Figs are one of the most unusual and ancient plants. According to archaeological data, it was bred in Urartu in 5000 BC. and in Egypt for 2700 years BC. There is evidence that this fruit was Cleopatra’s favorite.
The fig is a fruit that grows on a tree. The fig tree grows quickly and forms a spreading crown. It can reach a height of 10 m, and penetrates into the ground to a depth of 120 m. This feature is due to the climate in which it is used to growing. It is quite difficult to see how figs bloom. Flowering is almost imperceptible. This is due to another of its features – the flowers are “hidden” inside the inflorescences, which are located in the bark. Ripening period: August-September.
Description
The birthplace of the fig is Kariya, a province of Asia Minor. The fruit is so fond of that today they have learned to grow it not only in Asia Minor and Central Asia. The geography of its growth has expanded: Turkey, Crimea, Mediterranean countries, Transcaucasia and the Caucasus, Moldova, northwestern regions of India, California, etc.
There are several varieties of figs. They differ in the shape and color of the fruit, texture and number of seeds. The shape, depending on the variety, can be heart-shaped or pear-shaped. The color of the skin can vary from dark purple to light green and almost white, the flesh is red or pink. Inside the fruit is a large number of seeds (500-900). The seeds are edible and do not need to be removed before consumption.
Figs have a rich sweet taste. The light green and white fruits are usually larger than the purple ones and have a more delicate flavor and aroma. But purple fruits are a real explosion of concentrated sweetness, iodine and other beneficial trace elements.
Fresh ripe figs spoil quickly. To be able to consume the fruit all year round, it is dried.
How are figs eaten?
The actual question is how to eat figs? This fruit can be eaten fresh or dried.
Let’s answer the question: how to eat fresh figs ?
The advantage of this exotic fruit is that it is a completely independent dish. It can be consumed without any processing, just wash it, break it in half and enjoy its taste. The peel is edible.
The fruit is very sweet, so it is actively used in the preparation of desserts, compotes, jam and jam are cooked from it, marmalade, sauces for meat dishes are prepared. One of the names of figs is wine berry. Ripe fruits with prolonged exposure to the sun begin to ferment inside. Therefore, if this happens and it is no longer possible to eat figs, wine is made from it.
dried figs You can eat all year round, like any dried fruit. It perfectly satisfies hunger in the cold season, is an alternative to sweets and high-calorie foods.
The benefits and harms of figs for the body
What is useful figs? The fruit is high in natural sugars, soluble fiber and minerals. The set of minerals includes: calcium, potassium, copper, iron, magnesium. It is a source of vitamins A and K, contributing to the improvement of health and well-being in general. Fresh figs provide the body with carotene, vitamins B1 and B2, ascorbic acid.
In fresh figs, calorie content per 100 g is 43 calories, the content of other elements:
- 1.3 g protein;
- 0.3 g fat;
- 9.5 g carbohydrates;
- 2 g fiber.
In dried figs, the calorie content per 100 g is 200 calories, the content of the remaining elements:
- 3.3 g protein;
- 1.5 g fat;
- 48.6 carbs;
- 9.2 g fiber.
6 interesting facts about the beneficial properties of figs:
- The high content of potassium supports the work of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. The fruit helps lower blood pressure.
- The enzyme ficin contained in the fruit promotes resorption and prevents the formation of blood clots.
- The amount of iron in figs is higher than in apples. The fruit is recommended in the treatment of anemia and for pregnant women.
- The high content of calcium helps to strengthen bones, favorably affects all elements of the musculoskeletal system. Eating fruit is the prevention of osteoporosis.
- It is a dietary product rich in fiber. Fiber, swelling, fills the stomach. This gives a long-lasting feeling of satiety. Dried figs in the amount of 2-3 pieces are an excellent snack option for PP.
- It has diaphoretic properties, therefore it is recommended for colds that occur with fever (colds, SARS, etc.).
Despite the beneficial properties of figs, there are contraindications to its use:
- diabetes;
- acute inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract;
- gout and other diseases associated with metabolic disorders of oxalic acid;
- pancreatitis;
- individual intolerance.