Figs are a special treat known as the queen’s fruit, which Cleopatra loved and is often referred to as the noble fruit. The red flesh of the fig gives off a sweet and sour taste, transforming ordinary dishes into something special. Figs, delicious from the hot summer to winter, are also suitable for health and have various benefits. With advanced agricultural cultivation technology, figs have become a fruit that is easily accessible. So, how should we eat figs? Let’s learn about figs, from how to eat figs to how to wash them.
The Origin of Figs
When did figs originate? Figs are sub-tropical fruits cultivated long ago, even before Adam and Eve. Dried figs dating back to 5000 BC have been found, and stories about figs have also appeared in Greek and Roman mythology. Figs, which belong to the mulberry family, originated in Asia Minor, and there are records that figs were planted in ancient Egypt about 4,000 years ago, making them one of the oldest cultivated fruit trees in the world.
Benefits of Figs
Figs contain the protein-dissolving enzyme ficin, which significantly aids in digestion. They also contain pectin, which is effective against constipation, and a large amount of fiber, which stimulates the walls of the colon and helps with constipation. They also lower cholesterol in the blood, regulate blood pressure, and remove harmful oxygen accumulated on the walls of blood vessels, greatly aiding in alleviating symptoms of high blood pressure.
How to Eat Figs
The biggest downside of figs is their storage. Figs have thin and delicate skin, making them highly perishable. Once purchased fresh, they can quickly become mushy. Therefore, eating them as soon as possible after purchase is best, and you should choose and consume figs rich in nutrients. When eating figs, it is better to cut the top slightly and tear it apart rather than tearing the open part with your hands.
How to Store Figs
It’s essential to know how to store figs in advance. Refrigeration is necessary if you do not consume figs within a few days. This is because figs rot quickly. To store figs, which rot soon at room temperature, use a paper towel to prevent them from sticking together, then store them in the refrigerator and eat them as quickly as possible.
How to Wash Figs
How should figs be washed? When washing figs, be careful not to let water enter the bottom part where the breathing hole is, and wash gently. Figs are delicate, so do not rub them with a vegetable brush. Use your fingers to rub off any dirt gently. When washing figs, twist the stem off gently with your fingers. Also, be careful not to soak them in water, as all the sweetness will disappear.
How to Choose Figs
Figs are the most delicious fruit when enjoyed with the skin, so the first thing to do is choose ones that do not have cracked or dry surfaces. As it ripens, the bottom of the fruit splits into a cross, so check if this part is not dry and is fresh. Next, choose ones that are small and have round seeds and ones that uniformly exhibit a purple hue. You can judge it as the most delicious fig if it has a strong scent.
Do Figs Have Flowers?
Fig means fruit without flowers, a name given because it appears not to bloom. Although figs should have no flowers, according to their name, they have flowers that bloom inside a pouch, which cannot be seen from the outside. Hence, the term “fruit without flowers,” or fig. The green fruit we call a fig is the fig flower.
Fig Allergies?
Figs have various benefits, but this fruit has a fatal drawback. It can trigger severe allergic reactions. People allergic to figs may experience symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and hives when they eat figs. If you consume a lot of figs without knowing whether you have an allergic reaction, there is a risk that the allergic reaction may become severe, so you should be extra careful.
If Your Tongue Stings After Eating Figs?
People often complain of a burning sensation on their tongue after eating figs. The reason for this is the protein-dissolving enzyme ficin contained in figs. This enzyme breaks down the protein in the tongue and oral mucosa, causing a burning and bitter sensation on the tongue. A similar fruit that causes such symptoms is the pineapple. Pineapples contain a protein-dissolving enzyme called bromelain, which works similarly to the ficin in figs.
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