Figs - The forbidden fruit

Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he was hungry.

And when he saw a fig tree by the road, he came to it, and found nothing on it, but leaves only, and said to it, let no fruit grow on you henceforward forever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, how soon has the fig tree withered away!

--Matthew 21:18-20

The next day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry:

And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if perhaps he might find any thing on it: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.

And Jesus answered and said to it, No man eat fruit of you hereafter forever. And his disciples heard it.

--Mark 11:12-14

The fig has so much to itself. It is a fruit with many faces. The fruit is simple and is enjoyable to everyone. Its softness has a crunch with the seeds and with its sweetness, it has a lot of nutritional value.

The fruit overall is open to a lot of experimentation and to various combinations. It may be served naturally or with a core of almonds or may also be cooked in wine.

Making this document lead to a lot of taste bud teasing, and learning about a fruit which is fantastic and has lot more to itself than it seems

It may be cursed but if sure to temp all the people who dare to taste it.

Figs can be part of almost any special diet, be it low fat, low sodium, high fiber, weight loss, diabetic or even the Mediterranean. They satisfy a sweet tooth without adding any fat. Their unique satiny texture and seeds provide a satisfying mouth feel and crunch.

Figs are fat-free, sodium-free and, like other plant foods, cholesterol-free.

One serving of figs is 40 grams, about 1/4 cup, or about 3 Calimyrna figs or about 4 to 5 Mission figs.

A small serving of about 1 1/2 dried figs equals 1 fruit exchange, or 15 grams of carbohydrate, provided in the form of glucose and fructose.

Figs are high in fiber, providing 20% of the Daily Value --- more dietary fiber per serving than any other common dried or fresh fruit.

Of the approximately five grams of fiber per serving of California figs, four grams are insoluble and one gram is water-soluble.

Figs have the highest overall mineral content of all common fruits. A 40-gram (1/4 cup) serving provides 244 mg of potassium (7% of the DV), 53 mg of calcium (6% of the DV) and 1.2 mg of iron (6% of the DV).

California figs fit into 5 A Day -- the 40 gram serving is an easy way to add a serving of fruit to reach the daily recommendation of five fruits and vegetables.

• Fig trees have no blossoms on their branches. The blossom is inside of the fruit! Many tiny flowers produce the crunchy little seeds that give figs their unique texture.
• Figs are harvested according to nature’s clock, fully ripened and partially dried on the tree.
• Figs naturally help hold in moisture in baked goods, keeping them fresher.
• Fig puree can be used to replace fat in baked goods

Go on feel the warmth........