Figs have been enjoyed since ancient times and come in many varieties, with the Turkish fig being the most popular. They are a good source of nutrients and fiber, and are available fresh, dried, candied, and canned. Turkish dried figs are often the Smyrna variety and must be ripe before being harvested. The leaves are also edible and have health benefits.
The fig is a fruit that has been enjoyed by man since ancient Greek and Roman times, with evidence that they were consumed by people living in the ancient cities of Pompeii and Sparta. Modern man also likes figs, both in fresh and dried forms. There are numerous varieties of figs that grow on trees, the Turkish fig being the most popular. Fig is an excellent source of phosphorus, calcium and iron.
The Turkish fig is brown to purple in color and shaped like a small pear. Other types of figs are of different colors, such as the green Adriatic fig. Turkey, their country of origin, is a leading producer of dried figs. Turkish fig and other varieties, such as Mission and Calimyrna figs, are available candied and canned, as well as fresh or dried. People who like to cook with figs should use them within several days of buying them fresh because they go bad quickly and need to be refrigerated until ready to use. Figs are also used in the form of a concentrate or paste in some desserts.
Turkish dried figs are often the Smyrna variety. This Turkish fig needs to be pollinated before it produces quality fruit and the tree uses tiny wasps to accomplish the pollination. A favorite cultivar of the Turkish fig is the Sarilop, which is grown in a region bordering the Aegean Sea.
Turkish figs must be ripe before being harvested, which usually occurs in late summer. Unlike other types of fruit, a fig will not continue to ripen if picked slightly prematurely. After the fruit is plucked from the tree branches, it is sometimes left in the sun to dry further before being washed. Turkish dried figs are sold in their natural form, without the need for preservatives. Dried figs will keep well for about six months.
In addition to their vitamins and minerals, figs are also a good source of fiber. The leaves are also eaten in some cultures and are a good food for lowering insulin levels. The leaves have also been shown to reduce triglycerides.
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