Figs are an ancient fruit that originated in the Middle East. They’re one of the first plants cultivated by humans. Figs are a delicacy, both in the culinary world and in the backyard. These easy to grow and manage trees are great for both amateur and expert gardeners. They’re even great for indoor grows or as house plants.
Figs are a delicious yet delicate and highly perishable fruit, which is a great reason to grow them yourself! Although figs harvest season is in fall, you can extend their shelf life by drying them, making paste, jams, and jellies, or freezing them.
We grow five varieties of Fig Trees at Paradise Nursery:
1. Black Mission
2. Brown Turkey
3. Italian Genoa
4. Panache Tiger Stripe
5. Persian Kan
FIGS IN THE KITCHEN
Figs make a great snack on their own, but they go great with cheeses, yogurt, and chocolate. Add figs to salads, use in desserts, in marinades for meat or make them into jams.
Figleaves are a surprising superfood everyone needs to know about. They have many uses and are indeed edible and incredibly beneficial to your health. From treating bronchitis to high blood pressure, from skin problems to ulcers, from high cholesterol to fungal infections, figleaves tackle it all.
Figleaves also have flavor, one that is a blend between the fig fruit and coconut with a hint of vanilla. Some ideas for using figleaves are to make tea, cook in a curry, as a wrap for rice or vegetables, as a spinach alternative, or in stews and soups.
FIG NUTRITION
Figs are a sweet fruit that has notes of honey with a soft, jammy quality. Not only are they delicious, but they are healthy and nutritious. Here are five health benefits to eating figs.
1. Dried figs are great for weight loss.
Research has shown that people who regularly eat dried fruit are more likely to weigh less. Consuming at least three figs per day can help you lose weight!
2. Figs are high in fiber.
Eating one serving of figs (about three figs) gives you over a quarter of the 25 grams of daily fiber consumption recommended by the AHA. Fiber is excellent for digestive health by keeping cholesterol down, softening the stool, promoting regular bowel movements, and preventing constipation. According to studies, another fantastic benefit is the risk of breast cancer in menopausal women is reduced dramatically in women who consume fruits that are high in fiber.
3. Figs are great for Kidney and Blood Pressure Health.
Potassium is a mineral that is essential for heart health and managing blood pressure. It helps your heart move blood through your body, your muscles to contract, your nerves to work, and your kidneys to filter blood.
4. Magnesium-Rich Figs are Good for Your Bones.
Fresh or dried, Figs are a good source of Magnesium, which supports muscle and nerve function, bone health, building proteins, and maintaining blood sugar and pressure levels.
5. Figs are Brimming with Antioxidants.
Antioxidants protect your cells against free radicals that cause heart disease, cancer, and other diseases. Figs, especially dried, are rich in antioxidants due to their high polyphenol content.
Below we’ve listed four delicious recipes that will help you get creative with your fig tree!
Homemade Chai Figleaf Tea
It’s officially autumn and time to enjoy this cozy chai recipe! Made with figleaves which unbeknownst to most has powerful benefits for your well-being.
Figs & Goat Cheese Bruschetta
This Fig and Goat Cheese Bruschetta recipe is ambrosial yet straightforward. Using fresh figs, goat cheese, prosciutto, honey drizzle, and pepper, you can create a luxurious experience for your tastebuds.
Autumn Harvest Fig Sangria Recipe
The air is getting crisp and ’tis the season to enjoy our Autumn Harvest Fig Sangria perfect for your Thanksgiving celebration!
Chocolate Covered Figs with Sea Salt
Dried figs are a sweet treat by themselves, but dip them in chocolate and sprinkle them with sea salt and you have a mouth-watering gift you won’t want to put down.
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