Dried figs: benefits and harms to the body

Dried figs are tasty and healthy. Unlike many other useful products, it is perfectly stored, so it is available at almost any time.

Why dried figs smell like iodine

Both fresh and dried figs contain iodine. However, in the second case, its content is much higher. That is why dried figs smell significantly like iodine. Sometimes people say that he smells like drugs, but they mean iodine. There is nothing wrong with such a smell, and dried figs are generally healthier than fresh, as they contain more B vitamins, phosphorus, sodium and iron. However, people suffering from diseases of the endocrine system, use it with caution.

Composition and calorie content

The energy value of dried figs is much higher than fresh. It is 257 kcal per 100 g. But at the same time, its fruits have a unique composition. They contain:

1. Iron (30% of the daily norm). It is necessary for the normal blood circulation process. In addition, iron is an element without which enhanced mental activity is impossible. For a long time, apples were considered the champion in iron content. However, in dried figs, this element is present in greater quantities. That's why its fruits are recommended to those who suffer from iron deficiency anemia, as well as to children for successful studies.
2. Potassium. This is an element that improves the state of the cardiovascular and nervous system. 200 g of figs contain 35% of its daily intake.
3. Calcium. An element that plays an important role in strengthening bones, it is also necessary for the health of teeth and nails (30% of the daily requirement in 100 g of figs).
4. Tryptophan. It is an amino acid that is essential for the production of vitamin B3 and melatonin. It is these substances that provide a person with a full sleep.
5. Fatty acids and phenols. They help prevent skin cancer.
6. Elements such as magnesium, phosphorus, copper and iodine. They are needed to ensure normal metabolic processes. Iodine is also very important for maintaining a good psycho-emotional state and mental activity.

Also, dried figs contain more protein and sugar than fresh. If raw fruits contain up to 1% protein and 15–23% carbohydrates, depending on the variety, after drying, these indicators increase to 3–6% and 40–70%, respectively. Moreover, carbohydrates in this case are glucose and sucrose.

Figs are high in soluble fiber. Its fibers contain substances that reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood. This makes dried fig fruits an excellent prophylactic against venous insufficiency and hypertension. In addition, due to fiber, it also has a laxative effect.

Useful properties of dried figs

General benefit

These dried fruits have many beneficial properties. For example, dried figs:

1. Improves the psycho-emotional state.
2. It lowers blood pressure and strengthens the walls of blood vessels.
3. Normalizes digestive processes, including due to the content of a large amount of pectin.It can be used as a mild laxative.
4. Provides the body with energy, improves performance, relieves chronic fatigue.
5. It has a slight diuretic effect, without washing out potassium from the body.
6. Beneficial effect on the state of the immune system.

Finally, dried figs are very tasty. It can be a great alternative to traditional sweets and sweets.

For women

Figs contain substances that can prevent cancer. In particular, there are studies that prove that regular use of dried fruits reduces the risk of developing malignant breast tumors by almost 50%. This can be achieved by normalizing estrogen levels.

In addition, dried figs are beneficial for menopausal women. The fact is that at this time, the risk of developing osteoporosis increases. But eating figs can prevent this problem, because these fruits contain a lot of calcium, even more than dairy products. And this is especially important in combination with phosphorus, which enhances its action.

For men

Since ancient times, dried figs have been used to treat erectile dysfunction. The fact is that this fruit contains a lot of iron and other elements that improve blood circulation. In addition, calcium, magnesium and potassium give strength and vitality, increase endurance, favorably affect the state of the reproductive system. Moreover, magnesium is necessary for the production of male hormones, including testosterone.

Also, dried figs contain a lot of zinc, and this element has an anti-inflammatory effect. Due to this, the fruits can be consumed as a prevention of prostatitis.

To use dried figs to give results, it is recommended to soak 2-3 fruits overnight in low-fat milk, and eat them on an empty stomach in the morning.

During pregnancy

It is very important for expectant mothers when carrying a child to receive all the vitamins and minerals necessary for the proper physical development of the fetus. From this point of view, dried figs are very important. After all, it contains a lot of vitamin B, as well as folic acid, substances necessary for the development of the nervous system. At the same time, it is enough to consume 2-3 fruits per day to get the necessary vitamins and minerals and normalize digestion. For expectant mothers, this is an excellent prevention of constipation, and yet many face this problem during pregnancy.

Of course, this is a fairly high-calorie product, but it can be used as a snack - it is much more useful than buns and sweets corresponding to it in energy value. Moreover, a couple of fruits perfectly satisfies hunger, and in such an amount of the product contains not so many calories.

However, with gestational diabetes mellitus (this is its specific form, which occurs after childbirth), figs cannot be consumed, so it’s better to consult a doctor who is pregnant.

When breastfeeding

In the postpartum period, dried figs are very important in helping to provide the mother’s body with vitamins and minerals - and at this stage the woman often experiences a severe lack of them. At the same time, figs are good in that they practically do not cause allergic reactions, except for cases of individual intolerance.

However, in the diet of a nursing mother, such fruits must be introduced very carefully. The fact is that a high fiber content can cause bloating in her, and a corresponding reaction can occur in a child. Therefore, figs are introduced into the diet literally one little thing and be sure to monitor the state of digestion in the child.

For kids

Dried figs have many beneficial properties. After all, it includes the above potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium and other elements. These fruits should be given to children for the prevention of diseases of the respiratory system, including the lungs.Dried figs warmed with milk are one of the most effective cough suppressants and can be given even to young children. In addition, along with raisins and prunes, figs can be an excellent remedy for constipation.

After two years, children are given figs along with cereals, cottage cheese or as an independent treat. Before that, you can use it as a decoction.

When losing weight

Although figs are considered a high-calorie product, in fact, it is useful for weight loss. Nutritionists usually recommend the raw fruits of the fig tree, as they contain less sugar and more water. However, if there are no contraindications like diabetes, you can use dried fruits.

They contain a lot of fiber. It has a beneficial effect on intestinal motility and strengthens it in the most gentle and safe way, which helps prevent constipation. But for weight loss, it is important that toxins leave the body faster, the absorption of beneficial elements from food improves, and lipid metabolism is established. All this allows you to get rid of extra pounds. Moreover, unlike other methods of achieving the goal, this one gives a stable result.

Dried fig fruits are most often used in detox programs. For example, they make the following remedy - for 100 g of dried figs they take the same amount of raisins and dried apricots, as well as 100 g of senna grass. All dried fruits are crushed in a blender, while the grass is poured with 1 liter of boiling water and insisted for two hours. Then the herbal infusion is filtered and, until it has cooled completely, mixed with crushed dried fruits. The product is kept warm for 10-12 hours, and in the morning it is ready for use - 1 tbsp. spoon every night before eating. Then every morning the body will undergo a natural cleansing. The course of treatment is designed for a week. During this time, you can lose up to 3 extra pounds.

Which figs are healthier: dried or fresh

It is impossible to unequivocally answer this question. On the one hand, fresh figs contain more water and less sugar. At the same time, its fruits occupy more space in the stomach, so they can more quickly satisfy hunger. If we are talking about the use of figs for diabetes or for a therapeutic diet, then fresh fruits will be more useful.

On the other hand, dried fruits have more fiber, higher content of vitamins and minerals. In the treatment of respiratory organs, the elimination of constipation, the use of winter to strengthen immunity, as well as the inclusion in the diet of an athlete attending weight training, dried fruits will be more useful.

Dried figs in medicine

Although the benefits of dried fig fruits have long been proven, not all diseases can be eaten. Also, in some cases, it is not the fruits themselves that benefit, but a decoction of them. Therefore, before you include dried figs in your diet, you should definitely consult a doctor, especially if there are chronic diseases of the digestive tract.

With diabetes

Since the product contains a lot of glucose, with diabetes it should be used with caution. Of course, if you eat one or two fruits from time to time, there will not be much harm. Moreover, dried figs contain many other useful substances. But in general, with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, it is not recommended. And this is not surprising, since the glycemic index of figs is 62 units. True, the presence of potassium in its composition makes it possible to smooth out sharp surges in sugar, but, as mentioned above, the maximum amount is one or two medium fruits, not more.

With pancreatitis

With inflammation of the pancreas, it is not recommended to use the fruits of dried figs (neither in the acute form of the disease, nor in chronic). Reasons for limitation:

1. Figs contain large amounts of coarse fiber, which not only irritates the intestines, but also increases the load on the pancreas, so that in the end this can provoke an exacerbation of the disease.
2. The fruits contain a lot of glucose and fructose.For their normal absorption, insulin is needed, and this hormone is just produced by the pancreas, and already suffers from inflammation. So it’s worth reducing the load on it.
3. In dried fruits, a certain amount of oxalic acid is present, which can also trigger an exacerbation of pancreatitis.

At the same time, dried figs are among the most high-calorie foods, and with pancreatitis it is very important to limit the energy value of the diet so as not to provoke the development of diabetes.

However, lovers of dried figs can even use decoctions of these fruits for inflammation of the pancreas. This will help provide the body with all the useful minerals, while not exposing it to risk.

With gastritis

This disease is an inflammatory process on the mucous membrane of the stomach. Therefore, it is not recommended to use the fruits of dried figs in both acute and chronic gastritis for the reasons stated above - they provoke irritation of all digestive tract organs, and oxalic acid enhances inflammation. However, with gastritis, a decoction of these fruits will be useful.

For constipation

The very fiber, because of which dried fig fruits are not recommended for gastritis and pancreatitis, is considered an advantage in this case, since it helps to improve intestinal motility and cleanse it.

Against cough

In Russia and Europe, in home medicine, figs are considered an excellent cough suppressant. Usually it is prepared in milk, and the drink must be taken sufficiently fatty, at least 3.2%. This is necessary in order to soften irritated mucous membranes. Milk is poured into a metal mug and heated over low heat. The dried fig fruits are first thoroughly washed, then put in hot milk. For 1.5 cups of drink take 1-2 medium-sized fruits. The drink is brought to a boil and left for half an hour on low heat, be sure to put the lid on top. During this time, approximately 30% of the volume of milk will evaporate, and in the end you will get just almost a glass of cough remedy. You need to wait until it has completely cooled down and infused - this will happen within about 2-3 hours. After this, the drug is drunk a little during the day.

Recipes of traditional medicine based on dried figs

These fruits are widely used in folk medicine, where they are used for diseases of the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, etc. For example, you can use the following tools:

1. With tracheitis and even bronchitis, figs with milk, prepared according to a simpler recipe than described above, will help. Take 4-5 dried fig fruits, knead them in a mortar, pour a glass of warm, but not hot milk, mix. The tool is recommended to take 100 ml four times a day.
2. For crushing and removing stones from the kidneys, take 3-5 dried fig fruits, pour a glass of water, bring to a boil, keep on low heat for 5 minutes, then knead and grind in a mortar. The broth with pulp is taken during the day before breakfast, lunch and dinner, divided into equal portions in volume.
3. From constipation such a decoction of figs helps - 50 g of dried fruits (4–5 pieces) are poured with a liter of boiling water, brought to a boil and left on low heat for another 30 minutes. The ready-made broth is cooled, but not filtered, the fruits are kneaded in a mortar. This remedy should be drunk three times a day in 100 ml.
4. Sweet balls are used for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease. For 100 g of figs take the same amount of raisins, 0.5 teaspoon of powdered ginger, the same amount of nutmeg, chopped on the smallest grater. All ingredients are ground in a blender and mixed until a homogeneous mass, from which a sausage is formed. With a sharp knife, it is cut into pieces, from which balls are rolled 1 cm in diameter. Such balls can be taken one in the morning and in the evening.
5. Universal dried syrup is made from dried figs, which can be used for coughing, treating cardiovascular diseases, flu and acute respiratory viral infections, and digestive problems. Take 8 dried fig fruits, chop, pour a glass of water, bring the mixture to a boil and cook over low heat for 20 minutes. Then the broth is filtered, a glass of sugar is added to it and water is added to the initial volume. The syrup is boiled until the sugar has dissolved. Then squeeze the juice of half a lemon there, add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger or its grated root and pour the liquid into a glass container, which is closed with a lid. You can drink syrup for both children and adults, but in different dosages. Adults - 3-4 dessert spoons per day, and children - half as much.

Interestingly, the fig tree is not only fruitful. Fig leaves also contain valuable biologically active substances and are widely used in herbal medicine.

Application in cosmetology

Dried fig fruits are used less frequently in cosmetology than fresh ones, but there are still such recipes. In most cases, figs before you cook on its basis any means must be soaked in boiling water or warm milk for 15 minutes. Then you can prepare such formulations:

Anti-aging mask

For 2-3 crushed dried fruits, take a raw yolk of a chicken egg, 5-10 g of flower honey and the same amount of olive oil, which, if desired, can be replaced with grape seed oil. All components are mixed and applied to previously cleansed face and neck. After 30 minutes, the mask is washed off with cool water or the composition is removed with a dry cloth moistened with micellar or thermal water. This mask should be used within a month, there should be 8 procedures in total, then the effect will be maximum.

Mask for oily skin

This composition will help make the skin more fresh and supple, and at the same time relieve irritation, redness and inflammation. For the mask, it is recommended to pour one dried fig fruit with boiling water and mix it with the pulp of an apple grated. To these ingredients add about a spoonful of yogurt and a couple drops of lemon juice, which will help whiten the skin. The composition is mixed in a blender, then it is applied generously to the skin of the face. This mixture is kept on the face for half an hour, then washed off in the usual way.

Moisturizing Lotion

Figs in the composition of such a product enhances its moisturizing properties, makes the skin smoother. For this recipe you will need only one fig fruit, which is poured with a glass of only recently boiled milk. This tool is insisted for a couple of hours, after which it is filtered. The resulting infusion can be stored in the refrigerator. This tool is recommended to wipe the skin 2-3 times a day. After that, wash with plain water without the use of additional cosmetics.

Hair masks

Since ancient times, women have used figs for hair care. There are many variations on this subject, but in general they all contain, in addition to fruits, milk. For example:

1. For hair growth, it is recommended to make a kind of balm - 2 dried fig fruits are taken for 1 glass of milk. The mixture is brought to a boil, after which the fire is reduced to the weakest. Cook the product until it turns into a homogeneous mass. After that, add 10 g of flower honey and the same amount of traditional (but not dry) yeast. This mixture is applied to the scalp, put on a plastic cap and leave for an hour and a half, after which the mask is washed off with shampoo.
2. There is a simpler option. To do this, the same amount of fig fruits is ground, poured with a glass of milk, boiled over low heat. Even in a warm state, the product is applied to the hair roots and neatly distributed over the entire length. This mask is done within an hour, then washed off in the usual way. Fig masks for hair help to forget about hair loss, split ends, etc. Curls become shiny, silky and resilient.

Cooking use

Dried figs can be used not only for sweet dishes, although they are most often added to baked goods, as well as stewed fruit and sauces made from it, combining with any other dried fruits, including dates, prunes or apples. You can also add spices like cinnamon or cloves to it.

If dried figs are soaked in water, doused with boiling water or steamed, then it will practically return to its original form. Restored figs can be used for salads, it also goes well with meat dishes, especially in oriental style. Figs are good to add to baking. For example, in Britain they make fig pudding. Couscous is popular in North Africa.

In France, figs also fell to people's taste, as in other countries of the Mediterranean. It is used for different purposes, it makes a wonderful dessert on the New Year's table - it is called Les quatres mendicants. This is a traditional Provence dish that contains hazelnuts, almonds, raisins, but most importantly - figs.

Harm and contraindications

Dried figs are an extremely healthy product. However, it contains a lot of carbohydrates - up to 60%, so with diabetes it will increase the level of glucose in the blood. And with excessive consumption, even in an absolutely healthy person, it can cause flatulence, bloating and other troubles. In addition, figs reduce blood coagulation, so that with some pathologies associated with this phenomenon, it can also not be consumed.

Dried figs are contraindicated in diabetes mellitus, as well as in the presence of inflammatory pathologies of the digestive tract and peptic ulcer, both in acute and chronic form. It does not cause allergies, but with individual sensitivity to the substances contained in it, the reaction can be very similar.

How to choose and store dried figs

As with any other dried fruit, the quality of dried figs can be judged by appearance. Its fruits should be whole, in their shell there should be no cracks, tears or any other damage through which the pulp would peek out. In this case, it is better to buy figs by weight or in transparent packaging so that you can check whether there are any foreign impurities or larvae of bugs and other pests.

If there is such an opportunity, then the fruits should be held in the hand to make sure that they are sufficiently dense, elastic and resilient. Their surface should not be too wrinkled, otherwise we are talking about over-dried figs, which did not preserve the taste. In addition, it would have to be steamed, because otherwise such fruits are simply impossible to chew.

However, a too smooth, slightly oily surface indicates that the fruits were treated with vegetable oil. There is nothing harmful and terrible in this, but there is much less benefit from the point of view of dietetics.

Quality dried figs should have a light brown or beige hue. Its fruits must be matte. The presence of light plaque is quite allowed. This is not a chemical, but glucose that has come to the surface. If the dried fruits look too bright, literally golden, this means that they were treated with various chemicals, including sorbic acid and sulfur dioxide. Often these additives act as a preservative. If figs are sold in a package, then the manufacturer must indicate such ingredients on it (these are E 200-202 and E 220).

If possible, it is worth trying one fruit to taste. If acid is felt, you will have to refuse the purchase, since such figs were stored incorrectly.

Dried figs have a solid shelf life. Moreover, he is quite picky. Ideal conditions for it, as well as for other dried fruits, are darkness, dryness and coolness. This means that direct sunlight should not fall on it, so that oxidative processes do not begin, and also low humidity and a stable temperature are needed.

If it is assumed that the dried figs will not be stored for a long time, then any convenient container with a hermetically sealed lid can be selected for it. The container itself can be made of any material - tin, glass or ceramic.It is desirable to put it in a locker, you can even keep it in the pantry or on the balcony, provided that it is insulated. If there is no balcony or a cool pantry, you can keep the figs in the usual kitchen cabinet, but make sure that there is good ventilation. The condition of the fruits in the bank will have to be checked periodically, since condensation can accumulate there. To prevent this, you need to ensure a regular flow of fresh air.

The best place for long-term storage of dried figs at home is considered a refrigerator. To do this, select several suitable containers with a tight-fitting lid. The container may be different. These are metal cans, plastic containers, lunch boxes, and glass containers. Why is it important that they close? Because figs very well attract and absorb all the smells, including those products that are in the refrigerator. In the future, such containers will also need to be constantly checked at least once every two weeks. This will help to ensure proper ventilation, otherwise condensation will accumulate inside, and these are ideal conditions for the formation of mold.

Subject to all the conditions described above, dried figs can be stored without problems for six months. In principle, this is not an urgent need. Dried figs are sold today at any store throughout the year. Therefore, it is better to buy it a little, so as not to clutter up the house with jars and storage containers.

If we are talking about processing our own crop, then it makes sense to spend time and effort on organizing storage. It is advisable to place the figs in the freezer, where it can be safely stored for a year. However, low temperatures will destroy some of the nutrients. If it is decided to defrost it, then it will need to be done gradually, leaving it for some time at room temperature. After all, additional heat treatment will also negatively affect its properties.

How to eat dried figs

The easiest and most correct way is to eat dried figs by themselves, a few pieces a day, after washing them.

How much can you eat per day

The main limitations are that dried figs contain a lot of sugars. Therefore, no more than 10 fruits can be eaten per day. This is the norm for a healthy person without any disease. If there are any chronic pathologies, but there are no direct contraindications, then the norm decreases to 3-5 fruits. However, even this amount is enough to provide the body with all the minerals.

Do I need to wash before use

If figs are sold by weight, then you must wash it, because no one knows how many people managed to touch it with dirty hands. Methods for washing the figs will be discussed below. Many people think that if figs are sold in packaging, then you don’t need to wash them. But in reality, such fruits only look presentable, but how much you can trust their packer is another question.

There are two main ways to wash figs:

1. The fruits are soaked for half an hour in room temperature water, then it is drained, and each fruit is thoroughly washed under running water.
2. Dried fig fruits are left in cold water for 15–20 minutes, but are stirred occasionally. Then the water is drained, the dried fruit is washed again under running water and poured with boiling water.

If we are talking about Tajik figs, which undergo a natural drying process, then there are usually no chemicals in it. Such dried fruits look quite presentable, so just rinse them under warm water. Although many housewives prefer figs right after that, pour boiling water literally for a minute or put in the microwave at the same time.

When washing the fruits under running water, it is advisable to use a small brush, since in this case it can be used to better treat the surface of dried fruits, including where it “wrinkles”.

Some manufacturers claim that the figs undergo a purification process before they get into a beautiful package. But actually it still needs to be checked.If there is no sand or some small dust, and all fruits have the same consistency, and the beige color described above, you can do without intensive washing. If dried fruits look too glossy and sparkling, then they have definitely been treated with chemicals.

How to dry figs at home

You can dry figs at home. So the hostess will know that she has a quality product at her disposal without any chemical additives.

There are several methods of drying, the easiest and fastest option is to use an oven.

1. The fig fruits (still fresh) should be washed, cut off the damaged parts, as well as the stalks. To prepare them for drying, first you need to wipe them with paper towels.
2. In the meantime, you should heat the oven to 60 degrees standard for such cases. This indicator cannot be increased, since otherwise the product will not dry out, but will be baked, having lost its properties. Meanwhile, cut the fruit in half and put on a baking sheet.
3. Put the figs in the oven, slightly opening the door so that the excess vagus does not accumulate inside the bakery. It will take about 8 hours to dry; figs need to be mixed from time to time.

By the appearance of the figs it will be possible to understand the degree of its readiness. The upper shell should be dense and even with an incision should not secrete vegetable juice.

As already noted, dried figs can be stored for a year, even more. Therefore, the dried fruit must be laid out in containers, closed with a sealed lid and leave these containers in the refrigerator.

Theoretically, figs can also be dried in the open air, but only if there is such a possibility, weather conditions allow, etc. The process itself takes more time, but it acts naturally, so that all beneficial substances are stored.

Dried fruits need to be washed, chopped, laid out on a baking sheet, covered with special paper, less often with gauze, although some chefs recommend it. Put the fruits upside down, this is important. But for the top layer of gauze will be more effective, it will perfectly protect the fruits of figs from voracious insects. This layer of gauze will provide even drying. It is recommended to place the baking tray with figs in a sunny place so that the sun's rays fall on it all the time. In total, this procedure takes up to three days. The degree of readiness is determined by whether the surface of the fruit sticks to your hands. If you wish, you can still slightly dry the figs in the oven.

What can be prepared from dried figs: recipes

Dried figs contain a lot of fruit sugars, so it is mainly used for desserts.

Compote

Most often, dried figs for compotes are not used on their own, but in combination with other dried fruits. For example, for 6 fruits of dried figs take the same amount of prunes and a glass of dried apples.

All dried fruits are sorted, washed thoroughly, previously individually soaked in warm, but not hot water for one hour, no more. Then the water must be drained. Then the apples are transferred to a saucepan, pour 1.5–2 liters of water, brought to a boil over high heat, and then removed from the heat and add figs and prunes. Compote is left to infuse under a closed lid for an hour. So in dried fruits it is possible to maintain the maximum amount of nutrients.

Jam

Dried fig jam is a rather laborious dish. But the result is worth it, because it turns out to be tasty and healthy. To prepare it, 0.75 kg of sugar, 1.5 l of water, 40 ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 200 g of walnuts are taken per 1 kg of dried figs (you can add almonds or pine nuts, if desired, a couple of tablespoons in chopped form), 150 g sesame seeds and a little anise.

First, water is poured into a large container, sugar and lemon juice are added. At this stage, some culinary experts advise taking another ingredient - the Chios mastic sold in pharmacies, which has a weak coniferous taste and aroma. So the jam will not be too sweet. But since the ingredient is expensive, and lemon has already been added to the jam, this ingredient is not required.

After mixing all the ingredients except the figs and spices, put the pan on a strong fire and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally so that the sweet mass does not burn. To do this, use a wooden spoon or spatula. Then the fire is reduced, but the mixture is left on low heat for another 8-10 minutes. It is not necessary to cover the container with a lid.

Meanwhile, dried fruits are washed with one of the methods described above and dried, or at least blotted with paper towels. The fruits are cut into quarters, then added to the hot sugar syrup. If desired, you can add an anise star. The jam is kept on low heat for another half hour, without covering it with a lid.

In parallel with this, put a skillet over medium heat, on which sesame is fried without adding oil, periodically stirring its layer with a wooden spatula. The whole procedure takes about 2 minutes, not more. Checking the readiness of the grains is easy: they become slightly golden, they have a characteristic aroma. Then put the sesame in a bowl or on a plate and wait for it to cool. A similar procedure is repeated for coarsely chopped walnuts, which are fried in a pan without oil, only by cutting them into large pieces. They are also left to cool on a plate. If desired, you can add raw pine nuts.

Half an hour after boiling figs, walnuts and sesame can be introduced into it. Pine nuts are added already at the final stage. All ingredients are mixed, jam is boiled for another minute. Then it is laid out in banks, which first must certainly undergo the sterilization process. Banks are closed with sealed lids and left to cool. But as they are ready, they are put in the refrigerator, where they will be stored.

Interesting Figs About Figs

Figs have several names. In addition to the usual, these are figs and figs less used in modern conditions. There is nothing indecent in the word "fig" in this case, it comes from a completely respectable Latin word ficus. Accordingly, a tree that produces such fruits is called a fig tree or fig tree. In height, it can reach 7–10 m. Figs live for a long time, up to a hundred years. Their distinctive feature is very long twisting branches. Their length may be greater than the height of the tree as a whole.

The homeland of the fig tree is the Middle East. From there it fell into the Mediterranean countries. It is believed that the fig tree was the first tree grown in culture. At least in this context, it is mentioned in the Bible, where it is a symbol of peace and prosperity. The biblical story also tells us that it was the fig leaves that Adam and Eve were forced to use instead of clothes after being expelled from paradise.

Be that as it may, in the Middle East, the fig tree was indeed a very common plant. Ancient healing thinkers knew about its healing properties. In Assyria, figs were used as a sweetener as early as 5 thousand years ago. Aristotle described his useful qualities and features of agricultural technology in his works. In those days, figs grew mainly in the Mediterranean region. But now it is grown wherever there are appropriate conditions - a lot of sunlight, dry air, well-drained soil. He grows even in the USA, where he was brought by Catholic missionaries.

Fig fruits grow to 3-5 cm in diameter. In their raw form, they weigh 50–70 g; dried fruits weigh less after moisture loss.First the figs turn green, then they darken and can take on either a brown or purple hue.

The pulp of the fruit is sweet and juicy. Many people appreciate raw figs for an unusual combination of delicate texture of pulp and crispy seeds. Moreover, its taste largely depends on the color of the fruit. It can be white, red, yellow, purple and even black. The shape also differs - it is oval, almost round or pear-shaped.

Photo of dried figs