Fig jam: benefits and harm to the body

Figs are a legendary plant covered with myths and legends. It is mentioned in the Holy Scriptures of the Orthodox and the Koran of Muslims. The plant has many names, including a fig tree, fig tree, fig and wine berry.

Figs grow in the southern regions. These are mainly Crimea, Transcaucasia, the Mediterranean countries, the Krasnodar Territory, Iran, and Central Asia. Ancient Korea is considered to be his homeland. It was from there that the plant spread throughout the territory of Phenicia, Syria and Egypt.

Figs belong to the Fucus genus and are a smooth-bore tree with large leaves and fruits resembling a pear. The color of the fruit varies from yellow-green to black-blue.

Over its thousand-year history, figs have gained popularity not only due to the sweet taste, but also to the useful elements that make up the fruit. Ancient peoples used the magic fruit as a medicine that can cure a cough, a sore throat. It was also used to improve digestion, get rid of gallstone disease and in many other cases.

Modern research has established a truly powerful healing power of the fruit, which it owes to the rich content of micro and macro elements in its composition. Among them you can find glucose, fructose, organic acids, tannins, protein compounds, vitamins of groups B, C, PP, sodium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium. All this can affect the human body with incredible benefits.

Figs are consumed raw and dried, and they also make unusually tasty and healthy preserves.

Composition and calorie content

The dark amber color and unusual taste of the famous fig jam does not leave anyone indifferent who tasted this southern treat. But the treat also has a large number of useful substances that can support human health. It contains the following nutrients:

• vitamins A, B1, C, E, PP;
• iron;
• magnesium;
• phosphorus;
• copper;
• potassium;
• protein;
• sodium;
• calcium;
• carotene;
• selenium;
• rubber;
• inverted sugar;
• alimentary fiber;
• cellulose;
• fruit acids.

As for the calorie content of the product, it is quite high and amounts to 236 kcal per 100 g. Carbohydrates for the same 100 g account for about 62 g, but there are no proteins and fats in the jam.

So, an extensive list of useful substances contained in fig jam makes this treat good for health and able to cope with various diseases.

What is useful fig jam

General benefit

The sweet product comes from the mysterious eastern lands has the magical power of its homeland. The healers of ancient states revered figs for its ability to heal the sick and maintain the health of fellow citizens. Their wisdom and experience was passed on to their ancestors, who appreciated the fruit and began to use it for cooking various dishes, including aromatic jam. The delicacy began to be used not only as a refined and easily digestible dessert, but also as a medicine that protects the body and frees from ailments.

Jam has such useful properties:

• improvement of the cardiovascular system;
• Improving the process of bowel movements using a laxative effect;
• diuretic effect;
• regulation of the nervous system;
• treatment and prevention of anemia;
• antipyretic effect;
• prevention and support effect in the treatment of asthma;
• treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract;
• protection against viral infections in the season of their spread;
• restoration of vitality of the body;
• elimination of the consequences of physical overload;
• activation of the brain;
• normalization of blood pressure;
• improvement of blood composition;
• improvement of appearance (skin, nails and hair);
• normalization of the water-salt balance of the body;
• cleansing from slagging;
• reduction in muscle and joint pain;
• regulation of the pancreas.

These properties and the components of the dessert composition that affect them have made the fig product popular not only among the sweet tooth, but also for those who monitor their health, supporting it, using the great power of nature. In addition, jam can help both female and male, and children's organisms, depending on their specific characteristics.

For women

Figs dessert helps the fairer sex to cope with such characteristic disorders and ailments as painful and profuse discharge during menstruation, hormonal disorders, and depressive states. In addition, the use of goodies is an excellent preventive measure against the expansion of veins or varicose veins, from edema and leg cramps, which are often encountered by women who prefer heels. Also, improving the appearance of the skin, the condition of the hair and nail plates - all this under the power of extraordinary sweetness. Therefore, the use of jam from fig fruits is very useful for the female body at any age.

For men

The male body, of course, is less prone to stress, but physically the stronger sex gets tired more, so they need to use fig dessert to restore strength, increase stamina, and also as a prevention against strokes and heart attacks. Several spoons of goodies daily will help increase potency and prolong sexual activity.

So, for the male body, fig jam has kept its secrets, which positively affect the health of a strong half of humanity.

During pregnancy

In anticipation of a child, a woman is very careful about her health, because future life depends on it. Fig jam will help expectant mothers cope with edema, gently eliminate constipation and normalize intestinal function, increase hemoglobin level, thereby preventing the development of anemia, protect during viral diseases, saturate the body with necessary microelements, and also calm the nervous system and restore strength. But do not forget that a high-calorie product helps to gain extra pounds, so you should not get involved in it. Allergies may also occur. To avoid risks, you should consult your doctor about the possibility of using a magic dessert. If there are no contraindications, then 2 tbsp. per day will help support the body during pregnancy.

When breastfeeding

During lactation, most experts consider it appropriate to use fig jam. This is due to the fact that dessert helps to solve the problems characteristic of women of this period. It is able to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, eliminate constipation, relieve swelling, maintain healthy skin, lower cholesterol, prevent blood clots, increase hemoglobin, protect the body from colds and SARS, restore strength, calm the nervous system, strengthen the baby’s immunity and young mom.

It is also worth noting that fig jam will be appropriate to use no earlier than three months from the date of birth. First, experts recommend trying 0.5 tsp. in a day.If the crumbs do not have any allergic reactions, colic, intestinal dysfunction, then the dose can be gradually increased to 2 tbsp. per day, but not earlier than six months of age. In this case, it is better to consult a specialist who will correctly assess the condition of both mother and child and eliminate all kinds of risks from the use of oriental sweets.

For kids

So who does not have to be persuaded to be treated with a sweet medicine, these are young children who willingly swallow tasty jam, and not bitter pills. A fat treat can increase the child's body resistance during colds, as well as lower body temperature and eliminate sore throats if the disease does occur. In addition, sweetness from the East helps to improve sputum discharge and even cure such a complex disease as bronchitis. Do not forget that jam activates brain activity and gives vitality, filling the body with energy, which means that it will help the student to better absorb the material and not experience strong mental stress during the training period.

As for the norms of use, it should be noted that until the age of three, you do not need to familiarize the baby with a sweet product in order to avoid allergies, bloating. After the baby reaches 3 years old, it is enough to eat 2 tsp daily. product, and many disorders and diseases will be a thing of the past.

When losing weight

In its raw form, figs are useful for people seeking to achieve ideal body parameters and lose weight. Jam from this fruit is considered a high-calorie product. But at the same time, using it during the diet is quite possible, because the delicacy contains some biological compounds that have the ability to influence lipid metabolism, increasing its speed. Moreover, jam saturates the body of a losing weight person not only with useful and necessary minerals and vitamins, but also with fast carbohydrates, as well as fruit sugars. They help restore strength after training.

Another useful property of jam, which positively affects the process of weight loss, is cleansing the body of slagging and normalizing the digestive tract. In connection with these features, the fig product will provide sufficient benefits to the body in the diet process. But this does not mean that jam is worth eating for breakfast, lunch and dinner with one-liter jars! Two or three spoons in the daily diet of a person fighting against hated kilograms will have a beneficial effect and will do absolutely no harm.

Harm and contraindications

Eastern delicacy is truly a unique product that can support the human body, giving it strength and healing diseases. But, unfortunately, it is not an ideal product that does not have contraindications. Harm, albeit minimal, is still present. It consists in the ban on taking treats to people with the following illnesses and disorders:

• diabetes;
• allergy and individual intolerance to the product;
• excess weight and a tendency to be overweight;
• intestinal disorders and poisoning;
• caries;
• gout and pancreatitis.

If a person has no contraindications, then the daily norm of 30-50 g is quite sufficient to feel the full benefits of a product made from fig fruits.

How to choose figs for jam

To prepare a product that will benefit, you need to choose healthy fruits. When the fruit grows on the territory of the infield, this simplifies the task. But what to do to those to whom figs are available only on store shelves? In order to select and purchase fruits that are suitable for consumption, you need to know some of the subtleties of choice that help you buy the right fig in every way.So, the rules for buying fruit are simple:

1. The first thing you should pay attention to is the density of the fetus, which should be sufficiently dense, but not solid. If the fig is too soft, then this indicates the overripe product, from which a good jam obviously does not work. And if it is hard, it means that the fruit has not matured and does not have the bright taste for which the sweet tooth loves it so much.
2. Next, you should feel the aroma of figs, which should not contain acid, otherwise you should refuse such an acquisition.
3. You also need to carefully inspect the fetus for damage, because the product may be mildew, which indicates its unsuitability for use.

If everything is done correctly, then you can buy tasty and healthy fruits that must be consumed or processed within two days, provided that fresh fruits are stored in the refrigerator. The product is not subject to longer storage, so you should not postpone the process of making jam, but immediately proceed to the production of healthy yummy.

How to cook fig jam: recipes

Unusual jam from southern fruits is on the shelves in many grocery stores. But the delicacy, which is prepared in your own kitchen, is not only different in taste, but also brings much more benefits than purchased, because manufacturers often add preservatives or other not very useful substances, destroying the healing properties of a unique dessert. That is why it is necessary to cook jam at home, especially since there is nothing complicated in this. But nevertheless it is worth mentioning some tricks that will help to cook a delicious delicacy in taste and appearance:

1. To store the finished product, it is necessary to use glass containers with a volume of at least 0.5 liters. This is due to the fact that the fruit does not lose its shape during cooking and remains intact, so it is better to put it in such jars.
2. For making jam, experienced housewives advise using dishes made of stainless material or aluminum.
3. Before starting the cooking process, you should dry the figs with a towel. This secret will help to avoid cracking the fruit during cooking.
4. In order for the jam to have the greatest transparency during the cooking process, namely after boiling the product, the flame must be reduced to a minimum.

These simple rules, or rather tips, will help to achieve an amazing result.

So, here are some recipes for fig jam from the whole variety of existing ones:

Classic Armenian jam

Ingredients:

• figs - 1 kg;
• granulated sugar - 1.1 kg;
• water - 0.5 cups.

Cooking method:

1. Wash the fruit, cut off the hard part of the tails and completely dry.
2. Pour the fruit with sugar and let it brew for a short period of time.
3. Attach water to the fig, put on the stove and cook for 20 minutes after boiling at minimum flame power, removing the resulting foam.
4. Turn off the fire and leave the jam to settle overnight.
5. Put it on the stove again and bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to the minimum mark and boil for about 40 minutes.
6. Put the finished product in a sterilized container and roll up the lids or tighten.
7. The jam should cool upside down, wrapped in a blanket.

Fig Emerald

Ingredients:

• figs, but not ripe - 50 pcs.;
• granulated sugar - 1 kg;
• water - 3 glasses;
• orange zest - 5 tbsp

Cooking method:

1. Free the fruit from the stalks and rinse.
2. Then add water and put on fire. Bring to a boil and pour water, pour a new one. After that, bring to a boil again and boil for 5 minutes. Repeat this procedure 3 times, each time changing the water to fresh.
3. After that, dry the figs with a towel. At this time, combine water and granulated sugar and boil the sugar syrup until sugar is completely dissolved.
4. Pour fruit with this liquid and put on low heat.
5. Boil the jam until it is thick, which depends on the preferences of the cook, and then let the product stand overnight.
6. Then attach the orange zest and cook the dessert completely.
7. Arrange the resulting delicacy on the banks and treat the household.

Nut-fig miracle

Ingredients:

• figs - 1 kg;
• peeled walnut - 5 tbsp;
• granulated sugar - 800 g.

Cooking method:

1. Cut the peeled walnuts into small pieces, then fry them in a skillet without adding oil.
2. Rinse the fig fruits and remove the stalks. You will get a small hole into which you need to ram the roasted nut.
3. Then fill the stuffed figs with sugar and leave to settle overnight.
4. After time, put the dishes with fruits on the stove and bring to a boil. From this moment boil the product for about 15 minutes.
5. Cool the jam and repeat the whole process three times.
6. Transfer the finished dessert to clean prepared dishes and surprise guests.

Figs with plums

Ingredients:

• figs - 0.5 kg;
• plum - 0.5 kg;
• granulated sugar - 0.5 kg;
• lime - 1 pc.;
• jellyfix (3: 1) - 1 packet;
• ground cinnamon - 1 tsp;
• cloves - 1 tsp

Cooking method:

1. To start, prepare all the fruits.
2. Rinse the fig fruits under running water, remove the stem and dry.
3. Peel the lime and squeeze the juice. Rinse the plums and remove the seeds.
4. After that, cut the plum and fig into slices and combine them with lime zest and 50 ml of water.
5. Put this mixture on the stove and bring to a boil.
6. At this point, add granulated sugar and cook for another 30 minutes.
7. Then add lime juice, jellyfix to the mass and boil after boiling for 5 minutes.
8. Put the resulting jam in sterilized jars and roll them up with lids.

From dried fruit

Ingredients:

• dried figs - 1 kg;
• sugar - 0.75 kg;
• water - 1.25 l;
• balsamic vinegar - 0.5 tbsp;
• sesame seeds - 150 g;
• pine nut - 50 g;
• anise - 1 star.

Cooking method:

1. Combine water and balsamic vinegar and put on fire.
2. Rinse the dried fruit and cut into slices.
3. At the time of boiling acetic water, add figs to the liquid and cook until the fruits become the same shape.
4. After this, drain the water into a separate container and attach sugar to it to boil the syrup.
5. Wash the figs at this time in cold water and dry, then lower them into the resulting boiled syrup.
6. Then turn off the fire and insist the product for 12 hours.
7. Then again put jam on a small fire, add anise and cook for half an hour.
8. In parallel, slightly sesame should be fried.
9. Then the fried sesame seeds and fresh pine nuts are placed in a pan with jam and cook for another 15 minutes.
10. Arrange the delicacy in prepared jars.

Ginger-fig-orange sweetness

Ingredients:

• figs - 0.8 kg;
• orange - 1 pc.;
• ginger –100 g (fresh version can be replaced with 20 g ground);
• granulated sugar - 0.4 kg.

Cooking method:

1. Pour boiling water over the orange, peel with a grater and squeeze the juice from the fruit.
2. Rinse the figs, remove the tails and dry, and then cut into small slices.
3. Finely chop the fresh ginger with a knife or use a grater to rub.
4. After this, mix all the ingredients obtained with sugar (figs, orange juice, orange zest, chopped ginger) and allow the product to brew.
5. After a few hours, put the container with the fruit and sugar mass on the fire and bring to a boil, then boil for 15 minutes.
6. Then put the healthy and tasty jam in sterilized jars and tighten the lids.

Honey with figs

Ingredients:

• figs - 1 kg;
• water - 500 ml;
• honey - 0.4 kg.

Cooking method:

1. Rinse the fig fruits thoroughly, separate the stalks and dry the fruits.
2. Meanwhile, combine honey with water and prepare honey syrup.
3. Add the resulting liquid to the fig and set to infuse for 2-4 hours.
4. Then put the mass on the stove again and boil until viscous.
5. Put the resulting jam in sterilized jars and put away for storage.

Grape jam

Ingredients:

• figs - 0.5 kg;
• light grapes - 0.6 kg;
• granulated sugar - 0.3 kg;
• yellowfix (3: 1) - 1 packet.

Cooking method:

1. Rinse the fig fruits, remove the tails and dry, then cut into small pieces.
2. Wash grapes, cut in half and remove the seeds.
3. Mix the fruit with granulated sugar and let stand for 20 minutes.
4. After that, put the container with fruits and sugar on the stove and cook from the moment of boiling the product for 20 minutes.
5. After that, add the jellyfix to the jam and boil for 5 minutes.
6. Spread the resulting delicacy in the prepared dishes.

Interesting Figs About Figs

The rich history of ancient culture contains a lot of interesting facts about this amazing fruit:

1. Figs, according to some scholars of the Holy Bible for all Orthodox books of the Bible, were thus the fruit forbidden for Adam and Eve, because of which the first people on earth were expelled from the Garden of Eden.
2. In ancient times, the best varieties of fig trees were given names.
3. Fig trees can be hundreds of years old, and they can bear fruit for four hundred years.
4. One of the names of this plant sounds like “wine berry”. This is due to the fact that under the influence of the sun overripe fruits turn into wine, because the natural fermentation process begins.
5. Figs are the most frequently mentioned plant and fruit in the scriptures sacred for Orthodox and Muslims - the Bible and the Koran.

Fig jam is a gift from Mother Earth and the knowledge of ancestors. A sweet delicacy from the mysterious East can cope with many diseases and give good health. Therefore, you should not run after expensive “magic” preparations, but just sometimes you need to open a jar of sweetness and taste a few spoons of a wonderful dessert, which has the healing power of nature.

Photo of fig jam