Dried figs: benefits and harm to the body, calorie content, how to eat correctly, how to dry at home, how to store

Figs - the benefits of a miracle berry

Figs contain a lot of calcium, potassium and fiber.
It has been proven that two dried fruits a day can significantly increase antioxidant activity in the human body. Figs help dull the feeling of hunger - just one fig will help you last until lunch. Not only fig fruits are useful, but also the notorious fig leaves. Research shows that fig leaves help reduce the amount of insulin needed by diabetic patients and also help lower triglyceride levels. Tea made from fig leaves or fruits brewed in milk has long been used as a remedy for sore throats, coughs and other pulmonary diseases, including asthma. Fig leaves are also used in the treatment of stomach ulcers.

Fig fruits are known for their diuretic, diaphoretic and antipyretic properties. Dried figs are a mild natural laxative. Figs contain more iron than apples and are therefore good for treating iron deficiency anemia. Figs are also recommended for patients with cardiovascular diseases. Fig pulp is used as a wound-healing agent; the decoction is good for treating abscesses and boils.

In a word, the fig tree both nourishes and heals - a real gift of nature, a fig, the benefits of which are enormous.

Useful properties of figs

Fig is a subtropical tree-like shrub of the Ficus genus of the Mulberry family. The plant has other names: fig, fig tree, wineberry. From a gastronomic point of view, pear-shaped fruits or figs are of interest. This is a group of independently formed inflorescences with soft pulp and numerous small seeds inside. The color of ripe berries is green, reddish, purple and dark purple, depending on the variety.

Energy value of 100 g of edible part of figs:

Calorie content of 100 g of fresh figs is 74 kcal, dried - 257 kcal.

Vitamin and mineral composition per 100 g of edible part of figs:

Eating fig trees in any form has a number of beneficial effects:

• improves the functioning of the immune system;
• relieves fatigue and restores physical strength;
• normalizes cholesterol levels;
• increases hemoglobin levels in anemia;
• thins the blood during thrombosis and thrombophlebitis;
• prevents the formation of malignant cells;
• normalizes the acid-base balance;
• improves the digestive process;
• stimulates intestinal motility during constipation;
• cleanses the body of harmful substances and toxins;
• reduces blood pressure in hypertension;
• serves as a diuretic for inflammatory processes of the urinary system;
• has a diaphoretic and antipyretic effect.

Author's note Natalya Papanova Blog author

Unripe fruits should not be consumed; they contain toxic substances.

Unripe figs cannot be eaten, but ebony fruits can be eaten. Read how to plant persimmons at home and get healthy fruits for your body.

Eating figs is contraindicated if:

• severe form of diabetes mellitus;
• obesity;
• pancreatitis;
• poor blood clotting.

Figs are a dietary product, but you should not eat a lot of berries, especially in dried form. If you have problems with the gastrointestinal system, limit the amount of sweet fruits in your diet.

Dried figs are a high-calorie dietary product

Optimal conditions for storing figs

When storing figs, certain conditions must be observed. These include:

• Air temperature. The ideal indicator is from 1 to 3 degrees Celsius. If there is more, the fruits will begin to deteriorate quickly. Less - the taste and beneficial properties change.
• Air humidity. For figs it should be 70-80%. You can measure the humidity in your apartment using a special device - a hygrometer. If the indicator is low, then install a couple of containers with water in the room. If it is too high, use sawdust, they will absorb excess moisture.
• Lighting. To store the fruit, it is best to choose a place completely devoid of sunlight. The sun accelerates the ripening process. And for ripe fruits it causes their spoilage.
• The place must be clean, free of mold and other fungal infections.
• It is advisable to have ventilation. Otherwise, the air will stagnate, which will provoke the appearance and development of pathogenic bacteria.

Author's note

Natalia Papanova

Blog author

Figs do not have to be ripe. They can ripen at home.

Drying at home and outdoors

The drying process can be carried out in several ways, which will require various kitchen appliances.

In an electric dryer

How to dry figs in a vegetable and fruit dryer:

1. Cut the fruits into slices or plates; their thickness should not exceed 2-3 mm.
2. Place the raw materials on the pallet in one layer.
3. Set the operating temperature of the device in the range of +55 +60 °C.
4. Turn on the dryer. Swap the pallets every 3-4 hours, so the raw materials will dry more evenly.
5. The total drying time can take from 1 to 2 days, depending on the area of ​​the trays, the number of figs and the power of the device.

In the oven

Whole or chopped figs, either fresh or boiled in sugar syrup, are suitable for this method.

Basic principles for using an oven to dry a fig tree:

1. Set the minimum operating temperature of the device. Optimal is +60 °C.
2. If the oven settings are not at this temperature, then you should set it to the lowest possible temperature (about 100°C) and turn the raw materials over every 1.5-2 hours.
3. If you plan to dry sliced ​​fruits, then the cut should be located at the top and not come into contact with the grate.
4. The use of baking trays is not permitted. Air circulation and constant blowing can only be achieved by placing the figs on a grill.
5. The oven door should be kept ajar at all times. Otherwise, the figs will bake in their own juices rather than dry out.
6. Cooking time can vary from 8 hours to 2 days. You can determine readiness by appearance and consistency.

In the microwave

Instructions for drying fig trees in the microwave:

1. Cut the fruits into thin 2-3 mm slices and place them in one layer on a wire rack.
2. Turn on the “Defrost” mode and set the timer for half an hour.
3. After the timer alerts, check the condition of the raw materials and, if necessary, extend the drying time for another 5-10 minutes.

Outdoors under the sun

This option is used in regions with hot climates with normal or low humidity. Excess moisture in the air prevents drying and provokes rotting and mold formation on raw materials.

How to dry figs outdoors:

1. Boil the fruits in sugar syrup. In this method, boiling is a must; this way the taste of the fruit is better preserved and the likelihood of spoilage of overripe specimens is reduced.
2. Prepare a large wire rack and place the boiled and dried figs on it. They should not touch each other.
3. Place in the sun and cover with gauze to prevent damage to the raw material by flies and other insects.
4. Turn the figs once a day. Bring the grill indoors at night or during bad weather.
5. The total drying time outdoors is 2 to 3 days.

Description and features

Figs are considered the most ancient plant, mentioned in the Old and New Testaments. Other names are fig tree, fig tree, wineberry or Smyrna berry. Ancient Caria is considered to be its homeland, from where figs gradually spread throughout the countries of the Mediterranean, Transcaucasia, Asia Minor and Central Asia. Grown as a valuable fruit tree. The most delicious are multi-seeded varieties, where the number of seeds reaches 900; the fewer there are, the mediocre the taste. The pear-shaped fruits are colored from almost white to lilac-blue. Light, small varieties with white flesh are best suited for drying. The larger ones, with delicate skin and a delicate aroma reminiscent of honey, are valued fresh.

The tree lives for about 60 years, some specimens reach 300, it begins to bear fruit early, in 3-4 years, the yield is high. A feature of ripe fruits is the impossibility of transporting them. The high sugar content quickly starts the fermentation process, so you can only enjoy real ripe figs in the places where they grow. Unripe fruits are brought to other regions. They have to be kept for several days until they are ripe, and sometimes they begin to spoil before they are ripe.

Dried fruits are even sweeter, since the level of sugars in them increases by 1/3; if the level in fresh figs reaches 24%, then when dried it increases to 37.

Can you eat figs if you have diabetes?

How to eat dried figs

Excellent gastronomic features determine great respect for this type of dried fruit. Dried figs are most often eaten on their own, used as a dessert.

It must be washed before use, as it is often subject to contamination during transportation. This can be done in running water with a brush or by soaking in warm water and then draining it.

Since figs, as described above, have gaseous properties, they are not recommended to be consumed immediately after meals. Do this in between, leaving it for snacks - it will perfectly fill you with energy, satisfy your gastronomic needs and charge you with a good mood.

The product is also used in cooking for preparing complex desserts, side dishes, snacks and meat. It is especially tasty with honey and cheese. We offer recipes for some dishes with dried figs below.

How to choose figs for preservation

Based on its appearance, a fresh fig tree can be:

1. green;
2. brown;
3. yellow;
4. dark purple.

Pressing on the berry will help you choose the right fig. The ripe berry is invariably soft and has a pronounced sweetish smell.

Almost nothing, if scratches appear on it, the feeling will not be affected for this reason. Hard and crushed fig trees that have a putrid or sour smell should not be purchased.

What can you make from dried figs?

The fig tree has been used in cooking for several thousand years. Excellent gelling properties make this fruit an excellent base for making jam, marshmallows or homemade preserves. The fig tree is also great as an ingredient for making healthy smoothies and milkshakes.

Important! Due to the large amount of carbohydrates, dried figs are a natural preservative - adding them to various dishes increases their shelf life.

The dried fig tree has taken root well for preparing a variety of delicacies. Combined with other dried fruits, nuts and honey, figs form an important part of vitamin-rich desserts. It is used to make chocolates. Crushed fruits can be an integral part of sweet creams for cakes and pastries.

Figs go perfectly with poultry dishes. It is used as a stuffing when stuffing chicken or turkey. Many gourmets love the recipe for stewed lamb with figs. However, most often it is used in preparing sauces for main courses.

Helpful tips to help keep figs fresh longer

There are several secrets to extend the shelf life of fruit:

1. Immediately after arriving home, sort through the purchased or harvested figs, discarding damaged or fermented fruits.
2. Wash them not under a running tap, but in a container of water. This will keep the skin intact.
3. Do not expose fig trees to light or direct sunlight.
4. Do not lay them out in several layers.

How to keep figs fresh during transportation

For transportation, they prefer to take green fruits that have not yet become sweet and soft. They are laid out in a box in a single layer and covered with burlap to protect from dust, insects and light. Leave a distance of 0.5-1 cm between the fruits so that the sides do not wrinkle and the juice does not leak out.

This is interesting:

How much and how often to water figs in summer: instructions for beginners

Simple ways to propagate figs from cuttings at home

Step-by-step instructions on how to properly cover figs for the winter and prepare the tree for cold weather

Requirements for conditions of detention

When growing figs in an apartment, it is important to provide the plant with optimal conditions. Otherwise, it will begin to wither, get sick, dry out and eventually die.

Suitable growing conditions:

1. Temperature. Figs are a heat-loving plant. The optimal temperature for its cultivation from the beginning of spring to the end of autumn is +25…+27°C. The fig tree also grows at room temperature – +20…+22°C. In winter, when the fig tree sheds its leaves, the temperature is reduced to +10°C. During winter dormancy, the tree can withstand cold temperatures down to 0°C.
2. Humidity. Figs require high humidity. On average, indicators should reach 75-80%. Hot, dry air coming from heating appliances is dangerous for wood. The plant is not placed near heaters and radiators. If it is located indoors during the cold season, then air humidifiers are used.
3. Lighting. The optimal length of daylight for figs during the growing season is 12 hours. However, lovers of exotic plants argue that it is not necessary to use additional lighting sources. It is enough to choose the right place for growing. Indoor figs do not tolerate direct rays of the scorching sun, so it is recommended to shade them from 12 to 16 hours.

In summer, the plant needs enough natural light. It is placed near the south window, curtained with a translucent curtain, or on the eastern windowsill without additional protection from the sun.

In the warm season, it is useful to take the plant in a pot out into the garden or place it on the balcony. Choose a place partially protected from the sun.

In spring and autumn, the plant should be on a southern windowsill. It is not necessary to cover the window with tulle.

In winter, figs are taken to a cool room. This can be a glazed, frost-protected balcony or loggia, an unheated room or a window sill in the entrance (provided that the window is large and lets in a lot of light). It is advisable to place the plant near a southern windowsill.

Types of figs

Because fresh figs are so tender, preserving figs in different ways is a popular alternative—canned or dried. They are easy to find in most supermarkets and relatively inexpensive. Canned figs can last for a year in your pantry. Leftover canned figs that have been opened can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Dried figs can be stored in their original sealed containers at room temperature for up to a month. For longer storage, store them in the refrigerator, where they can last for six months to a year. Once opened, dried figs should be placed in a sealed plastic bag and stored in the refrigerator.

Types of figs

How to choose the right raw materials

When choosing fresh figs that you plan to dry, you should pay attention to the following criteria:

• The size of the fruit should be about 4-5 cm in diameter. If they are smaller, then it may be a wild fig (it is less sweet); if larger, then the fruit is overripe, its pulp is not so juicy and soft.
• There should be a large number of seeds inside the berry, this indicates its quality and high taste characteristics.
• The color does not matter when choosing, since it directly depends on the variety. High-quality and tasty figs can be brown, blue, black and yellow-green.
• The skin should be matte and slightly dry. A shiny and smooth surface can only be found in fruits that have been treated with preservatives for better transportation.
• A subtle smell of iodine is allowed, since this element is contained in large quantities in the berry. The fruit may produce a mixed aroma of grass and sweetness. There should be no chemical or unnatural odor from the selected figs.

Time of collection or purchase

In one year, a fig tree can bloom 2-3 times.

Figs that are sold and edible grow on a fig tree only once a year - at the end of summer. At this time, the fruits from the female inflorescences of this tree ripen. These are juicy, sweet and healthy berries.

The owner of a fig tree should evaluate the condition of the fruit from time to time. An indicator of their ripeness in August-September is a slight softness and witheredness at the tail. To dry, it is better to keep the figs on the tree a little longer (1-2 weeks), so they will reach their natural condition. You can use a sharp knife or pruning shears to trim fig clusters.

It is necessary to wear gloves when collecting fruits, as their juice can cause burns on your hands.

Which raw materials are not suitable?

Before drying, you should carefully inspect the purchased or harvested crop and reject fruits that have the following defects:

• Sour aroma. It indicates that the fermentation process has begun, which will be followed by rotting and mold formation.
• Excessive softness of the fruit, especially the skin. Such a specimen will most likely turn out to be rotten.
• Excessive hardness. She talks about harvesting too early and the fruit being unripe. These figs will have virtually no sweetness.
• Presence of stains, violations of the integrity of the peel. These are traces of exposure to pests or diseases.

Selection and preparation of fruits

When choosing quality fig tree fruits, pay attention to their appearance, smell and texture. The surface of the fig should be smooth, the peel clean, without stains or damage. Good fruits have a perfectly round shape. If you notice a sour smell, this indicates that the fruit has begun to ferment and is not edible.

Ripe figs are moderately soft; they do not spread in your hands even when pressed. Small drops of nectar form on the peel of a high-quality fruit.

The color depends on the variety and can be:

• green;
• yellow;
• brown;
• dark purple, almost black.

A spoiled product has a very soft and slippery consistency, and traces of mold are visible at the base of the fruit petiole. The sour smell is characteristic not only of fermented fruits, but also of overripe ones. And figs ripen very quickly - in 2-3 days. Dents appear on the sides, the skin withers and shrinks.

Figs are a seasonal fruit; they are bought from June to October. The peel is edible and does not need to be peeled. The fruits are washed, cut in half and the contents are eaten with a spoon.

The fruits are prepared for storage. First, they are carefully sorted, removing all specimens with traces of mechanical damage and an unpleasant smell of mash. A high-quality product is wiped with a soft cloth to remove excess moisture, especially in the area of ​​the stalk. The figs are then placed in a container, box or bowl in a single layer.

Where and how to store dried figs at home

Unlike fresh, tender figs, dried figs have a long shelf life and are less finicky. The optimal conditions for storing dry figs are low temperature and humidity, as well as the absence of direct sunlight (dark, cool and dry place).

If you need to store this sweet dried fruit for a short period of time, then you can place it in an airtight container (for example, a jar with a lid) and leave it in a cool pantry or locked cabinet, but do not forget to check the fruit at least once a week so that it is not in the jar. condensation formed and fresh air was given access so that the fig fruits did not suffocate.

The best option for storing dried figs at home is to use the refrigerator. The main thing is to package the pre-dried figs in portions in special containers (glass or metal jars, plastic food containers), which are closed, since this dried fruit absorbs foreign odors well. When storing dried figs in the refrigerator, you need to check them once every 1-2 weeks to ensure that condensation does not accumulate in the container and mold does not form on the fruit.

The shelf life of dried figs at home can be up to 6 months.

For long-term storage, dry figs can be placed in the freezer, in which they can be stored for up to 1 year, but it is important to understand that when frozen they will lose some of their beneficial properties

How to store dried figs at home?

Unlike well-dried figs, dried figs contain more moisture and are more susceptible to rotting, the appearance of harmful bacteria and insect larvae, so at home it is better to store them in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator or deep-freeze them in the freezer, after dividing them for small portions.

Many people are interested in the pressing question of how to store figs. This fruit can be refrigerated or frozen. It can also be dried or dried. To extend the shelf life of fruits, you can prepare various preparations from them - jam, compote, juice. Regardless of the chosen storage method, you should follow the basic recommendations of experts.

Where should it be stored?

Definitely in the refrigerator. Overripe figs require urgent identification. It must be eaten fresh, used in preparations and dishes. At the first signs of fermentation, it will not be possible to preserve it. Housewives make wine on the fragrant berries, add it to mash, and use it for other alcoholic drinks.

Unripe figs can be stored for up to a week in the basement, pantry, or other cold places. This is quite long compared to the standard period of 2-3 days. Greenish berries are often purchased for transportation. They arrive perfectly in a dark, cool place in 2-3 days.

Suitable places:

• fridge;
• freezer;
• cold cellar.

Not suitable:

• kitchen;
• pantry;
• warm basement.

How to eat figs correctly?

Fresh figs can be eaten with the skin on; only the hard part of the tail is removed. Before consumption, the fruits must be thoroughly washed. Afterwards you can cut them in half or quarters and eat the pulp with a spoon.

If desired, ripe fruits can be used as an ingredient in a salad, smoothie or dessert. They can be baked or fried. Fresh figs are an ideal base for preserves, jams and compotes. It is also worth trying to combine fresh figs with Camembert cheese - this is a delicious and elegant appetizer that will amaze even the most demanding guests. Figs are a great addition to fruit smoothies. Both fresh and dried figs can be eaten without any additives, that is, simply as a snack.

Dried figs can be an ingredient in porridge or the base for healthy bars or no-bake cakes. The soaked dried fruit can be mixed into mousse and used to make cocktails or desserts.

Storage methods at home

Figs can be preserved for a long time in different ways. This allows each person to choose the best option.

Dried

This is one of the most popular options. Dried figs retain most of the beneficial components. It can be kept in a cool place for 6 months.

In the sun

To dry figs in the sun, you should arm yourself with gauze and a wire rack. To do this, you should perform the following steps:

1. Wash and dry the fruits. If the fig is cut into 2 halves, it should be placed with the cut side up.
2. Place the grill so that it is blown from all sides by the wind.
3. Wrap the grill in gauze on both sides. This will help protect the figs from dust and insects.
4. Dry for 4-6 days.
5. Collect the fruits on a string and take them to the shade to dry thoroughly.

Electric dryer

This device helps you get noticeable results quickly. The dried slices will turn out juicy and acquire a golden hue. To achieve good results, you should do the following:

1. Divide the fruits into 2 equal parts and dry in the sun.
2. Remove the tray from the device and place the chopped berries on it in one row.
3. Small fruits are dried for 10 hours. For large fruits, it is recommended to increase the duration of the procedure.

In a refrigerator

The best option for storing fresh figs is to use the refrigerator. It is best to keep the fruits at a temperature of +1 degree. This will help keep them fresh for 2-3 weeks.

Quick freezing

If you want to increase the shelf life, you should freeze the fruits. This is recommended to be done at temperatures less than -15 degrees.

Dried

These figs have excellent taste and contain many useful elements. Sun-dried fruits contain more moisture compared to dried ones. That's why they need special conditions. If you want to preserve the fruits for a short period of time, it is recommended to place them in jars without cuttings. The containers should be closed with a lid and stored in a dark and cool place. This could be a storage room or a glazed balcony.

It is best to keep the berries in canvas bags that are tied tightly. This will allow air to flow into the fruit. This will increase the storage period to six months. Also, dried dried fruits can be tightly wrapped in paper and placed in this form on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. This will increase the shelf life to 8 months.

Marinated

To marinate the product, you should take 1 glass of figs and port wine. You will also need a quarter glass of balsamic vinegar, 1 small spoon of lemon and orange zest, 1 spoon of sugar, half a glass of chopped nuts. It is worth adding salt and pepper to the composition.

First, it is recommended to place the figs in a jar, then add wine and chopped zest. Place the container in the refrigerator.

After 24 hours, drain the liquid, add the remaining ingredients and put the composition on the stove. Bring to a boil, add figs and cook for 30 minutes over low heat. Cool the finished dish and transfer it to a jar. Keep in the refrigerator.

Compote

Fresh and dried figs are suitable for this dish. For a 3-liter jar you need to take 300 grams of fruit and 150 grams of sugar. Pour 2.5 liters of water into a saucepan, add all ingredients and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from the stove, pour into a jar and close with a lid.

Jam

To make healthy jam you need to take 700 grams of figs and 500 grams of sugar. The components should be mixed and left for 3 hours. When the juice is released, place the container on the stove and cook for 5 minutes. Then leave for 10 hours. Drain the syrup. Perform the procedure 2 times. Pour into jars and close. You can add a little vanilla or citric acid to taste. It is recommended to store the finished jam in a cool place - for example, in a cellar. It can also be kept in the refrigerator.

This drink is very useful for heart pathologies. You can drink it for anemia and thrombosis. It is recommended to prepare juice from ripe fruits. They should be washed, doused with boiling water and rubbed through a sieve. Mix with boiled water in a 2:1 ratio. Squeeze the resulting mixture through cheesecloth.

Features of storing fresh figs

Ripe fruits are very tender. Therefore, it is recommended to consume them immediately after collection, and this must be done in places of ripening. After transportation, the fruit begins to ferment immediately.

If you want to preserve fresh figs, it is recommended to put them in the refrigerator. The temperature should be +1 degree. In such conditions, fruit can be kept for 2-3 weeks. Berries should be prepared for storage. To do this, it is recommended to do the following:

• wash and dry the fruits;
• place in containers and close;
• place on the vegetable shelf.

It is worth considering that storing figs at room temperature is contraindicated. Within a day the fruits will begin to ferment.

Growing figs

Seeds, cuttings and root shoots are suitable for planting indoor figs. It will be very difficult to grow without feeding, so every 10 days you should alternately use organic and mineral fertilizers.

Growing from seeds

Algorithm for planting fig seeds:

1. Prepare the soil: mix leaf soil with sand, peat, ash and disinfect it with a manganese solution. Expanded clay is placed at the bottom.

The seeds are obtained from a ripe fruit, washed under running water using a fine sieve.

Then leave it to dry on a paper towel for 24 hours.

The plant requires moist soil. We moisten the soil using a sprayer.

The seeds are laid out on the surface and sprinkled with soil mixture. The container is taken to a warm room (+25°C), covered with plastic film, which is removed daily in order to remove the condensation that has formed.

For irrigation, you need to use warm, settled water, maintaining constant soil moisture. After the first shoots appear (14-21 days), if the shoots are dense, it is necessary to thin them out.

During the period of active growth (January-October), the plant needs an increased amount of moisture. If the figs feel a lack of it, deformation of the leaves and loss of inflorescences will occur. Excess water should always be removed from the tray. For five years, in order for the tree to bear fruit, it is necessary to replant it annually, increasing the volume of the pot by 1 liter.

Growing by cuttings

Planting with cuttings is done as follows:

1. The material is taken from an adult plant that bears fruit.

The cuttings must be at least 10 cm long with 3-4 buds. It is recommended to make several scratches in its lower part to improve root formation. River sand will serve as an excellent base for rooting cuttings, but you can also use water.

Planting is carried out to a depth of about 3 cm and covered with a glass cap. Young roots will appear in a month. And when the roots become larger, it is necessary to transplant into a ceramic pot with good drainage and fertile soil. As we grow, we increase the size of the container (up to 6-8 liters).

Fertilize every time you replant. Carefully monitor watering, spraying leaves, use rainwater.

In winter (rest period), it is necessary to reduce the air temperature to +13°C. Compost and rotted manure, which can be added when loosening the soil, will come in handy.

The ancient Greeks gave their own names to the best trees, which had the most delicious fruits.

With this method of cultivation, the fig tree will bear fruit in the second year.

Growing by root shoots

Often, fig roots produce shoots that can be separated and used for planting in a pot.

In this way, the plant takes root within 4-5 weeks. But it is considered the most difficult and is not recommended for beginners.