Summer reaches its peak with the sweet and suggestive taste of figs. Discover in this post all its nutritional properties and how to get the most out of them.
Figs come from Asiafrom where they spread throughout the Mediterranean. Spain is, together with Greece and Portugal, the largest producer. The provinces of Ávila and Toledo, concentrate strong productions of fresh figs , as well as Alicante, Murcia, Huesca andLleida. In Spain, almost 90% of the harvest is dried, since once they are uprooted from the tree they do not last more than a week.
The figs are the first fruitssummer trees that are produced annually by fig trees and are larger, fragrant and less sweet than figs , although with a darker flesh. These, smaller and sweeter, appear as a second harvest of the same treesthem from the end of August. Both fruits can be whitish, green, purple or bluish, and black or dark red. But in reality, we are talking about the same fruit in different harvests. Among the most appreciated varieties ofbrevas are the Colar, the Goiña and the Ñoras. As for the figs , the Cuello de Dama stands out, with its flattened shape and great flavor.
Did you know that: Hippocrates recommended them to calm fever and for many centuries, centuries, in different cultures, fig-based “concoctions” have been used to cure colds and relieve sore throats.
But besides its flavor, figs or plums have many beneficial properties for the body. Their nutritional virtues make them ideal for people who performtricion-sport "> physical activity , as they are rich in water and sugars, in addition to providing fiber and minerals such as magnesium and calcium. So much so, that the Greeks already fed their athletes to compete in the Olimiads. As for other nutrients, it contains beta -carotenes with antioxidant action that neutralize the damaging action of free radicals, thus helping to combat the signs of aging. Due to its high potassium contentand low in sodium, they are recommended for those who suffer from high blood pressure or blood vessel and heart conditions. They are laxatives, increase the defenses of the immune system and lower the level of cholesterol in the blood.
Figs can be purchased on the market from the end of August to the beginning of October. When buying figs, you have to choose the ones that are heavy to the touch and that yield gently when pressed, althoughe without deforming. The skin must be smooth and the corner tender but well attached to the fruit. It is also important that they give off a mild aroma, because an excessive smell, especially if it is slightly acidic, means that they are past or too ripe.Do not forget that, even in the refrigerator, figs keep for a few days, no more than 3.
The fig is a food very given to eat fresh, but in recent years it has becomein the kitchen giving rise to a multitude of variants: jams, cakes, compotes, fig bread ... not to mention its presence as a complementary ingredient in "main" dishes, very common accompanying dishes and stews with meats, pasta, andnsaladas… giving a good contrast of flavors.
Enrich your dishes with vitamins, minerals and fiber with this healthy sweet that nature gives us. Their season is very short, so hurry up to enjoy them. Although I did not forgetis that we can also consume them throughout the year dry.
