How to eat raw figs. Dried figs - fruits of the fig tree

19.04.202027.05.2017

When buying dried figs, be careful when choosing it, as there is a high probability of purchasing a poor-quality, spoiled or simply tasteless product. It is necessary to pay attention to some external signs by which it becomes possible to evaluate the quality of dried figs.

Dried fruits should be slightly flattened and have approximately the same size, this will indicate good sorting and preliminary selection of raw materials for spoilage. You need to choose freshly dried figs that are slightly soft to the touch, excessive hardness and dryness indicate a violation of the drying technology or the age of storage of the product.

The color of dried figs should be beige, or light brown - if black varieties were dried, the surface texture is matte. With a high sugar content in figs, when it is dried, a white coating appears on the surface - an excess of sugars that crystallized after the evaporation of water. If there are dark spots on the surface of the dried figs, then such fruits should not be chosen, since the already rotten crop was probably dried.

The taste of quality dried figs is exceptionally sweet with hints of fresh fruits. The presence of off-flavours, sourness, and a musty feeling mean that such figs are unfit for human consumption and can cause stomach upset. Even if you have already chosen and bought spoiled dried figs, it is better to throw it away than to test your health for strength.

Favorable conditions for storing dried figs are low temperatures with minimal humidity. This will prevent bacteria and fungi from growing in the extremely nutrient-rich environment of the fig. In addition, dried figs must be protected from various kinds of domestic pests, such as cereal weevils and moths, which are also not averse to encroaching on sweet figs.

An ideal place to store dried figs would be a tightly sealed glass or can placed in the refrigerator. In this form, dried figs can be stored for up to 8 months. Shelf life at low temperatures increases up to a year.

How to eat dried figs.

Dried figs are often stored and sold open for a long time. And besides, it is subjected to long-term transportation, which contributes to its additional pollution. Therefore, before eating, dried figs require thorough washing. You can use a brush, washing each fruit individually, you can soak dried figs for a while in warm water, doing several washes. Such procedures are required.

Most often, dried figs are eaten on their own, as a dessert or served on a sweet table. Chopped figs can be varied fruit yogurt or pastries. It can also be added to a mixture with dried fruits, in the preparation of drinks and other dishes. In addition, figs are eaten with meat dishes, it goes well with honey and cheese.

You should not eat dried figs in large quantities, especially if this product is new to you, as the high content minerals and insoluble dietary fiber can have a negative impact on the functioning of the digestive system.

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calories and chemical composition dried figs. What useful substances are contained in the product, are there any contraindications for its consumption. Ways to cook dishes with a fig tree. Interesting Facts about the fruits of the ancient tree.

The content of the article:

Dried figs are the fruits of the dried fig tree, which is also called fig, fig, fig, fig, fig. They refer this product to dried fruits and consider it one of the most popular in our region, along with dried apricots, raisins and dates. Fig trees are widely cultivated in Asia Minor and Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Carpathians and the Crimea. They are widespread in the Mediterranean, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Krasnodar Territory and Abkhazia. Grow to a height of 10 meters, live up to 200 years. There are several varieties of figs. For the preparation of dried fruits, mainly light varieties are used, with a fruit weight of 50-70 g. They are used in cooking, cosmetic purposes, traditional medicine.

Composition and calorie content of dried figs

A large number of nutrients has made dried fruit one of the favorite products of adherents of a healthy lifestyle.

Calorie content of dried figs - 257 kcal per 100 g of product, of which:

Proteins - 3.1 g;
Fats - 0.8 g;
Carbohydrates - 57.9 g;
Dietary fiber - 18.2 g;
Water - 16 g.

Minerals per 100 g:

Potassium - 710 mg;
Calcium - 144 mg;
Magnesium - 59 mg;
Sodium - 11 mg;
Phosphorus - 68 mg;
Iron - 0.3 mg

Vitamin composition of dried figs per 100 g:

Vitamin A - 13 mcg;
Beta-carotene - 0.078 mg;
Vitamin B1 - 0.07 mg;
Vitamin B2 - 0.09 mg;
Vitamin E - 0.3 mg;
Vitamin PP, NE - 1.2 mg.

The special value and benefits of dried figs are in the significant content of macro- and microelements:

Thanks to potassium, the water balance in the human body is maintained, the heart rate is normalized, and retention in the musculoskeletal structure occurs. useful elements.
Calcium makes bones and teeth strong, speeds up metabolic processes, and normalizes insulin production.
Magnesium removes heavy metals from the body, has an anticonvulsant effect due to the normalization of the nervous system, support for the cardiovascular and endocrine systems.
Sodium is one of the main components for the normalization of water-salt metabolism. Activates the secretion of enzymes by the salivary and pancreas. Helps produce gastric juice. Supports acid-base balance. Has a vasodilating effect.
Phosphorus is needed for normal growth of bones and teeth. Participates in protein synthesis, helps the metabolism of fats, proteins, carbohydrates. Needed for growth and recovery of the body. Improves metabolism, helps cell division. Coordinates acid-base balance.
Iron is involved in the formation of hemoglobin, supports the immune system, protecting the body from bacteria. Synthesizes thyroid hormones. Helps with the absorption of B vitamins.

AT vitamin composition the most important place is occupied by vitamin PP. Nicotinic acid is the main element, without which redox processes do not proceed correctly, which jeopardizes the cardiovascular and digestive systems. In addition, this particular vitamin is a key component in the formation of such hormones as thyroxine, insulin, testosterone, progesterone, estrogen.

Useful properties of dried figs

Due to the low calorie content, low fat content, but at the same time, the rich composition of micro and macro elements, dried fruit is considered an excellent product for those who care about their own health.

Regular consumption of figs in food will allow:

Improve intestinal peristalsis. This is an excellent remedy for those who suffer from constipation. Just one fruit of dried figs on an empty stomach, and you will forever forget about unpleasant sensations, and at the same time get the prevention of hemorrhoids, cystic formations and the development of tumors - both benign and malignant.
Raise hemoglobin levels. Speaking of foods that can prevent anemia, we most often refer to the liver, beef, yolk chicken eggs and buckwheat. But we offend dried figs completely undeservedly. It is able to seriously increase the level of hemoglobin, while bringing a pleasant variety to our diet.
Support the cardiovascular system. This effect is achieved due to a significant reduction in cholesterol, vasodilation, and improvement in their elasticity. As a result of these processes, you get the prevention of heart attacks and strokes, the normalization of blood pressure.
Discharge the nervous system. Stabilization of the functioning of the central nervous system through streamlining the work of nerve endings helps to achieve a good anticonvulsant effect, cope with stress, depression, migraines, neurological tics, minimal brain dysfunction, hyperexcitability.
Get rid of toxins. The antioxidants contained in dried figs destroy harmful substances and fight the negative effects of free radicals. It is important for the functioning of many organs, especially the liver.
Reduce body weight. Improving intestinal motility, removing toxins and normalizing the digestive system steadily leads to weight loss. Moreover, this happens with health benefits, which makes losing weight not fast, but the effect persists for a long period.
Recover. Dried fruits are a fairly common recommendation for those who restore the body after a long illness, fatigue, loss of strength. And dried figs in this context are mentioned especially often. It relieves fatigue, increases efficiency, improves brain activity. Since it has expectorant characteristics, eating it will help speed up recovery after a cold, bronchitis, tracheitis.
Remove small stones from the kidneys and bladder. This useful property is attributed to all products that have a diuretic effect. And dried figs are no exception. Due to the natural removal of excess water from the body, it cleans the kidneys and bladder from sand and small stones, while not washing away beneficial substances from bones and muscle tissues.
Prevent bile stasis. The choleretic properties of dried fruits will cope with this. They will help prevent stagnation of bile, which are formed in the ducts with improper and irregular nutrition. This is the best prevention of gallstone formation.

Contraindications and harm of dried fig tree

Despite the positive effect in recovery from the regular use of the product, there are also negative aspects that are better to be aware of. Dried figs can sometimes be harmful, so you should be careful about eating them if you:

prone to flatulence. The ability to cause excess gas can be uncomfortable for those suffering from diarrhea and bloating.
Suffering from diabetes. Since figs can significantly affect blood sugar and insulin production, those who suffer from this disease need to be on the alert.
Suffering from gout and pancreatitis. Metabolic disorders and inflammation of the pancreas are direct contraindications to the use of dried fruit.
Have hard gallstones. Due to the choleretic effect, figs will remove small stones, but large ones can get stuck in the ducts, then they will have to be removed surgically.
Prone to food allergies. In this case, you need to start by eating a small amount of dried fruits, and only if the allergy does not manifest itself, you can introduce them into a permanent diet.

How to choose dried figs

When choosing a dried fruit, you should be guided by the following rules:

The product should be of medium dryness. Too dry fruits may indicate a violation of the cooking technology or that they are very old. On the contrary, soft figs indicate an insufficient degree of drying, which can cause it to ferment and rot.
Dried fruits should be about the same size. This indicates the correct selection of fruits during drying.
The color of the fig should be uniform. Or yellow-golden, if light varieties were taken, or brown, if a dark variety was dried. Light spots on dark and, conversely, dark spots on light figs indicate that rotten fruits were processed.
Regardless of the variety, dried figs are a sweet product, and the presence of sourness indicates spoilage of the product.

Since dried fruit is very fond of all kinds of pests, you need to know how to store dried figs. It should be kept in a sealed container. For storage up to six months, the best place is the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator; for storage up to a week, a dry, dark place is enough. If you want to keep it for up to a year, you can freeze it. At the same time, it will practically not change the taste after defrosting, but the useful substances in it, of course, will decrease.

How to eat dried figs

Excellent gastronomic features determine the great respect for this type of dried fruit. Dried figs are most often eaten on their own as a dessert.

It must be washed before use, as it is often contaminated during transportation. You can do this in running water with a brush or by soaking it in warm water and then draining it.

Since figs, as already described above, have a gaseous property, it is not recommended to consume it immediately after a meal. Do it in between, leaving it for snacks - it will perfectly fill you with energy, satisfy your gastronomic needs and charge good mood.

Also, the product is used in cooking for the preparation of complex desserts, side dishes, snacks and meat. It is especially tasty with honey and cheese. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the recipes for some dishes with dried figs below.

How to prepare dried figs

It is no secret that the largest number useful components and the best taste qualities in any product are available immediately after preparation. This means that the longer it is stored, the less useful and taste it has. Therefore, many people prefer to cook dried fruits on their own. It's easy to do.

There are three main recipes for drying figs:

Under the sun. To do this, you need to take the fruits, spread them under the sun on prepared clean surfaces, cover with thin gauze (from flies and other insects) and dry for 3-4 days, periodically turning over. At night they need to be taken indoors.
In the oven. Cut the figs in half and arrange on a wire rack or perforated baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 60°C and place the fruit in there for 8-10 hours. Leave the door ajar, turn them over periodically.
in the dryer. Modern devices for preparing dried fruits allow you to cope with this process in 5-6 hours. It is only necessary to cut the figs into halves, load them into the electric dryer and set the appropriate program. The device will do the rest by itself - there is no need to monitor the product and turn it over.

Dried Fig Tree Recipes

The use of this dried fruit in dishes is a sign of high, gourmet cuisine. The ability of hostesses to subtly introduce him into hot and meat dishes, salads and snacks indicates a certain status of the culinary specialist. If you want to please yourself or treat your friends with delicate and unusual dishes, be sure to take note of the following recipes with dried figs:

Tagine with lamb. Take 1 kg lamb, wash, dry, cut large pieces. Cut 2 large onions into half rings, put the meat in a large saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 dessert spoon of salt and pepper mixture to taste, mix thoroughly. Pour lamb with water so that it barely covers the meat, simmer over low heat for 1 hour. Add 300 g of dry figs and 2 tablespoons of honey, simmer until the liquid has evaporated. Toast the crushed walnuts over moderate heat. Add to them a couple of cloves of garlic passed through a press and 100 ml tomato juice, steam over the fire, season the meat with this sauce, mix well. Simmer for another minute, turn off, let it brew for 20 minutes. Serve with chopped parsley or cilantro.
Vegetarian pilaf. Take 600 g long parboiled rice. Rinse, put in a colander. Pour 50 ml into a heavy-bottomed pot vegetable oil, send there 1 large onion cut into half rings and 1 large carrot cut into cubes. Fry until half cooked over high heat, stirring constantly. Pour rice into the pot, pour boiling water over it so that the water is 1 cm above the level of the cereal. Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric, a pinch of salt and ground pepper, 100 g finely chopped dried figs. Simmer for 40 minutes over low heat.
Salad with bacon and cheese. Put 2 large strips of bacon on a hot frying pan, melt the fat, fry until crispy, put on a paper towel, let cool. Put on a plate 100 g of a mixture of lettuce leaves, cut into medium-sized pieces. Cut 1 red onion into thin half rings. Top with 50 g of finely chopped pieces of dried figs steamed in a water bath, a handful of pine nuts, strips of bacon. In a bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar, a pinch of salt, pepper and oregano, and 1 teaspoon mustard seeds. Drizzle dressing over salad; top with shredded goat cheese.
Figs with mascarpone. Take 300 g of dried fruit, rinse, cut off the stalks. Mix 1 glass of dry red wine, 100 g of sugar and 20 ml of balsamic vinegar, cook over low heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Send figs there, let boil for 5-7 minutes. Transfer the contents to a baking dish, sprinkle with crushed nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds), send to the oven, preheated to 180 ° C, for 30 minutes. When the figs have softened, place a ball of creamy mascarpone on each rosette and bake for another 3-5 minutes. Serve chilled.
Cookies with nuts and dried fruits. Grind 200 g of almonds or cashews into flour. Add a pinch of salt, cinnamon, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey, knead the dough. Roll out the cake into a thin sheet - 1-2 mm. Grind the figs in a blender to a paste. If it is very dry, you can add a spoonful of warm boiled water. Form cookies with cookie cutters, put a spoonful of fig paste on it, cover with another cookie on top. Bake in an oven preheated to 180°C for 10-15 minutes.

Drinks made from dried fruits have a spicy taste and a large set of useful elements:

Compote with spices. Bring 3 liters of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Throw in boiling water 200 g of pitted prunes, 200 g of dried apricots, 100 g of raisins and 100 g of dried figs. All dried fruits must be thoroughly washed before being sent to the pan. Add 5 pcs. dry cloves and 2 cinnamon sticks. Bring dried fruit to a boil, meanwhile dice 2 apples and 1 orange and 1 lemon each. Send to boiling water and boil for 3-5 minutes. Turn off and let sit overnight. Serve chilled.
Vitamin Smoothie. The recipe for this cocktail is very simple, and its benefits are enormous. Take 200 g of low-fat live yogurt, mix with 1 tablespoon of honey, 100 g of any fresh or frozen berries and 100 g of finely chopped figs. Combine all ingredients in a blender. Drink immediately after preparation.
Alcoholic cocktail. To create an excellent basis for alcoholic cocktails take 500 g of dried figs, rinse it well, pour 2 liters of boiling water, simmer for 30 minutes. Add the zest of 2 large oranges to the bowl, bring to a boil, turn off, let it brew for 30 minutes. Then squeeze the orange juice and send it to the drink along with the cake, leave to cool completely. Send overnight in the refrigerator. Strain, add fresh mint leaves and an alcoholic component - vodka, vermouth, red or white wine - whichever you prefer. Pairs well with champagne. If you like light cocktails, dilute an additional concentrate of carbonated mineral water if you like it stronger - mix with alcohol in pure form.

Fig trees are considered one of the most ancient fruit crops. It was cultivated in Arabia, then in Syria and Egypt.

This plant is mentioned in the Bible, because Adam and Eve were covered with fig leaves to hide their nakedness. Moreover, there is an opinion that it was the figs that were the forbidden fruit that the couple ate, and apples in this context were mentioned only to make the story clearer and closer to a large number of people.

But then it was about raw fruits, and later dried figs were mentioned in the sources. For example, Alexander the Great respected the dried fig very much, always carrying dried fruits in large quantities to battles, as they helped restore strength, gave energy and increased immunity.

A special place in the first-aid kit was occupied by dried figs and the famous doctor Avicena. He used it as an antitussive and as a preventative for constipation, skin diseases, and digestive problems.

Watch a video about dried figs:

As you can see, the beneficial properties of dried figs were appreciated long before we were born. Therefore, do not neglect this experience - be sure to use the healing properties of dried fruits and enjoy their excellent gastronomic qualities.

The inhabitants of the planet have known about the value of figs for a long time. Figa (one of the names of the fruit) has a large number of varieties that differ in shape, color, taste and ripening time. In this regard, many are interested in how to eat figs. Usually, berries are eaten fresh or in the form of dried fruits, but with no less success they are frozen, baked, boiled compote, jam or used in baking.

In what form and how to eat figs?

Fig fruits are green, yellow, brown or dark blue, reminiscent of a plum. Dark berries are much sweeter than light ones. The taste of fresh figs is light, sweetish, without sourness, and you can fully feel it when consumed fresh. True, it is difficult to find a “primordial” product in stores and on market stalls. A ripe berry is soft and tender, which makes it very difficult to transport it. But far from maturity, figs are not worth buying: they are unable to “reach condition” on their own, like other types of fruits.

People who have recently discovered this delicacy want to know how to eat figs with a peel. Indeed, the whole fruit is edible. You should not only give the skin to young children and eat too rough a shell. In other cases, the fresh fruit must be carefully washed in warm water. It is recommended to store the figs in a cool place for about an hour before cutting them.

Fresh fruit at room temperature remains edible for about a day. It is best to put it in the refrigerator - there it will retain its original appearance and taste longer (up to 3 days).

In addition, the berry can be frozen and stored for about 12 months. For this purpose, it is better to choose dark varieties. The frozen product is used for baking, jam, compotes.

Dried figs can be doused with boiling water before eating to kill germs. Some varieties, even when “dehydrated”, are quite juicy, while others should be held over steam or soaked in boiling water. Such a product can be eaten without anything, sent to pies or muffins, stewed with fennel and anise. And if you add spices, dried apricots, apples and figs to the water and cook it all for about 15 minutes, you will get a very tasty compote.

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Figs: benefits and harms to the body

Figs have great nutritional value. Protein, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium - this is not a complete list of all the useful components of the product. By the amount of iron, the fig is ahead of the apple, and by the content of potassium it is second only to nuts. There is quite a lot of copper in fig fruits - one of the main trace elements that is found in the human liver and muscles, affects the production of elastin and collagen. It is no coincidence that figs are popular as an element of a healthy, proper diet.

In folk medicine, he also found wide application. The fruits help to set up the proper functioning of the stomach, have a beneficial effect on the state of the entire human circulatory system. Figs for women are extremely useful. The folic acid it contains is especially necessary for the fairer sex before conception and during the first 3 months of pregnancy. But, if a woman gains weight too quickly during this period, suffers from kidney disease or gestational diabetes, she should refuse the product.

Scientific studies show that figs are very important for women who are going through menopause. Daily intake of the product prevents breast cancer. This is all thanks to the significant levels of antioxidants, which is another benefit of eating figs.

Dried fruits almost do not differ in value from fresh berries. The process of evaporation of water occurs naturally, which helps to maximize the benefits of figs. Yellow-green berries have a huge range of positive properties. An important quality of the product is the ability to quickly saturate it, since dried figs contain a large amount of fiber.

However, dried figs have high sugar levels, so people with various types of diabetes should avoid them. In addition, doctors do not advise using it in large quantities with a problem. excess weight, since the fig is quite high in calories. Figs are forbidden to use in acute gastritis and people with kidney disease.

How to choose the right fig?

So that you can safely eat berries in any form and get benefits, you need to buy quality product. Here are the characteristics of good fresh figs:

it should be slightly soft, but keep its shape steadily and not spread in the hands;
the skin must be smooth and without cracks, but small scratches are not considered a fault;
the smell of ripe fruits is pleasant and sweetish; sour indicates the beginning of the fermentation process;
a large number of seeds, as a rule, indicates excellent taste.

Dried figs of the highest grade have a pleasant light brown color. All berries are even, regular, slightly flattened and relatively soft to the touch. White bloom on fruits is an indicator of high sugar content. In order not to run into low-quality figs, you need to feel it. Rough and dry fruits are likely to have expired. In addition, such berries have an unpleasant sour taste.

Foods that go well with figs

How to eat figs in combination with other products so that its taste gets a new sound? Here are some good ways.

First of all, pieces of this berry serve additional ingredient fruit and vegetable salads. Dishes can be seasoned with sour cream, yogurt or lemon juice.
Ham, cheese, greens and figs - a light and nutritious dish for every day.
Pieces of dried fruit are added to tea.
A nutritious breakfast will be a mix of cottage cheese, figs and honey.
Oatmeal lovers in the face of figs get a nice addition to it. Dried fruits for this dish should be soaked before using.
Despite the sweetness, figs go well with meat and poultry dishes. Before the end of frying the meat, the dried berries are added in pieces, they are all fried together and served.
Amazing taste comes from the combination goat cheese and figs. These ingredients can be made light salad, bake them together in the oven or microwave.

Each of us has tried figs at least once in our lives. Sweet taste, light and very pleasant aroma, an abundance of vitamins - such associations arise at the mention of this amazing fruit. Do you know how figs are eaten? What products does it best combine with, where could it find its application? A beautiful fruit keeps many secrets under the skin, which will be very useful to know.

Useful properties of figs

Figs have many names. It is often called a fig tree, a fig tree, or a vine tree. The history of the fruit has many millennia, it is generally accepted that the first mention of it dates back to biblical times.

It is important to know not only how figs are eaten, but also what its benefits are. A small portion of these fruits will perfectly satisfy hunger, help restore strength and relieve stress. Not only does this fruit have a pleasant taste, it is also an excellent antidepressant and perfectly uplifting.

How do you eat dried figs? It should be noted right away that the fruit in this state does not lose its beneficial properties. In addition, many find it even more enjoyable, as it has significant sweetness and nutritional value. Regular consumption of figs in the most favorable way affects the functioning of the heart, strengthens the walls of blood vessels and is an excellent prophylactic against the formation of blood clots. Natural juice from this fruit will help remove stones and sand from the kidneys, toxins and toxins. It includes such components necessary for the normal functioning of the human body as:

In folk medicine, figs are used to treat conjunctivitis, festering wounds, asthma, constipation, and urolithiasis. However, the fruit should not be consumed by people suffering from diabetes, gout, intestinal inflammation.

Figs - a godsend for those who are on a diet

How do dieters eat figs? First, let's talk about the calorie content of the fetus and the fats that make up its composition. The main component of the fruit is carbohydrates, their maximum amount in 100 grams of fresh figs is 34, in dry - 37 grams. Fats are almost minimal - their amount barely reaches 0.6 g, and in some varieties they are even less. As for proteins, they are also almost absent (up to 1 g).

The main advantage of figs is that the carbohydrates in its composition are complex, not simple, which means they are processed extremely slowly and do not contribute to the formation of body fat. You can safely eat figs, because in terms of calories they are not much superior to apples or pears. In addition, its individual parts (core) are not absorbed. And thanks to the rapid production of serotonin, the use of figs effectively blocks the onset of hunger. It is enough to replace a couple of dinners a week with four medium-sized fruits - and soon you will be able to notice a positive effect. Losing weight can be very, very tasty.

How to eat fresh figs

How do you eat fresh figs? To do this, it is not necessary to wash the fruit at all, it will be enough just to remove the peel, as you do before eating an ordinary banana. If you have the opportunity to eat figs immediately from a tree growing in an ecologically clean place, then this procedure can be excluded. You should get rid of the top layer if the fruit was purchased in a store or on the market. Now you know the answer to the question of how figs are eaten - with or without peel. Remember that fresh fruit should not be consumed in large quantities. By the way, a fig is not at all the kind of fruit that you can eat without stopping. It is not for nothing that the people called it a wine berry: in the stomach, it can provoke fermentation processes and discomfort. To minimize possible risks, eat the fruit on an empty stomach.

dried figs

It is customary to wash figs before they are sent to dry. In this form (dried) it can be used in different ways. Some boil the fruit with boiling water, others cut it into pieces or eat it whole. It is also ground in a blender to a puree consistency. The resulting sweet mass can be eaten with bread or in its pure form, any solution is equally tasty.

Delicious wine berry combinations

So, how do they eat figs as part of other dishes? Quite often it is used as a filling for rich pastries, all kinds of cakes, pies and cheesecakes. It can be made from delicious jam or sweet jam. In addition, the fruit perfectly sets off poultry and meat dishes.

If you do not know what figs are with, then take note of a couple healthy recipes. So, cutting the fruit and mixing it with prunes and orange, you get an excellent sweet salad. And if you add it to bacon and lettuce, it will be very hearty meal. Use balsamic vinegar as a dressing. Pairs with figs hard varieties cheese - such cuts can decorate any holiday table.

Basic rules for choosing a "good" fruit

How to choose the right figs? It is best to purchase them in a trusted place, the best option is in a store. When buying, you should focus not only on appearance, but also on the aroma - it should be pleasant, sweetish, not too rich and musty. Be extremely careful when transporting fresh fruit - it is easily damaged and spoils quickly. It is best to store it in the refrigerator, and if necessary, you can freeze it. There are several basic characteristics that a “good” fruit must meet:

no damage (cracks, dents);
moderate softness;
no sour smell;
color may vary depending on the variety, a rich dark shade is optimal.

Firm fruits are unripe. And figs do not have the ability to ripen at home, so you should refuse such a purchase. By the way, a large number of seeds can be considered an indicator of excellent taste. And one more nuance. If dried figs are cream or light yellow in color, then they belong to a variety with excellent taste characteristics.

Figs are an ancient cultivated plant. It is quite unpretentious and grows without problems in hot countries. Its homeland is considered And how many names does this dark purple fruit have: figs, figs, figs, But whatever you call it, the benefits that it brings to our health are simply huge!

Figs contain potassium, which is an electrolyte absolutely necessary for the normal functioning of our cardiovascular and nervous systems. People who know and quite often consume it in food can boast of normal blood pressure. Another advantage of figs is that they contain a lot of dietary fiber, which allows the fig, being very sweet, not to increase appetite as much as all other sweets (because the sugar in it is absorbed very slowly).

These qualities of figs were duly appreciated by doctors observing
fetal development and the health of the expectant mother, so they strongly recommend eating figs during pregnancy. It is one of the 7 superfoods and is essential during this period of a woman's life. Only 8 berries a day can saturate her body with a quarter and will also become a rich source of phosphorus, magnesium, iron and vitamin K.

In order for the fig to be beneficial, you need to know how to eat figs and how to choose them correctly.

Doctors advise buying this fruit of a greenish or dark purple hue.

The fig must be between walnut to a big plum.

Naturally, there should not be any dark "stale" barrels.

Ripe figs will feel slightly soft to the touch. And if it has a sour smell, then this fruit is no longer fresh.

It is almost impossible to buy fresh figs that meet all these requirements in the latitudes of central Russia. Most often on store shelves we see it dried. When purchasing this dried fruit, pay attention that it is dark brown in color and without plaque. If it has bright shades, then it contains sulfur components that are dangerous for our body.

If with useful properties and everything is clear with the choice, then the question of in what form and how to eat figs correctly still remains unanswered. All well-known nutritionists are unanimous in their opinion that it is desirable to consume it fresh. Most often, figs are eaten cut into slices, but you can also add whipped cream, nuts or unsalted mixed with berries and nuts as an addition. Here, as they say, who and what much. But in any case, the result will be the same - a very tasty, healthy and quite high-calorie dessert.

This property of this dried fruit has been known since ancient times. Therefore, our grandmothers and great-grandmothers love to treat us for coughs, preparing a sweet potion, simmering figs with milk over low heat. The secret of the drink is simple - it does not tolerate fuss. After all, languor implies a long process of evaporation, insistence and exchange beneficial substances products among themselves. By the way, many people like to drink this drink just like that, for sweets. Dried figs are distinguished by a high concentration of dietary fiber and vitamins.

Figs - ancient and very useful berry. How to cook and how to eat figs? Very simple. Cook compotes from it, add to desserts, cakes, combine with chicken and cheese. Just do not abuse the wine berry, otherwise you will have to go on a strict diet in a week!