Figs!!!

Our neighbor invited us to pick figs from her fig tree.  I had never eaten figs before.  The only figs I was previously aware of were in Fig Newtons, and I don't care for Newtons very much; but my husband was so excited about going over and picking figs that I thought I must missed something. After tasting thime I decided they were pretty good.  To me they tasted like a cross between mulberries and grapes. We picked a whole bucket full. Mrs. Gae showed us which ones were the best and gave us some ideas about how to use them.  I like figs, but I think I will like my fig pie and fig preserves better.

Interesting facts about figs:

•  Figs are one of the highest plant sources of calcium and fiber.
• Dried figs are richest in fiber, copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and vitamin K, but they have smaller amounts of many other nutrients.
• Figs have a laxative effect and contain many antioxidants.
• They are good source of flavonoids and polyphenols.
•  In one study, a 40-gram portion of dried figs (two medium size figs) produced a significant increase in plasma antioxidant capacity.
• If you pick figs and want to eat them fresh, do so within a week for maximum nutrition.

10 Tips for Incorporating Figs in your Diet

1.Eat dries figs as a healthy energy snack. For extra flavour and nutrients, stuff them with nuts and a little honey

2.Add figs to baked goods such as muffins, cakes and muesli bars.

3.Add dried or fresh figs to porridge, oatmeal or breakfast cereals.

4.Stew dried figs in fruit juice with other dried fruits to make a delicious fruit salad. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg before serving

5.Poach figs in fruit juice and serve with Greek yogurt or creme fraiche.

6.Add quartered fresh figs to a salad of fennel, rocket and parmesan cheese.

7.Stuff fresh figs with goat's cheese and chopped almonds and serve as an appetizer or dessert.

8.Make a fig butter by boiling dried figs in fruit juice until soft. When all the liquid has been absorbed, place the mixture in a food processor and blend until smooth. Use to spread on rice cakes, toast or crackers.

9.Add chopped fresh figs to rice, quinoa or couscous dishes.

10.Make a fig tart by grinding two handfuls of walnuts in a food processor. Add one packet of dried figs, 1/2 packet raisins, 200ml apple juice, 1 tablespoon grated orange zest, 2 tablespoons honey and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Process until the mixture is the texture of a sticky paste. Press into a pastry case and bake at a medium heat for 35 minutes.

                  I Got some figs!  I got some figs! (Remember singing a song like that in grade school?)

Aaliyah examines the goods

My Turn