Figs

Figs - What are the Benefits? 

Recently I came across a video on social media that kind of shocked me. 

The video explained the pollination process of figs and introduced me to a new type of bug... the fig wasp! 

If you're now too interested in this video, below is a link to a short clip of the pollination process.

https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=a591636a69e92710&sxsrf=ACQVn09jxBFrj34e60lpeCp8wPislSjOKA:1708563524905&q=how+are+figs+pollinated&tbm=vid&source=lnms&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=2ahUKEwiMqOmP372EAxUSrokEHWDOBn8Q0pQJegQIDBAB&biw=1470&bih=784&dpr=2#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:2c2e043f,vid:j-Hsqb3hzHg,st:0 

Trust me, you'll want to watch until the end! 

So, because of that little video, I will now give a little information about the history of figs, the nutritional benefits of figs, & a little recipe at the end on how to use figs ☻ 

What are Figs? 

First of all, figs are not considered a fruit, they are considered a flower. There are close to 1,000 variations of the fig, but the most common is the Ficus carica. Most figs are a variation of the figs that come from this tree. Fig trees are native to Turkey and Northern India. Mostly they are found Mediterranean countries with warmer climates. They are very popular in these countries & usually consumed in their dried form. In fact, they use the fruit of the fig tree so much, some will refer to it as "the poor man's food"! 

Why eat Figs? 

Figs are considered to have a soft and chewy texture with a sweet taste. Different from a raisin, date, or prune, they contain little seeds within the body which add a slight crunch when eating them. Figs contain significant amounts of calcium (bone health), potassium (nerve/muscle function), phosphorus (growth/repair of cells), iron (growth/development), & fiber (digestion). All are important micronutrients needed by our bodies to promote health & well-being. So next time you're at the store & want a sweet treat, give a fig a try!

What can I make with Figs? 

One of my favorite snacks that my grandpa used to love to eat was the fig newton. Below I will share a homemade fig newton recipe that is simple but fun to make! 

For the Fig filling 

• 12 oz. figs
• 1 lemon (juice & zest) OR 2 tbsp orange juice 
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon 
• 2 tsp honey 
• splash of water 

The process

• Add all ingredients to a pot & simmer on low for about 10 minutes 
• once 10 minutes has passed, remove mixture from the stove & let cool 
• once cool, place mixture into a food processor (or blender) until it becomes a thick paste 
• set aside 

For the dough

• 1 cup AP flour 
• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour 
• 8 tbsp salted butter (room temperature) 
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon 
• 1 tsp orange OR lemon zest 
• a pinch of salt 
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 

The process

• cream butter & sugar until light & fluffy 
• add egg, vanilla extract, & zest of either lemon or orange & mix until well combined 
• add 3/4 cups of AP flour & the remaining ingredients & mix on low to combine
• add the remaining AP flour until dough comes together 
• plastic wrap dough & let sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour 
• roll out the dough into a large rectangle shape (10x14)
• cut into 3 strips (longways) 
• add filling in the center of each strip 
• fold dough over the filling 
• add to lined baking sheet 
• bake at 325 for 20 minutes or until logs feel dry 
• cut strips into smaller rectangle pieces 
• let cookies cool, rest, & enjoy! 

★ ★ ★

References: 

• https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/pollinators/pollinator-of-the-month/fig_wasp.shtml#:~:text=The%20crunchy%20little%20things%20that,numerous%20species%20around%20the%20world. 
• https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/cooking-tips-tutorials/a44065139/what-are-figs/ 
• https://www.figboss.com/varieties#:~:text=There%20are%201000s%20of%20fig,the%20world%20of%20fig%20varieties. 
• https://www.britannica.com/plant/fig 

Images from: 

1. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-figs 
2. https://www.britannica.com/plant/fig
3. https://www.kosterina.com/blogs/news/ancient-ingredients-modern-superpowers-the-fig-edition 

♡JM♡