Health Benefits of Figs

A fairly sweet, honeyed flavor along with a gentle (some may possibly say soft) texture help make fresh figs really worth seeking out. Unctuous fruit studded along with noticeable seeds really are a long way away from the dried figs generally people know. Yet that producing texture causes them to be especially responsive to travel, since they break up as well as ruin rapidly if not dealt with with kid gloves, a fact that makes locally grown figs much more provocative.

Figs have got two seasons. A fast, shorter season during early summer another, main crop which begins at the end of summer and runs through fall. Figs are not able to tolerate temperatures a lot below 20°F, and they are unavailable from regional sources in much of the Midwest and northeastern U.S.Even though regarded as a fruit, the fig is really a flower which is inverted into itself. The seeds are usually drupes, or the real fruit.Figs is definitely the only fruit to totally ripen as well as semi-dry on the tree. For several years the fig has been utilized as a coffee replacement. The fruit includes a proteolytic enzyme which is regarded as an aid to digestion and is also utilized by the pharmaceutical drug business.

Health Benefits of Figs

A significant source of nutrition, particularly immediate energy, figs could be enjoyed fresh within the warmer seasons, and dried all through the year. These may be enjoyed not just as fruit, but additionally in jams as well as chutneys produced from them. The health benefits of fig are listed below

1. Heart Health:

Figs assist the heart to operate typically. As mentioned above, due to lower sodium and intensely higher potassium as well as magnesium, figs manage as well as reduce blood pressure level. Together with that dietary fiber obtained in figs reduces the damaging cholesterol levels.

Anti-oxidants contained in the figs, just like vitamin C, manage as well as hinder the development of free-radicals, therefore preventing the build-up of plaque within arteries as well as veins (atherosclerosis).It really is discovered that figs are a fantastic method of obtaining omega 3 and also omega 6 essential fatty acids. Therefore getting very few parts of figs will surely save the heart from the massive amount of diseases.

This nutritious rich fruit encourages the healthy heart. To obtain the fig health advantages you have to consume this “fitness fruit “regularly.

2. Bone Health:

Bone frailty results in brittleness as well as thinning of the bones, ultimately resulting in osteoporosis and/or arthritis.

Foods which have higher calcium levels are ideal for the bones. Calcium together with potassium work to encourage bone density as well as power. Calcium helps you to improve the bones, whilst potassium decreases calcium loss by means of urine, making certain the body has got both the nutrients in plentiful.

The calcium in fig performs a significant part in conditioning the bones. Just include figs in your daily diet to acquire optimum advantages. It retains the normal bone strength and density. Therefore helps prevent the growth of bone associated problems just like osteoporosis in senior years. A fig health advantage consists of the role of assisting healthy bones.

Figs may serve as an alternate source of calcium for people who are hypersensitive towards milk products. Fig juice is definitely an outstanding replacement for those struggling with milk allergies as well as lactose intolerance.

3. Diabetic and Weight Watcher’s Food:

Not only have the fruit, even leaves of the tree, assisted reduced insulin for insulin injection dependent diabetics. The fruit, in addition to a liquid extract produced from leaves whenever included with diabetic meals, has help lower sugar levels within the blood. Even though, high on sugar, figs contain the benefit of carrying natural sugar an dietary fiber, which makes it one of ‘the fruits’ to eat in the weight reduction program.

4. Protect lipoproteins in the blood from oxidation:

Research has shown that consuming figs creates a substantial rise in anti-oxidant capacity which may last for 4 hours soon after usage. This increase in anti-oxidants permits the body to beat the oxidative stress of eating harmful foods just like high fructose corn syrup present in carbonated sodas. Take into account that the darker types of figs include a increased anti-oxidant capacity and lots of these phytonutrients are normally found within the skin once the fruit is completely ripened.

5. Provide relief from chronic constipation and gastrointestinal disorders:

As everyone knows, foods high in fiber perform an essential role to soften the stools. This enables the intestines to eliminate the stools effortlessly.

The fiber content within figs is incredibly high, therefore frequent usage of figs can keep bowel problems away, since it promotes huge stool formation. Therefore, it helps with healthy bowel function. Normal usage of the fruit may prevent further repeat of the difficulty.

Fig usage helps you to deal with bowel problems like irregularity as well as hemorrhoids or pile, since they are slightly laxative in essence.

6. Figs are high in flavonoids:

Figs consist of higher quantity of a flavonoid quercetin. Research is displaying that dietary consumption of quercetin might be linked to the protection against lung as well as colon cancers.

7. Reduce inflammation that’s linked to the development of cancer:

Because of higher amounts of another flavonoid known as luteolin, figs have got extremely distinct anti-inflammatory actions within the body. Luteolin has got powerful anti-oxidant abilities and is also extremely effective at overcoming free-radicals. In comparison with some other flavonoids, luteolin was the very best at blocking the development of tumours. Luteolin utilized topically is shown to be a key player in the prevention as well as management of cancer of the skin.

8. Control high blood pressure:

Higher salt consumption as well as minimal potassium usage, will make a person vunerable to high blood pressure levels. It’s really a well-known fact that potassium rich foods assist to avoid high blood pressure levels.

Sodium levels within figs are extremely lower however their potassium content is extremely high. That’s why figs are perfect to avoid as well as control high blood pressure successfully.

Figs are a fantastic method of obtaining potassium. This essential mineral aids you to manage blood pressure level by leading to blood vessels to relax which leads to a drop in pressure. The potassium within figs works especially well in ‘salt sensitive hypertension’ since it boosts the urinary excretion of sodium chloride. Do this recipe to get a excellent hit of fig:

9. Control of Diabetes:

The high quantity of potassium in fig fruit keeps the blood sugar levels of the body under control. The fruit, in addition to a liquid extract produced from fig leaves whenever included with diabetic meals, reduce the sugar levels within the blood.

In insulin centered diabetics, who are using insulin injections to manage the diabetes, fig fruit as well as fig leaves, helps you to reduce levels of insulin.

10. Weight Loss:

Figs are fantastic source of dietary fibers. These types of fibers are ideal for decreasing bodyweight and therefore are frequently appropriate for weightloss routine.

A fig health benefit consists of weight reduction also. Even though, high on sugar, figs contain the benefit of carrying natural sugar, which makes it certainly one of ‘the fruits’ to consume for weight reduction.

11. Lowers High Cholesterol Level:

As everyone knows, a high cholesterol level puts an individual in the danger zone of cardiovascular problems.

Figs are usually fiber rich fruits that have an essential dietary fiber, referred to as pectin, which will help in reducing the levels of cholesterol in your body. Pectin basically soaks up cholesterol that is then removed away from the body.

12. Keep Colon Healthy:

Frequent usage of figs safeguards the colon from numerous inflammation related illnesses. It guarantees healthy bowel function and may provide protection from colon cancer.

13. Anemia:

Fig health advantages consists of correction of anemia. Figs have got higher iron as well as foliate content. This really is extremely good for iron lacking anemic individuals, together with seriously menstruating, pregnant as well as lactating women.

Whenever fig is taken along with milk, it may result in enhancement in anemic problem.

14. Beneficial for Skin:

Fig fruits are great for our skin since they are abundant with anti-oxidants. The phenols as well as flavonoids are classified as the two ingredients of anti-oxidants generously present in figs. They offer outstanding anti-aging outcomes.

Whenever baked figs are applied to the skin, it may reduce many forms of skin inflammations just like boil and abscess. Additionally, it has got anti septic as well as emollient qualities, which makes it a fantastic home treatment for skin care. As fresh figs have a very good quantity of water within it, they are able to function as a good skin cleanser. On use of fresh mashed figs, it may heal skin troubles just like acne and also pimples. The juice of fresh figs cure ingrown toenails.

15. Eye Health:

Figs are ideal for eye-sight. They’re outstanding options for vitamin A, which usually helps prevent degeneration of eye-sight that takes place as we grow older. Consuming figs on a regular basis is the better option you’ve got for sustaining ideal eye health.

A glowing skin or even excellent eyesight in old age is a few of the benefits of anti-oxidant abundant foods.

16. Good for Asthma:

Figs are believed valuable in the management of asthma. Phlegmatic cases of cough as well as asthma are cured with success by their use. It provides comfort to the patient by draining of the phlegm.

17. Sexual Weakness:

Figs could be beneficially utilized in the management of sexual debility. They may be supplemented by other dry fruits just like almonds as well as dry dates together with butter. Their use has proven good at such cases.

Dip 2-3 figs in milk overnight as well as consume them each morning to boost your sexual power. It may also help in putting on the weight.

18. Fiberlicious:

Dried figs are loaded with soluble as well as insoluble fiber. The insoluble fiber present in figs keeps the digestive tract healthy, while the soluble fiber decreases LDL cholesterol levels to lessen the chance of cardiovascular disease.

19. Good for healthy red blood cells:

A 100 gram serving of dried figs provides 16 percent of the suggested every day iron necessity – a mineral that is essential for building healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen through the entire body. Most premenopausal ladies do not get sufficient iron within their diet – yet post-menopausal men and women need to limit their iron consumption unless they’ve got a known insufficiency since an excessive amount of iron boosts the chance of cardiovascular disease.

Treats breast cancer- Adequate fiber within fig even provide safety from the difficulty of post-menopausal breast cancer.

Avoids urinary calcium loss- Individuals who take a salt-rich diet have problems with this urinary illness. Yet, the existence of potassium within figs really helps to get over this severeness.

20. Other Benefits:

Research is being performed to figure out figs dietary advantages to decrease the chance of breast cancer. A storehouse of iron and also folate, it’s extremely good for iron lacking anemic people, menstruating, pregnant and also lactating ladies. Additionally, it has anti septic as well as emollient qualities, which makes it a great home cure for skincare, fresh mashed figs applied to skin not just cleanses it, but can be useful for treating acne as well as pimples. Its usage helps you to deal with bowel conditions like irregularity as well as hemorrhoids or even pile, because they are slightly laxative in effect.

More About Fig

This particular proteolytic enzyme, also referred to as ficin, mainly included in the stem of the fruit, allows you to break down tissue as well as was for several years the main component in Adolph’s Meat Tenderizer. Due to the higher alkalinity, it’s been described as good for persons wanting to stop smoking.

Dried figs were first available in a commercially produced cookie in 1892.

Figs include a natural humectant – a chemical substance which will prolong freshness as well as moistness in cooked items.

Yet another chemical present in figs, Psoralens, has been utilized for centuries to deal with skin pigmentation illnesses. Psoralens which take place naturally in figs, some other plants and fungi, is really a skin sensitizer which encourages tanning in the sunshine.

Fig History

The common fig most likely originated from the fertile portion of southern Arabia as well as ancient records demonstrate that the Sumerians and Assyrians were acquainted with it. Although the delicious fig probably originated from ancient Arabia, the grown fig industry most likely started in western Asia or even Asia Minor, most likely in that center of ancient civilization between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers referred to as Mesopotamia.

Figs distribute gradually through Asia Minor as well as Syria to Mesopotamia, Persia and the Arabian Desert, turning into highly developed in Iran, Armenia, and Afghanistan.

India first developed figs within the 14th century and delicious native types may still be discovered growing within the Punjab hills. The very first proven report of figs in China was reported within the 14th century too, and it’s also presumed that by then they were securely set up within the Far East.

Proof suggests that the fig industry spread by the Phoenicians and also the Greeks through the entire Old World, and that their efforts led to the development of figs across the African coast, Spain, Portugal, and up to the English Channel after the 14th century and just before introduction into Greece and Italy.

Figs were very first introduced in the New World by Spanish and Portuguese missionaries, especially to the West Indies in 1520 and to Peru in 1528. From the West Indies, Greece, and France, figs quickly distribute throughout the southeastern United States exactly where they are most commonly known as a dooryard tree instead of a thriving commercial industry. They were imported from the West Indies to Spanish missions in Mexico and subsequently spread to California while using Franciscan missionaries who planted them within the mission gardens at San Diego in 1769 and up the Pacific coast to Santa Clara by 1792, Ventura by 1793, and later on to Sonoma, giving the name Mission to those first dark purple California figs.Together with the rush for gold, American settlers brought numerous types of figs to California, and also by 1867 there were over 1,000 acres of fig trees within the Sacramento Valley and 35 acres within the San Joaquin Valley. Typically the most popular range, the White Adriatic fig, was grown within a 27-acre orchard in Fresno as soon as 1885, and produced the very first carload of dried figs shipped by rail towards the east in 1889.

The White Adriatic stayed well-known till the Twentieth century, however its quality when dried was inferior to imported figs, resulting in the introduction of the Lob Injir variety of Smyrna fig. This new introduction grew and made plentiful fruit however it all dropped by earlier summer, never maturing as well as ripening.It wasn’t till 1890 while C. Roeding revealed that caprification was essential for those to set fruit. Lastly, caprifigs imported by W. T. Swingle from Asia Minor, Smyrna, Mexico, Greece, and Algeria led to effective issue of the specific blastophaga (fig) wasp required for pollination and also the California commercial fig industry was developed on June 23, 1899. Today this well-known golden-brown fig is the Smyrna variety which was taken to 99California’s San Joaquin Valley from Turkey in 1882, and was re-named Calimyrna honoring its new homeland.

Impressed with the land in Fresno in spite of its hardpan and hog wallows, J.C. Forkner bought 6,000 acres and planted figs in 1910 blasting holes throughout the hardpan with dynamite so that tree roots might get right through to the deep soil beneath. Having an everlasting belief within the American dream, J.C. Forkner subdivided and sold this land so that people could possess a few acres of figs, build a home, and become profitable on 1-acre to 1,000-acre plots with an average holding of 16 acres per owner. About at that time, fig orchards covered much of the area which is within the city limits of Fresno, today. By 1931, California had 57,278 acres of figs, with virtually all of it found in the central San Joaquin Valley.

Types of Figs

Fresh figs are very delicate. Ripe ones usually split even if left totally alone! Finding locally grown figs could be tricky away from California, however they could be grown anywhere which winter temperatures do not drop below 20°F. Here are some types to look for at markets close to you.

1. Commom Fig

It refers back to the delicious figs that we all consume. The medical title of the common fig is Ficus carica. It is indigenous to the Mediterranean region and also to southwest Asia. Fig was one of the primary plants to be grown by humans – it’s a really old guy! These types of fruits have several the best health advantages to humans and therefore are on top of their nutritional value. Dried figs are specifically great for health and really are a rich source of calcium and several other minerals, and in addition flavonoids and vitamin K.

Common Figs are definitely the only figs substantial to industrial growers in Texas. These types of figs develop parthenocarpically (without pollination) and therefore are probably the most common kind of fig cultivated in Texas. The fruit doesn’t have true seeds and is also mainly created on wood from the current season. Most types suitable for Texas are of the Common Fig type.

2. Caprifig

Caprifigs build a tiny non-edible fruit; however, the flowers within the Caprifig product pollen. This pollen is important for fertilizing fruit of the Smyrna and San Pedro types. The pollen is transported from the Caprifigs to the pollen-sterile types by the Blastophaga wasp. Industrial growers hang baskets of Blastophaga-infested Caprifigs so the wasps can efficiently fertilize the fruit. Caprifigs were cultivated successfully at Del Rio, Texas, as early as 1901.

3. Smyrna Fig

Smyrna Fig types produce huge delicious fruit along with true seeds. The Blastophaga wasp as well as Capriifigs are needed for pollination and also normal fruit development. If this fertilization process doesn’t happen, fruit will not develop properly and will fall from the tree. Smyrna-type figs are commonly sold as dried figs.

4. San Pedro Fig

San Pedro type figs have two crops of fruit in a single season – one crop around the earlier season’s development another crop on present development. The first crop, known as the Breba crop, is parthenocarpic and doesn’t need pollination. Fruit of the second crop is definitely the Smyrna type and needs pollination from the Caprifig. Breba crops are made early in the spring on last season’s wood. However, the second crop of Smyrna type may neglect to set due to insufficient pollination from Blastophaga and Caprifig. This second crop fruit drop regularly discourages homeowners.

5. Adriatic Fig

These types of pale green to pale yellow figs are occasionally known as “white figs” because of their mild color. I’ve additionally seen them sold as “candy striped figs” whenever striped just like the ones shown here. They’ve got bright pink to outstanding red insides as well as an extra-sweet flavor. They’re collected in June and also again in August.

6. Black Mission Fig

Amongst the most prestigious as well as accessible fig types on the planet, the Black Mission is considered to have come from a seedling tree someplace within the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain. The variety, once referred to as the Franciscana, took over as the main fig of the Catholic missions – and as the variety was utilized by the developing fig industry of California, the name Black Mission was created. This fig is small, with thick pink flesh seriously studded with seeds that provide a pleasing crunch to the silky flesh. The texture of the perfectly ripe one is sticky as well as jammy – and those left extra-long on the tree, the place that the sun dries them out just like prunes, are additional sweet as well as gummy.

Black Mission figs are incredibly sweet (sometimes they even can ooze a little bit of syrup) and therefore are fantastic for serving plain or even along with yogurt or even tangy fresh cheese (just like marscapone, fromage blanc, or farmers cheese) for dessert. They have got blackish-purple skin as well as dark pink flesh.

7. Brown Turkey Fig

This seriously popular and huge fig is developed around the globe perhaps a lot more than {almost every other|any}. Its origins get back to earlier 1700s, when it was initially unveiled in England – perhaps from Italy. The fruits are spear like as well as pear-shaped, along with maple-brown skin. While shopping, beware of Brown Turkey figs harvested too soon, that will be rigid and hard, and taste dull as well as flat. But those with sensitive skin which bruises easily will probably be soft and also velvety, and heavy, sweet and also juicy inside.

Brown Turkey figs have got brownish-dark purple skin, a milder taste as compared to other figs, and therefore are significantly less sweet than the similar-looking Black Mission figs. Brown Turkey figs work effectively in salads or perhaps in desserts where the sweetener will probably be used.

8. Calimyrna Fig

Usually dried, this particular initially Turkish fig is exceptional like a fresh fruit. Its huge fruits separated along with ripeness as sap as well as sugars emerge through the breaches within the skin. Such figs taste of honey, jam as well as butterscotch, having a nuttiness from the several seeds. All you are able to find are semi-ripe supermarket figs? Then grill them, that literally brings out caramel notes along with a hot and spicy holiday zest whilst softening them in the sticky, sweet globs which the best figs are. Calimyrna figs usually are relatively big, along with somewhat golden skin along with a pinkish flesh which has a exclusive crazy taste.

9. Sierra Fig

A green-skinned fig, the Sierra is yet another new selection, designed by breeders in the year 2006. The Sierra looks like the Calimyrna, a well-liked fig along with roots in western Turkey. The fruits are huge as well as spherical, well suited for slicing open as well as serving by the half, possibly topped along with cheese as well as essential olive oil.

10. King Fig

This particular cold-tolerant fig is cultivated on smaller farms round the country, mainly in cooler areas just like the Pacific Northwest, as well as places exactly where cold winters prevent various other types, just like the heat-loving Calimyrna as well as Black Mission. The King is really a teardrop-shaped, green-skinned fig with dark purple flesh completely self-indulgent when the fruits are permitted to fully ripen. Shop at farmers markets or even natural foods groceries to find the best bet at finding genuinely ripe figs.

11. Kadota Fig

The most typical green type, the Kadota is considered to be many thousands of years old. Pliny the Elder is said to possess recommended this range, known in Italy as the Dotatto. The skin is yellowish green, along with the flesh specifically smooth and silky. It really is among the commonly seen fresh figs within California.

Celeste: It’s really a tiny to moderate, violet skin along with incredibly sweet, juicy white pulp. Good fresh or even dried. A popular one for container gardening.

12. Strangler Fig

This kind gets its title from the uncommon life-cycle that the trees comply with. The tree is developed and grown on the host plant just as one epiphyte within the initial period. Since the roots of the seedling touch the soil, the tree grows quickly and takes over the host plant – just as if “strangling” it to death.

Nutritional Value of Fig

Following is a nutritional value table of dried out figs, values which may differ dependant on the quality and also the size of per serving. This gentle sweet fruit, packed with small seeds is much more often consumed dried, since the fresh ones have little shelf life, and have a tendency to degrade easily throughout transportation. Ingesting them fresh or even dried, whole or perhaps in parts does not affect the quantity of health advantages one can possibly gain. The following table is perfect for a single serving of uncooked, dried figs, equal to 149 g.

Nutrient               Nutritional Value

Water   44.8 g

Calories                371 calories

Protein 4.9 g

Calcium                241 mg

Iron        3.0 mg

Potassium           1013 mg

Magnesium        101 mg

Phosphorus        99.8 mg

Carbohydrates  95.2 mg

Dietary Fiber      14.62 mg

Starch   7.6 g

Folate   71.4 g

Vitamin C             1.8 mg

Vitamin K             23.2 mcg

Folate   13.4 mcg

Selection and storage

Figs are obtainable throughout the season; however, they’re best from May through November. Many find fresh and also dried figs within the markets. Whilst purchasing fresh-figs look for ripe fruits, that are soft in hand and give off a fairly sweet smell.

Stay away from brazenly soft, injured, fungus induced fruits. Likewise unripe green fruits since they are astringent and out from taste.

Fig fruits die rather quickly and eaten while they’re fresh otherwise needs to be put into the refrigerator exactly where they keep well for 2-3 days. Put them in the plastic or even zip pouch and also store within the refrigerator set with higher relative moisture. However, dried figs can remain for 6-8 months.

Preparation and serving tips

Figs should be permitted to ripen fully within the tree just before they are selected. They may be appreciated fresh, and after sun or even synthetic drying.To consume fresh fruits clean them in cold water, mop them dry carefully utilizing soft cloth or even tissue. You can consume fresh-figs whole, or even peeled. If removed through the cold storage, placed in a bowl of water to bring them back to normal room temperature to enhance their taste as well as palatability.Here are a few offering suggestions:

Sweet, tasty fig fruit is best appreciated as it is without the additions.

Fresh figs are a fantastic accessory for salad, in cakes as well as ice creams.

Dried ones could be included with soup, stews and also to enhance poultry, venison, lamb meat.

Dry figs are fantastic inclusions in muffins, cakes, sandwiches, pies, and cheesecakes.

Enjoy marinated figs along with raspberry sauce.

Pests and Diseases:

Fig tree roots are a popular food of gophers, who are able to effortlessly destroy a big plant. One unaggressive way of control is usually to plant the tree within a huge aviary wire basket. Deer usually are not especially drawn to figs, yet birds may cause lots of injury to the fruit. Nematodes, specifically in sandy soils, harm roots, developing galls and also stunting the trees. Mitadulid and Carpophilus dried fruit beetles can easily enter ripening fruit from the eye and cause harm by introducing fungi and rots. They often times breed in fallen citrus fruits. Keep a thoroughly clean orchard by destroy fallen fruits and don’t grow near citrus trees. Euryphid mites lead to little damage but they are carriers of mosaic virus from infected to completely clean trees.

Mosaic virus, earlier regarded as harmless, most likely leads to crop reduction. Symptoms look like potassium deficiency–leaves are pebble along with yellow spots, and the veins are light colored. Symptoms are frequently not obvious till the tree is older or even when it turns into heat or even water-stressed. Usually do not buy contaminated trees as well as isolate those that show signs and symptoms. Botrytis leads to a blast of branch terminals, which dry up and turn charcoal-like. The strike generally starts from half-grown fruits broken by the very first frost of winter, after that gets into the main stem like a reddish growing necrotic zone. The problem is usually self-controlling as well as stops in the spring. It could be avoided by eliminating mummies as well as frost damaged fruits once they are noticed. Fig canker is actually a bacterium that gets into the trunk at broken zones, leading to necrosis as well as girdling and loss in branches. It often begins at sun burned locations, so it’s crucial that you keep uncovered branches whitewashed. Rhyzopus smut attacks ripened fruits on the tree, leading to charcoal black coating within the fruit, and it is worst on cultivars along with big, open eyes. Most ripe fruit losses are from Endosepsis (Fusarium) as well as Aspergillus rot that is created by insects, even pollinating wasps. The fruit seems to burst, or even a ropy, mucus-like exudate drains from the eye, making the fruit are inedible. The very best manage is always to eliminate all crop for just one year, use diazinon granules beneath trees to remove insect vectors, and also destroy surrounding wild trees. Penicillium fungus will strike dried fruits in storage but could be managed by keeping them dry, or even sulfuring just before storage.

Toxicity

Fig leaves as well as un-ripened fruit create white latex, which could permeate the skin leading to burning up soreness. Fig latex consists of numerous substances just like furocoumarins, 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP)…etc, which could generate cell-mediated allergic-reactions. If not treated, it could result in serious allergic outbreaks all around the uncovered parts.

Consuming fig fruit might also generate allergy symptoms which range from vomiting, diarrhea, as well as itching of skin and also mucus membranes in certain sensitive people. Therefore, it is, individuals with history of allergic reaction to figs might be recommended not to eat them.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy as well as breast-feeding:

Fresh or even dried fig fruit remains safe in amounts present in food, but there’s insufficient details to understand if it’s safe in the bigger quantities which are utilized as medicine.

Surgery:

Fig may possibly reduce blood glucose levels. There is several problem which it may possibly restrict blood sugar control throughout and after surgery. Stop using fig as medicine a minimum of Two weeks just before a planned surgical treatment.

Food Uses

A number of people peel off the skin back from the stem end to reveal the flesh for eating out of-hand. A lot more diligent eater holds the fruit by the stem end, cuts the fruit into quarters from the apex, propagates the sections apart as well as lifts the flesh from the skin using a knife blade, removing the stem and skin. Commercially, figs are peeled by immersion for One minute in boiling lye water or perhaps a boiling solution of sodium bicarbonate. In warm, moist environments, figs are usually consumed fresh as well as raw without peeling, and they’re usually offered along with cream and sugar. Peeled or even unpeeled, the fruits might be just stewed or maybe cooked in a variety of methods, just as pies, puddings, cakes, bread or any other bakery products, or even combined with ice cream mixture. Home owners protect the whole fruits in sugar sirup or even prepare them as jam, marmalade, or paste. Fig paste (with added wheat and corn flour, whey, sirup, oils along with other components) forms the filling for the well-known bakery product, “Fig Newton”. The fruits are occasionally candied whole commercially. In Europe; western Asia, northern Africa and California, commercial canning as well as drying of figs are industries of great significance.

Several drying is performed in Poona, India, plus there is presently curiosity about solar-drying in Guatemala. Generally, the fruits are permitted to completely ripen as well as partly dehydrate in the tree, then are exposed to sulphur fumes for around 30 minutes, placed outside in the sun as well as turned every day to accomplish uniform drying, as well as pressed flat throughout the 5- to 7-day procedure. ‘Black Mission’ and ‘Kadota’ figs are compatible with freezing whole in sirup, or sliced as well as layered along with sugar.

Dried out cull figs have already been roasted as well as ground like a coffee replacement. In Mediterranean nations, low-grade figs are transformed into alcohol. An alcoholic extract of dried figs has been utilized like a seasoning for liqueurs as well as tobacco.

Other Uses

Seed oil: Dried seeds consist of 30% of the fixed oil that contains the essential fatty acids: oleic, 18.99%; linoleic, 33.72%; linolenic, 32.95%; palmitic, 5.23%; stearic, 2.1 8%; arachidic, 1.05%. It’s an edible oil and could be utilized like a lubricant.

Leaves: Fig foliage is utilized for fodder in India. They’re picked as soon as the fruit harvest. Analyses show: humidity, 67.6%; protein, 4.3%; fat, 1.7%; crude fiber, 4.7%; ash, 5.3%; N-free extract, 16.4%; pentosans, 3.6%; carotene on the dry weight basis, 0.002%. Additionally present are bergaptene, stigmasterol, sitosterol, and tyrosine.

In southern France, there’s several usage of fig leaves like a method of obtaining perfume material known as “fig-leaf absolute”-a dark-green to brownish-green, semi-solid mass or thick liquid of herbaceous-woody-mossy odor, used in making woodland perfumes.

Latex: The latex consists of caoutchouc (2.4%), resin, albumin, cerin, sugar and malic acid, rennin, proteolytic enzymes, diastase, esterase, lipase, catalase, and peroxidase. It really is gathered at its peak of activity at the begining of morning, dried as well as powdered for use in coagulating milk to create cheese as well as junket. From this could be separated the protein-digesting enzyme ficin which is often used for tenderizing meat, making fat, and clarifying drinks.

In tropical America, the latex is usually utilized for cleaning dishes, pans and pots. It absolutely was a component in many of the early industrial detergents for household use yet was deserted after many reports of annoyed or inflamed hands in housewives.

Medicinal Uses:

The latex is broadly applied on warts, skin ulcers and also sores, and taken like a purgative as well as vermifuge, however with substantial risk. In Latin America, figs are much used as folk treatments. A decoction of the fruits is gargled to alleviate a sore throat; figs boiled in milk are frequently packed against inflammed gums; the fruits tend to be used as poultices on tumors along with other abnormal growths. The leaf decoction is taken like a treatment for diabetes as well as calcifications within the kidneys and liver. Fresh and dried figs have always been valued because of their laxative actions.