Fig

From CopperWiki

Figs have a peculiar bell shape, with a wide bottom that narrows to a point. Figs come in various sizes and colours. They can be brown, purple, green, yellow or black. The skin has a slightly wrinkled and leathery appearance. The fruit is highly perishable and is usually dried for preservation.

Ficus carica, which we know as the common fig, originated in northern Asia and was brought to America by teh Spaniards.

There is a school of thought that believes that the forbidden fruit entned in the Bible was probably a fig rather than an apple. Sumerian stone tablets, which date back to 2500BC mention the use of figs.

Cooked figs are used as sweeteners in parts of north Africa and the Middle East.

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[edit] Caution

Figs contain good amounts of oxalates. When oxalates become too concentrated in the body fluids, they can crystallize and cause health problems. People with kidney or gall bladder problems would be wise to avoid eating figs. Figs can also trigger headaches in some people.

[edit] Selection

Figs must be picked ripe from trees because they do not ripen well once they have been picked from the tree. They have a very short shelf life and must be consumed as soon as possible. The harvest season for figs is from mid-June to mid-October.

When buying figs look for clean and dry figs with smooth skin. The fruit should yield to the touch but should not be mushy.Smell the fruit. If it has a slightly sour smell it is already overripe and has begun to ferment. Overripe figs begin to lose shape when they are past their prime.

[edit] Storage

Keep ripe figs in the refrigerator. They will keep for about two days. They should be placed on a shallow tray as they bruise easily. It is best to keep them covered to prevent them from drying up or picking up odours. Figs can be frozen whole, sliced or peeled in a sealed container for 10 to 12 months.

Dried figs can be stored in a sealed package at room temperature for a month. If they are to be stored for a longer period, it is best to store them in the refrigerator in a air-tight plastic container. They will stay for upto a year. Opened dried figs should be transferred to a sealable plastic bag and stored in the refrigerator.