Figs

The ingredient From monkeys to fruit bats, parrots to pigeons, the number of species that rely on the fig tree for survival is substantial.

"When we bite into a fig, we're chewing on a piece of human history, a relic of the evolution of our species."

Figs are a central component of many successful rain forest ecosystems. From monkeys to fruit bats, parrots to pigeons, beetles to caterpillars, the number of species that rely on the fruit of the fig tree for survival is substantial. This in turn helps the forests - and, indeed, the planet - to flourish. Which makes it unsurprising that the fig tree has become a symbol of fecundity, abundance and good health all around the world.

The common fig tree is grown in hot, dry climates, from the Mediterranean to south-west Asia. It bears a green-skinned fruit about the size of the palm of your hand, which is often left to ripen and turn purple. It is believed that the fig tree was one of the first plants to be cultivated by humans. Preserved remains of ancient figs found at an archaeological site in the Jordan Valley suggest that people were growing crops of figs, similar to the ones we eat today, more than 11,000 years ago. Ancient Egyptian armies demonstrated their appreciation and understanding of this staple food by destroying the fig trees of their enemies. Figs were sacred to the god Dionysius in Greek mythology; and the word "sycophant" can be translated as "showing the figs", which refers to those who hoped to gain status by publicly revealing the identity of illegal fig smugglers.

When we bite into a fig, we're chewing on a piece of human history, a relic of the evolution of our species. So why has the fig always been held in such high regard? Fresh, ripe figs that are plump and tender to the touch reveal luscious pink flesh that bursts with sweetness. Dried figs are also very tasty eaten whole, or chopped and mixed with other dried fruits, nuts and spices and made into moist and crumbly cakes or breads. Figs can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes, whether it's sorbet or marmalade with foie gras. You can sprinkle chopped dried figs into your morning porridge, or stuff fresh figs with goat's cheese. Of all the varieties and cultivars of fig available, there's no doubt that most of them are uniformly delicious. But they're also incredibly good for us.

Figs are veritable medicine cabinets of vitamins, minerals and fibre. They are high in potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and copper. And they contain more than their fair share of antioxidants, flavonoids and polyphenols. Which all means that figs keep your intestines healthy, your blood pressure regulated and your pH levels in balance. No wonder the world thrives on them.
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