Cooking with figs offer a number of culinary and health benefits. Figs are bulb-shaped flowers, but they’re often classified as fruit. They’re sweet with a seedy texture and they grow in a range of over 700 varieties. Figs contain fiber and variety of nutrients, including: copper, potassium, magnesium and vitamin K. They’re often included in packaged snacks like Fig Newtons at your local grocery store. But you can also find fresh organic figs during late May through June or from August through October in the produce section at local markets.
According to Rachel Fontaine, in the book, The Very Best Healing Foods, figs can improve your digestive health by fighting intestinal irritations and providing relief from constipation. It may even reduce the risk of colon cancer and help lower blood pressure. Figs are also rich in sugar so indulge in moderation!
You can add figs to your salads for a burst of fruity flavor. You can also try oven roasted figs or fresh figs with honey, for a quick and simple treat that’s Mediterranean-inspired.
Fresh Figs With Honey
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 6 fresh figs
- 1 tablespoon honey
Slice figs in half lengthwise (stem to bottom). Distribute on small platter.
Drizzle honey over each fig equally. Serve immediately.
For a quick roast, set oven to 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 to 20 minutes.
Recipe and photograph courtesy of Beth Vlasich Pav of Cooking by Design, LLC.
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