Figs on the Brain

[dalthauser]

My fig tree is still producing figs like it's on Steroids.  I'm thrilled, and it's gotten me so excited about learning more about figs.

My LJ Friends get the benefit of my eccentric "need to know" attitude whenever something interests me.

FUN FIG FACTS

Fig trees don't get blossoms that you can see.  Although it's considered a fruit, the fig is actually a flower that is inverted into itself!  The seeds are drupes, or the real fruit. 

Figs have NO  fat, saturated fat, cholesterol or sodium,

Figgy Pudding is actually a type of cake (kind of like a cake).  Here is a witty article & recipe for Figgy Pudding  from Too Many Chefs.
(syndicated  is a delicious blog to read - and you can get the feed through Livejournal)

3.4 ounces of fresh figs (100 grams for peeps not in the colonies....) contain 232mg of Potassium and 35mg calcium
(side note: it's funny how Americans balk at dealing with portions in grams yet have no issue with liters of alcohol - only will consider gallons of gas yet have no problem with mg/mcg of nutrients or medicine - - etc. etc. -  we are silly people)

Figs are the only fruit to fully ripen and semi-dry on the tree.

Vicky here is a Fig Fact for you.....   Psoralens (a chemical found in figs) was used for thousands of years to treat skin pigmentation diseases.  Psoralens is also a skin sensitizer that promotes tanning in the sun. (hmmmm.... organic fig tanning oil!!) :-)

Some Fig Sites for anyone interested......

Someone Who Likes Figs Way To Much

Willis Orchard: Nursery who has a nice selection with color pictures

Comments

[mybeautifulwars]

I wish I weren't allergic to the darn things. I bet they are tasty.

[eats-veggies.livejournal.com]

What happens when you eat them?

[mztasia.livejournal.com]

I wished we lived closer! I would love to get some figs from you!!

[eats-veggies.livejournal.com]

I want to have another tree, and Marcel is like "!!!???!!!"
I could totally go into business making fig jam - even if it was just a sideline :-)

[joebanks.livejournal.com]

Fig love, wonderful!

If seeking alcohol we do not care how it's marked, as long as the bottle is full. for the other things, we are still trying to hold onto the tremendously logical english weights and measures which seems based on the number 12 rather then the number 10.

[walksbeauty.livejournal.com]

OMG... that is so interesting! I will have to look further into it. Thank you for the info. Now if I can just talk my little fig tree into growing fruits!

I love the idea of a fig skin product. Right now my scrub bar is figgy but I need the REAL seeds for the exfoliant instead of (or along with) apricot kernels.

Fig preserves is a great idea for a little business.. Farmer's Markets, fairs... trading it to your friends in neighboring states :-}

[eats-veggies.livejournal.com]

Maybe you can try a different variety of fig. The Ag extension office in your area might be able to make a recommendation.

I would love to do a Farmer's Market side business. Maybe when our situation is a little more stable lifestyle-wise I can talk Marcel into it :-)

[walksbeauty.livejournal.com]

hahaha well, figs don't 'actually' grow here. Mine is a hardy fig in climates much different than ours. It's in a pot I move in and out and needs a much bigger pot... but it's already pretty big to carry. hahaha figs aren't in my growing destiny until I live elsewhere :)

I can picture you doing a Farmer's Market gig! I may decide to gear up for it sometime soon. I used to do it and it was a ton of work for not much return in our small town....

[kabuldur.livejournal.com]

I lurves figs, so that was very interesting! It is also very interesting that figs are good for skin pigmentation and tanning seeing as they get ripe at the height of sun exposure. Nature's cure!

[kabuldur.livejournal.com]

And looking at all those different varieties, I would want one of each, ha, ha :)

[eats-veggies.livejournal.com]

Same here!!!

I love your figgy facts.

[k2rider78.livejournal.com]

I probably said this before: You always make me smile :)

Re: I love your figgy facts.

[eats-veggies.livejournal.com]

:-) Same here.