Celebrate National Fig Week this November – Plus 3 Delicious Recipes

Did you know that figs naturally hold in moisture, keeping foods they are in fresher for longer? November 1st starts National Fig Week. This incredibly unique fruit is small and delicate, but do not let their size and exterior fool you, they are decadent and loaded with nutrition!

Figs are grown on trees, and their tree’s flowers give rise to many blossoms, it is those tiny blossoms that produce the tiny crunchy edible seeds that give figs their unique texture. Figs come in hundreds of varieties; their differences vary in their level of flavor and sweetness level.

Figs can be eaten fresh or dried. The dried variety can be enjoyed all year round and is commonly used in jams or as natural sweeteners in baked goods. Whichever way you choose to enjoy figs, there is no shortage of nutritional benefits.

Common Fig Varieties Worth Trying

Figs are native to the Mediterranean and the Middle East. However, 90 % of the Figs found in the United States are grown in California. There are a wide variety of figs to choose from and they vary in color, texture, flavor, and nutritional profiles. Check out some common varieties listed below.

• Black Mission Figs: These are a very common type of Fig. Their color is a dark, deep purple that contributes to their antioxidant properties. With a sweet but mild flavor, they can be used in sweet and savory dishes.

• Brown-Turkey Figs: These types of figs have a rusty-red, purplish skin color with a pinkish tone on their inside. Uniquely enough, Brown-Turkey fig trees have a life span of about 200 years.

• Marseilles: These types of figs are commonly found in France. They are a sweet and delicious pale-yellow color.

• Tiger Figs: This unique variety has a very distinct stripe pattern contributing to its name. This type of fig has an interesting raspberry-citrus flavor. Makes for the perfect fig jam!

4 Fig Benefits

Other than being delicious, figs are packed with nutrients that your body uses to function properly. From gastrointestinal health to keeping your bones strong, figs are a superfood.

1. Digestive Properties: Figs are packed with soluble and insoluble fiber to aid in digestive health. Dried figs provide three times the amount of fiber compared to fresh figs. Figs also contain prebiotics that supports good gut bacteria to improve digestive wellness.

2. Calcium: Figs are an excellent source of calcium, which helps increase bone density.

3. Antioxidants: The skin of figs contribute to their antioxidant properties. Darker color varieties such as Mission figs, contain a high number of Anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant. It provides many beneficial properties to aid against cancers, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases.

4. Potassium: It may surprise you to know, figs contain more potassium than bananas. Potassium works along with sodium to help keep your blood pressure low.

Get Creative with Figs – 3 Easy Recipes

Figs are high in natural sugar; their sweetness makes for the perfect addition to many desserts and can balance the flavor of savory dishes. Both fresh and dried figs provide unique flavor profiles to each dish. Fresh figs have a sweet taste, like honey, and are good eaten by themselves. Dried figs, however, often taste a little sweeter since their sugar gets concentrated after drying.

1. Dark Chocolate Covered Figs: Dip figs into melted dark chocolate followed by chopped walnuts. Refrigerate until the chocolate hardens and enjoy!

2. Fig, Goat cheese, and Pear Flatbread: Evenly spread goat cheese across whole wheat flatbread. Top with pears and chopped figs. Bake at 400 degrees for 10- 12 minutes. Enjoy!

3. Fig and Kale Salad: Mix your favorite figs, kale, flaxseeds, and carrots into a bowl, top with lemon juice. Add in your favorite dressing and enjoy!

Your Turn to Take Action: Which ways are you going to incorporate figs into your favorite dish? Let us know in the comment section below!

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