1. The blossom is within
Have you ever noticed a fig tree has no blossom? Well, it actually has flowers but the grow within the fruit we eat. A bit different from capers and artichokes. Those are buds but destined to become flowers.
How do they get pollinated? Well, that is quite a story. And we’ll tell you all about later.
2. A dried fig
How to conserve figs? Well, being fruit marmalade is always a solution. Sweetened sweetness.
Drying them is easier and far healthier. Cut them lengthwise, leaving both sides attached. After some days of sunbathing there are ready for dark winter days. Food for Olympians. And modern people looking for a healthy snack.
3. Fig wasp
Figs and wasps live in mutualism. One can’t do without the other.
The male wasp prepares a tunnel in a male fig. The female wasp enters and lays her eggs. Now, what we eat are the female figs. So no worries. When a female wasp gets into a female fig, she can’t get out. Hence the myth of the wasp in figs.
Modern agronomy has bypassed this ‘glitch’. Vegetarians should not worry any longer when having figs.
4. Religion
Figs are more than a simple fruit. Some say the forbidden fruit in Eden was a fig and not an apple. That surely would explain the leaves Adam and Eve used to cover their nakedness.
Buddha received enlightenment sitting under a fig tree.
The ancient Greek offered figs to their gods. Especially when asking for sexual related favors.
From Africa to Asia figs represent fertility.
5. Fruity medicine
Have a fig! Rich in fiber and hence a remedy for constipation. Figs are rich in calcium. Good for your bones and teeth. The antioxidants present keep your cells young. And may protect you from various kinds of cancer.
Do you want more? Reinforcement of the immune system. Controlling high blood pressure. Amino acids necessary during pregnancy. And some use them as a scrub.
A fig aday…
