Figs are a tasty, flavorful, and nutritious fruit that make the perfect way to add natural sweetness to a dish. Before you buy a bunch of figs, however, it’s important to learn what they are and how you eat them.
What is a Fig?
A fig is a fruit that grows on the Ficus tree and is known by its soft, sweet flesh and tiny seeds. The fruit is produced inside of a unique type of flower called a ‘syconium’. grows inverted flowers that bloom within the part of the fig that you eat, with each seed being the result of a tiny flower.
The part of the fig that gives it flavor and its juicy texture is actually the seed accessory or the portions of the fig that grow around the seed.
Where Do Figs Come From?
Figs originate from the Mediterranean region, particularly from countries like Greece, and are one of the oldest fruits known to humans. Humans have been eating figs for thousands of years, but in modern times, the fruit can grow anywhere that is warm and dry. In America, most figs are grown in California.
When Are Figs Ripe?
Figs are ripe when they are fully colored, round and plump, slightly soft to touch but still have a little give when touched, and they begin to droop on the stem. Unlike peaches and bananas, figs do not continue to ripen after being picked, and they spoil quickly—so only pick the figs you plan to eat within a day or two.
The 5 Types of Figs
Black Mission Figs
These figs have a dark purple color and are pink on the inside. They are only partially sweet.
Calimyrna Figs
Calimyrna figs are large with green skin and pink interior. They have more of a nutty taste than other fig types.
Brown Turkey Figs
These figs have a brown exterior and are red on the inside. They have the mildest flavor of all figs.
Kadota Figs
Kadota figs are yellow-green on the outside with a pink interior. They aren’t as sweet as Black Mission Figs and are usually used for making preserves.
Adriatic Figs
Adriatic figs are medium-sized and have yellow-green skin. Their interior is both pink and red, and they are known for having the strongest flavor of all fig types.
5 Ways to Eat Figs
1. Fresh
Figs can be eaten as is for a fresh and tasty snack. Just rinse them, cut them in half, and enjoy.
2. Dried
During the off-season, only dry figs are available in the store. These can also be eaten as a snack or incorporated into a sauce or meat dish.
3. Grilled
Slice fresh figs in half and place them on the grill for a few minutes. Remove them and serve as an appetizer.
4. Cooked
Figs can be cooked into a number of recipes, from stews to desserts and more. When you have a recipe that calls for figs, follow the directions to cut and prepare your figs.
5. Canned/Preserved
Figs are common in jam. If you have more figs than you know what to do with, can some for use year-round.
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