dried, and preserved in honey and wine.
Trade and exploration spread figs to other parts of the world. Buddhist monks introduced figs to China around 200 B.C. They reached India by 300 A.D. and Japan by 700 A.D. Figs were brought to Europe by the Greeks and Romans. Spanish missionaries brought figs to America in the 16th century.
To learn more fig history facts visit here.
Explore the Varieties
Figs are diverse fruits in different shapes, colors, and flavors. Some popular fig varieties are Brown Turkey, Black Mission, Kadota, Calimyrna, Chicago Hardy, Yellow Long Neck, LSU Gold, LSU Purple, and Celeste. Each type has its characteristics and uses, from fresh eating to baking to drying.
This article from ChowTray.com provides an overview of several fig varieties, their origins, and their culinary applications.
Health Benefits: What You Need to Know
Figs are nutritious fruit high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They have several potential health benefits, including improved digestion, lowered blood sugar levels, boosted heart health, stronger bones, and reduced cancer risk. Despite these benefits, it’s important to note that figs are also high in sugar, so eat them in moderation. Also, figs may interfere with blood thinning medications, so talk to your doctor if you are taking these medications.
SaVanna Shoemaker of Healthline.com details many health benefits of figs and nutrition facts in “All You Need to Know About Figs.”
How to Choose and Store
As I mentioned, I don’t eat figs regularly, so selecting them has always been a mystery. Figs are delicate and perishable, requiring proper selection and storage to prevent spoilage. One important tidbit I’ve learned is that figs do not ripen much once harvested, so avoid firm figs because firmness means the fruit is underripe. So pick figs that are already ripe and sweet.
Peggy Trowbridge Fillipone explains how to choose ripe figs, store them in the refrigerator or freezer, and use them in various recipes. Peggy provides valuable “How to Select, Store, and Cook Fresh Figs” tips at TheSpruceEats.com.
Delicious Fig Recipes to Try
The following collection of five recipes illustrates the versatility of this fruit:
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- “Roasted Figs and Prosciutto” – Ina Garten at FoodNetwork.com gives us a 3-ingredient recipe for a simple yet enjoyable appetizer or snack. The recipe is easy to follow and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll love the sweet and salty combination of the figs and prosciutto and the caramelized flavor from the oven. If you love the classic pairing of fruit and cured meats, you might also enjoy this complementary summer salad featuring peaches and prosciutto, which is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, ideal for a light lunch or an elegant starter.
- “Fresh Figs and Chicken Thighs in Shallot-Balsamic Reduction” — This article at AllRecipes.com shows you how to make a delicious and easy dish with fresh figs and chicken thighs. It’s perfect for a cozy fall or winter meal or when you have fresh figs.
- “Fig and Almond Cake“– David Tanis at NYTimes.com gives us a simple and delicious fig and almond cake recipe. You can make the cake with fresh or dried figs. It’s a moist and tender cake with a crunchy almond topping and a hint of lemon.
- “Homemade Fresh Fig Jam” – Diana Rattray shares this easy homemade jam recipe at TheSpruceEats.com. It creates a sweet and tangy spread. You can store it in the fridge for up to three weeks or freeze it for longer. It’s perfect for toast, cheese, or desserts.
Conclusion
Figs are a delicious and nutritious fruit with a long history of cultivation. They are available in various shapes, colors, and flavors and can be eaten fresh, dried, or cooked. Figs have many potential health benefits, including improved digestion, lowered blood sugar levels, boosted heart health, stronger bones, and reduced cancer risk.
If you want a new and delicious fruit, I encourage you to try figs. They are a versatile fruit used in various recipes, from appetizers to desserts. I hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned more about figs.
Figs add a unique sweetness to both savory and sweet dishes. For more delicious fruit inspiration, take a look at my guide to the top types of pears.
Oh, by the way, if you try one of the provided recipes, let us know which one you tried and how it turned out in the comments below.
Photo by Garreth Paul on Unsplash
Editorial Update: We strive to keep our content accurate and up-to-date. As part of our ongoing efforts, this article has been moved from Personal Musings to FOOD & RECIPES on 09/20/2023.
