Figue

Figs are a fascinating and ancient fruit with a rich history and unique characteristics. They are the fruit of the Ficus tree, which is a part of the mulberry family. What we commonly call the fruit is actually a structure known as a syconium, which is an enclosed cluster of flowers that bloom inside. This is why you never see fig flowers.

Key Characteristics of Figs

• Taste and Texture: Figs have a soft, chewy texture with tiny, edible seeds that give them a slight crunch. Their flavor is distinctly sweet and honey-like, with some varieties having nutty or berry notes.
• Varieties: There are hundreds of varieties of figs, but some of the most common include:
  • Black Mission: A popular dark purple fig with a rich, sweet flavor.
  • Brown Turkey: A reddish-brown fig with a mild, less sweet taste.
  • Calimyrna: A large, green fig known for its nutty flavor.
  • Kadota: A green fig with a delicate, sweet flavor.
• Nutritional Value: Figs are a great source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion. They are also rich in minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
• Culinary Uses: Figs can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or cooked. Fresh figs are delicious on their own or paired with savory ingredients like prosciutto, cheese, and nuts. Dried figs are a popular snack and can be used in baking and cooking. They are also a common ingredient in jams, preserves, and desserts.

A Unique Pollination Process

Figs have a unique and intricate relationship with a specific type of wasp, the fig wasp. The female fig wasp enters the syconium to lay her eggs, pollinating the fig's internal flowers in the process. While this may sound strange, it's a completely natural and symbiotic relationship. The figs we eat are typically from cultivated varieties that don't require this pollination process to produce fruit, so you won't find wasps inside them.