Monday Special - Figs

If you are a fan of the figgy pudding like I am, then get ready for the second season of the fig! You might have seen some of these babies early in the summer, but they are back now for their "long" season and should be here through fall. If you haven't had one, then you should pick a few up at your next market trip - many people describe figs as a mix between a peach and a strawberry - YUM!!!

There are a few different types of figs and they range in their levels of sweetness. Locally, you will probably find the type of fig tree that grows best in your climate. Figs are an exemplary fruit that should always be eaten local. Figs are very fragile and do not keep well. When picking out figs at the market, try to find ones that are soft like a ripe peach but not mushy. They should smell sweet and not sour - a sign of spoilage. When picking figs off the tree, look for soft fruits on dropping branches. Ripe figs will pull right off the branch. Store figs in the refrigerator as they will keep longer there than at room temperature.

When eating a fresh fig, peel the fruit into two halves with your fingers. Turn the halves inside-out where the skin is pressed together in the inside of the fruit. This way, when you place the fruit in your mouth the skin doesn't rub against the inside of your mouth (which can cause sores). Check out this short demonstration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7uWSAfVO9g.

Other than eating them as is, figs can be prepared for many different dishes. I often put them in my morning smoothie or blend them in a sauce for a touch of sweetness. Many people make jams out of fresh figs. They can also compliment breads, yogurts, salads, cheese plates and cobblers. I even have a fig balsamic vinegar. It is a truly versatile fruit. They can also be canned or frozen to preserve them.

These small treasures don't pack nutrients like a lot of the other foods I discuss here, but they carry a lot of health benefits. One, they are high in fiber. Two, they pack 4% of daily calcium recommendation per medium fruit. That can add up quick! Also, the riper the fig, the more beautiful antioxidants it holds! Finally, in studies, fig leaves have shown antidiabetic properties, triglyceride reduction and cancer cell growth suppression.

Have I tempted you to eat more figs??