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Botanical name
Ficus carica
Other Names
Common Fig
Description
An Asian species of flowering plant in the mulberry family that is native to the Middle East and western Asia. It is grown as an ornamental tree and for its edible fruit.
Vitamins and Minerals
- Vitamin A
- Thiamine (B1)
- Riboflavin (B2)
- Niacin (B3)
- Pantothenic acid (B5)
- Vitamin B6
- Folate (B9)
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Calcium
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Zinc
Phytochemicals/polyphenols
- Gallic acid
- Chlorogenic acid
- Syringic acid
- (+)-catechin
- (−)-epicatechin
- Rutin
Note: Fig color may vary between cultivars due to various concentrations of anthocyanins, with cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside having particularly high content.
Health Benefits
- Can help treat constipation due to a high fiber content.
- The leaves of the fig shrub can help regulate diabetes symptoms.
- May help lower high blood pressure
- Protective against postmenopausal breast cancer
- Fig leaves have been shown to lower levels of triglycerides
- Potential protection against macular degeneration
- Fig tree latex may remove warts, but don’t use figs on your skin if you’re allergic to latex. Also note: Contact with the milky sap of Ficus carica followed by exposure to ultraviolet light can cause phytophotodermatitis, a potentially serious skin inflammation.
- Believed to strengthen and moisturize hair, and promote hair growth.
Notes: People allergic to rubber latex or birch pollen may also be allergic to figs.
Background and History
The edible fig is one of the first plants that was cultivated by humans and are thought to be first cultivated in Egypt.
Figs were introduced to other regions of the Mediterranean by ancient conquerors and then brought to the Western Hemisphere by the Spaniards in the early 16th century.
In the late 19th century, when Spanish missionaries established the mission in San Diego, California, they also planted fig trees. After the development of further cultivation techniques in the early 20th century, California began focused cultivation and processing of figs. Today, California is one of the largest producers of figs in addition to Turkey, Greece, Portugal and Spain.
Flavor Profile
Figs have a honey-like sweetness that is rich with a soft, smooth texture
Pairs Well With
- Blue cheese
- Bacon
- Pears
- Oranges
- Raspberries
- Red wine
- Balsamic or sherry vinegar.
- Honey
- Caramel
- Vanilla
- Cinnamon
- Nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts.
Storage
Figs are one of the most perishable fruits and will only last for a day or two after ripening. Keep in the refrigerator to slow deterioration.
Popular Uses
- Eaten fresh.
- Used in jam-making.
- Often used in desserts and snacks such a fig bars.
- Added to salads.
- Frequently dried to preserve them since they spoil rather quickly.
Grow Your Own Figs
- How to Grow and Care for a Fig Tree – Lots of detailed information on the types of fig trees, planting, watering, fertilizing and more.
Recipes With Figs
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/quick-fig-recipes-2217623
- https://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/slideshow/fig-recipes