If you have ever enjoyed a sweet, succulent fig, fresh from the tree, still clinging to its beautiful leaves, you’ll be contributing to a part of history. The fig has endured a long and storied past and is a symbolic fruit in various religions and cultures. Has your experience with figs been limited to the dried variety? Then, you are missing out on an amazing treat. Fresh figs are a delight to the taste bugs and quite different from the dried ones.

Figs are wonderfully sweet and crisp, especially their seeds. Figs grow on the ficus tree, which is a relative of the mulberry tree.

A Colorful History

The fig was represented first in the Bible when Adam and Eve covered themselves with the fruit’s leaves after sinning against God. But the history of the fig continues on. Buddha himself is said to have reached enlightenment while sitting under a fig tree. The Quran mentions the fig as a sacred tree in Islam. The ancient Greeks and Romans held the fig in high regard. Pliny even mentions figs in his writings. Additionally, figs have represented fertility and been eaten throughout the ages because of their aphrodisiac qualities.

First found in Asia, the fig became quite popular after it was introduced to the Mediterranean region. Later, the fig tree made its way to the Americas when the Spanish brought it to California.

Choosing the Perfect Fig

Figs come in various colors like yellow, green, brown, red, and purple. So, when selecting figs for consumption, make sure they are ripe, depending up on which color they should be. Always choose figs that are plump with just a little bit of give, like a peach. That’s how you know when they are ready to be eaten. Mushy figs are overripe.

Figs should be hand-picked off the tree when ripe. Once picked, they will not ripen. Store your figs in the fridge for a couple of days after picking or freeze them immediately if you don’t plan to eat them right away.

If you can’t find fresh figs locally, you can always buy them dried. Ensure that fresh figs are soft, but not mushy and free of mold. They can be stored in the refrigerator. Long periods of exposure to air will turn them dry and hard.

The Healthy Truth

Just like other fruits, figs are filled with good things for your body. Figs are naturally high in vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and iron. With their high level of potassium, they are an ideal food for those with high blood pressure. Figs are a good source of fiber, so they are a sweet treat for those who are watching their waistlines.

Although most people expect that you can only eat the fruit itself, fig leaves are also edible and full of fiber. The leaves, which reduce insulin in the human body and are considered a good food for those who are diabetic, are eaten in some cultures.

Enjoy Eating Figs

The simplest way to enjoy a fresh fig is to eat them freshly picked off a tree. Peel off the outer skin and pop the soft fruit into your mouth for a truly joyous experience. But if you’re up for something more sophisticated, slice them up and toss the figs with greens, and Parmesan cheese for a wonderful salad.

If you’re in the mood for a little something more erotic, place fresh figs in a bowl of cool water and invite your lover to eat them with you. Forget the utensils! Instead, eat figs the way they do in Italy – with your fingers.

Figs make a sweet base for jams and are a tasty complement to such foods as honey, prosciutto, oranges, and wine. Dried figs can be steamed and chopped and then added to cookie dough or pudding. In addition, they can be prepared into a sauce for pork or chicken.

Final Thought

Most people are only familiar with dried figs because of the popularity of fig bar cookies, but whenever you have the opportunity to eat fresh figs, do so with gusto. This delicious fruit tastes sweet and has a fragrant scent and eating one is just a treat for the senses. But if you can only track down dried figs, not to worry. The dried variety is tasty, too, and offers all of the benefits as the fresh fruit.