The texture and seeds gives a nice mouth feel and crunch, and they satisfy a sweet tooth. Figs are ideal for eating straight from the pack. You can also serve them along with cheeses, nuts and other antipasto delicacies. The sweet red or pink flesh is lovely in baking goods and desserts. Figs are also great to add to your m ü esli, and they are happy in company with oatmeal and other whole grain breakfast porridge. Simply add some fresh or fried figs to make your breakfast not only healthy, but also filled with a lovely nutty taste.
- Figs were probably one of the first fruits to be dried by man. There was a fig tree in the Garden of Eden, and figs have been found in Egyptian tombs. The ancient Egyptians knew figs as the "tree of life". Figs were said to be Cleopatra's favourite fruit; legend has it she ended here life by allowing a snake that was hidden in a basket of figs to bite her. Researcher has suggested that figs were cultivated in Israel more than 11, 000 years ago.
- Figs were given as training food for early Olympic athletes and figs were presented as laurels to the winners as the first Olympic "medal". Figs have also been used as an antidote for ailments, and Mithridates, the Greek King of Pontus ordered his citizens to consume figs daily.
- The fig is considered as a fruit, but it is actually a flower that is inverted into itself. There is no blossom on the branches; the flower is inside the fruit. The tiny flowers produce the crunchy seeds - drupes. Figs are the only fruit to ripe and semi-dry on the tree.
- Figs have a high mineral content - especially calcium. Dried figs contain 250mg of calcium per 100g; in comparison, whole milk contains 118mg. Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, and growing teens and women have especially high needs for calcium.
- They are also a good source of potassium, which is important in helping to regulate blood pressure. The potassium may counteract the increased urinary calcium loss caused by high-salt diets. Salt is frequently added to processed foods. Figs are high in potassium but low in sodium, which is good. Figs also have high levels magnesium, iron, copper and manganese.
- Figs are fat-free and sodium-free and they are high in natural and simple sugars. Figs, like all plants are cholesterol free. Research has suggested that dried figs can play a role in reducing cholesterol. Figs contain a fiber, Pectin, and when it goes through the digestive system, it takes up cholesterol and transports them out of the body.
- Figs promote healthy bowel function due to the high levels of fibre, most of it soluble. Soluble fibre has been shown to help control blood sugar and lower cholesterol. One quarter-cup serving of dried figs provides 5 grams of fibre -- more fibre than any other common fruit or vegetable. Figs have a reputation as a reliever of constipation. Fiber-rich foods may help to maintain a health weight, and they may be helpful in a weight loss programme.
- Figs contain both soluble and insoluble fibres and when both forms are present, together they are more effective in preventing cancer.
- Dried fruits are an excellent source of anti-oxidants by weight/serving size since the water has been removed. Figs are high in polyphenals, a group of antioxidants with potent anti-cancer properties.
- Eating foods that are high alkalinity may be beneficial to persons wishing to quit smoking. The high alkalinity may work by changing the preference of the taste buds. Figs are amongst the most highly alkaline foods . Dried figs contain phenol, and these fatty acids reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
- Figs contain a chemical called Psoralens, and it has been used for thousands of years to treat skin pigmentation diseases. Psoralens are skin sensitizer that promotes tanning in the sun.
Advice
The dried form of figs is more popular. Fresh figs are very delicate and deteriorate quickly. When buying fresh figs, select those, which are plump and have a rich, deep colour. Fresh figs should be free from bruises and not mushy. Ripe figs should be kept covered and refrigerated, where they will remain fresh for approximately two days. Figs should not be washed until ready to eat.
Figs contain measurable amounts of oxalates and people with already existing and untreated kidney and gallbladder problems may want to avoid figs.
Organic figs do not contain sulphites; however, people who are sulphite sensitive should avoid commercially grown dried figs.
