Known for being a healthy and versatile ingredient they can add a burst of sweetness to all kinds of dishes.
Here are 8 Fascinating Fig Facts to pique your interest:
1. Eating one half cup of figs has as much calcium as drinking one-half cup of milk.
2. Fig trees are keystone species in many rain forests, producing fruit year round that are important food sources for thousands of animal species from bats to monkeys to birds.
3. Fig tree flowers are actually hidden inside the fruit, which led many early cultures to believe the plants to be flowerless.
4. Figs naturally help hold in moisture in baked goods, keeping them fresher.
5. Figs are recommended to the people who would like to quit smoking. Due to high alkalinity of the fruit, figs diminish desire for cigarettes.
6. Fossil records date figs back to between 9400-9200 B.C
7. Figs have a 55 percent natural sugar content, making them the sweetest of all fruits
8. Fig leaves are said to be good for people that have bad breath. Chewing 2 to 3 leaves, then gargling with water can help rid bad breath.