Figs are not only delicious, but also highly nutritious. They are a rich source of fiber, potassium, calcium and antioxidants. A single serving of dried figs (3-5 fresh or dried) provides approximately 4g of fiber, making them an easy way to increase our natural fiber intake. Dried figs contain impressive 250mg calcium per 100gr, compared to whole milk with only 118mg.

The benefits of figs consumption to health include improving bowel function due to high levels of fiber. Also, they rest among the most highly alkaline foods, making them useful for balancing the pH of the body. Finally, they are a good source of potassium, which helps greatly in regulating blood pressure.

Figs are one of the sweet foods of summer, offered either as fruit or as one of the most delicious sweet dishes. Naturally sweet, aromatic and succulent, figs are enjoyed by people around the world for centuries. In ancient Greece, figs consumed by athletes of the Olympic Games as a tonic food and support for better performance and offered to the winners, like the laurels. It also formed a staple food at the dinner of the ancient Athenians. For the Chinese, figs were used for years as medicinal soups. Reference of the fig tree is even made in the book of Genesis in the Bible where Adam and Eve used fig leaves to cover their bodies.

Today, people enjoy fresh figs from July through September, and dried figs throughout the year.

Nutritional value of fresh figs (100gr)

• Energy kcal/kj 70/310
• Proteins gr 0,8
• Carbohydrates gr 19
• Fat gr 0,3
• Fiber gr 3
• Monounsaturated gr 69
• Vitamin Β6 mg 110

Suggestions for consumption

Figs are very tasty and are pleasantly eaten on their own. But they are also used to make spoon sweets as well as jam. They can also be added to various salads to give them a unique flavor. There are also many recipes in which figs are cooked with meat or used in sauces for eating.