I see a fig: how to eat figs correctly

Fig, also known as fig, fig tree or fig tree, is the most ancient plant that man began to grow for human consumption. There are many varieties of figs. Each has its own color: purple, green, yellow, brown, red, white and even black.

Figs have a sweet, unique taste and crunchy edible seeds. It is eaten both fresh and dried, as well as dried, boiled, baked and even fried. What is the right way to eat figs?

How to eat fresh figs

Fresh figs are eaten correctly during the harvest season – from August to early October. The ripe fruit has a distinct sweet aroma. If it does not smell, it means that it is not yet ripe, and the presence of a sour smell means that the product is spoiled.

Choose fruits without cracks, dents, or dark spots. Press lightly on the peel – the pulp of a ripe fig should be soft. Ripe fruits should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than three days. For longer storage, use freezer.

Take the figs out of the refrigerator an hour before eating – they taste better at room temperature. Before eating, rinse the fruit under cool water, gently wiping off any dirt with your fingers so as not to damage the skin. Then gently dry the fruit with a paper towel.

How to eat figs – with or without peels? The skin of the fruit is edible, so it doesn’t need to be peeled off. Simply remove the stem and use a sharp knife to cut the figs in half or in quarters. However, if you don’t like the texture of the peel, peel it off with your fingers, starting at the top of the fruit.

Raw figs are consumed both as a separate dish and as an additive to cereals, yoghurts and other dairy products. Figs with banana and milk make delicious smoothies. Fresh product can be topped with honey or whipped cream and sprinkled with nuts on top. Or add the fruit to a salad with goat cheese and arugula. Many will appreciate the fresh figs with spicy cheese.

In addition, you can make delicious sweets from figs by simply pouring it with chocolate icing.

Try grilling fresh fruit: cut it in half and fry for 2-3 minutes. Add mascarpone cheese or whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to the finished figs. The fruit can also be grilled by wrapping it in ham.

Fresh figs are baked with chicken and any other meat, adding balsamic vinegar before cooking.  

The dried product can be eaten like a regular dried fruit, added to porridge, cottage cheese, yogurt, ice cream, baked goods and even pizza. To soften the fruit, soak it in water overnight, or boil it in water for 10 minutes.

Before chopping dry figs, dip the knife in warm water to prevent it from sticking to the pulp. Dry figs can be mashed for sauces, drinks and desserts. To do this, soak the fruit in warm water for 15-20 minutes, and then grind it in a blender.

Dry figs are also great as part of a cheese platter. This fruit is suitable for blue and white cheese, goat cheese and feta. Drizzle honey, balsamic vinegar, or olive oil over a plate and serve with slices of bread.

Chief physician of the GKB im. V. V. Vinogradova

“Figs have incredible beneficial properties for our body. First, figs are high in fiber. Everyone knows that fiber very well removes toxins from the body and has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, this fruit is very rich in B vitamins and minerals that have a positive effect on the nervous system and brain function. In Japan, figs are generally considered the main fruit against cancer. Experts say that it helps to stop the multiplication of cancer cells. And figs are also very useful for the cardiovascular system. He strengthens her.

Of course, it is most beneficial when a person consumes fresh figs. Not dried. However, nutritionists recommend it to be eaten in dried form for those people who want to lose weight. But only as a snack. Figs very quickly satisfy hunger and give a feeling of satiety. But fresh figs should be eaten with caution. This fruit is very sweet and high in calories. Therefore, fig lovers can gain extra pounds extremely quickly. And for people with diabetes mellitus and suffering from acute gastrointestinal diseases, it is completely contraindicated. “

Figs: useful properties and contraindications

Figs are a very healthy product. The fruits, leaves and root of the fig tree are even used to prepare medicines. So, fruits help to improve digestion due to prebiotics and high fiber content. Fig also saves with constipation, but due to the large amount of oxalates in the composition, it can cause an undesirable laxative effect, so the product should be consumed in moderation.

Potassium-rich fresh figs are recommended for high blood pressure. It is also an excellent source of calcium, the mineral responsible for bone density. Figs are also rich in magnesium, iron and copper, as well as antioxidant vitamins A, E, and K.