All About Figs
History Of The Fig
Figs are considered to be one of the oldest fruits in the world. They were first grown in Eastern Turkey and across Northern India before being cultivated throughout the Mediterranean and eventually across the globe.
Throughout history, the fig has ties to many religions and famous historic figures. The fig was the first fruit tree mentioned in the Bible, Egyptians called it “The Tree Of Life”, Buddha received enlightenment under a fig tree and Islam considers figs to be holy. The early Olympic athletes in Greece were presented with figs as awards and figs happened to also be Cleopatra’s favourite fruit!
Interesting Facts About Figs
Figs might be the weirdest fruit of all. They are unique in that their flower is enclosed inside the fruit. In fact, the inside is made up of hundreds of flowers. These produce little edible seeds and give figs their unique texture.
Whilst most fig varieties that you find in the supermarket are self-pollenated, some varieties across the globe require pollination by a fig wasp. A very fascinating process in itself which you can read more about here.
The Romans believed that figs had many restorative qualities. This small pear shape fruit has near 800 varieties in different colours including purple, brown, green and yellow. Inside there are hundreds of tiny flowers that are sweet and edible. In fact, the whole fruit is editable including the skin which makes the fruit high in fiber and great to aid digestion.
Figs also contain potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and B vitamins. They aid in bronchial disorders, relieve coughs and soothe the respiratory tract. (Encyclopedia of foods, Dr Pamolona Roger)
Gin Gin & Dry 100% Australian Dried Figs
It can be a struggle to find fresh figs in grocery stores. They have a very short season along with a short shelf life. Our 100% Australian Dried Figs are just as delicious and versatile as fresh. They are locally sourced figs, cut and dried without the use of any sulphur, sugar or preservatives.
Our figs have a sweet nutty taste and a soft chewy texture. Perfect as a snack on their own or use them in baking to replace prunes and dates in recipes.
They can be soaked overnight to rehydrate or chopped up and served with ice cream or Greek yoghurt. Or why not try them with savory elements like goats cheese and bacon.
Gin Gin & Dry 100% Australian Dried Figs with Goats Cheese and Bacon
Ingredients
- 20 Gin Gin & Dry 100% Australian Dried Figs
- 100g of goats cheese
- 4 slices of bacon or pancetta, cooked until crispy
- 1 to 2 tbsp of honey to drizzle
Method
1. Place the figs on a serving platter with cut side facing up.
2. On the cut side of the fig top with ½ tsp of goats cheese.
3. Break up the bacon or pancetta into pieces and press into the goat cheese on each fig.
4. Drizzle the figs and bacon with honey. Enjoy!
