The good reasons to eat figs

Soft and sweet, the fig is the flagship fruit of September to be integrated with many savory or sweet recipes. It is rich in antioxidants, minerals, fiber, etc... A real mine of benefits for a reasonable calorie intake.

The good reasons to eat figs

Two to three figs (about 100 g) provide 10% of the daily requirement of calcium, a mineral essential for bones. It also contains 2.3 g of fiber per 100 g, an asset for good transit.

3 good reasons to eat figs 


The fig fights against constipation 

"It contains mostly insoluble fibers, especially in its skin and seeds, explains dietician Véronique Liégeois. The latter gorge themselves on the water in the digestive tract, they avoid hard and dry stools and facilitate the intestinal transit of the constipated people. "Dry figs are even more effective because they are richer in fiber and magnesium, which is also a laxative. But they are more caloric: 252 kcal/100 g. Be careful, they can contain sulfites, allergens!


Figs protect blood vessels

 

This fruit contains anthocyanins, pigments that give it its purple color, except for a few white varieties.


The fig improves the elasticity of the skin.

 

It contains flavonoids and selenium which are antioxidants. They act, among other things, on the skin by improving its elasticity and thus giving it more dynamism.


Caution in case of allergy or irritable bowel!


  • If you are allergic to birch: the fig contains peptides which are proteins close to those of birch (cross allergy between pollen and food). Eaten raw, the fig can then cause itching or burning sensations in the mouth, lips, and throat. It can be eaten cooked because cooking destroys the allergen.

  • If you suffer from irritable bowel or diverticulosis: avoid figs, because their achenes (small grains) are irritating. They can cause abdominal pain...

Buying and preserving figs


At the time of purchase, figs should be fleshy, slightly wrinkled, and soft under the finger. Be aware that they do not ripen after picking. You will find the most beautiful figs until October. From October on, you can taste the dried figs. The best ones come from Turkey and are bound with a sprig of raffia...

You have the choice between two varieties of figs: the juicy and tasty violets (Sollès, Macomb...) and the white ones, less tasty.

Figs can be kept for one to two days in the refrigerator, in an airtight box, because they absorb odors.


Cooking figs and recipe selection


It is an easy fruit to cook: many recipes are salty (in salads, with meat), sweet (pies, crumbles), without forgetting jams and chutneys...