Dried figs: benefits and harms, calorie content. Dried figs: beneficial properties of fig tree fruits
Dried figs- these are the dried fruits of the fig tree (fig, fig tree), growing in Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Iran, Central Asia and Transcaucasia.
The fig tree loves the warm climate of the subtropics, but does not grow in our latitudes. Its tender, fleshy fruits do not last long when fresh and do not tolerate transportation well. Therefore, usually immediately after harvesting, they are dried in the sun, obtaining the same dried figs that we are accustomed to and love. Many people like it even more than fresh, because when dried, the fruit becomes sweeter (when fresh it has a sweet and sour taste, sometimes with a significant predominance of sourness).
Externally, dried figs look like light beige, flattened, round-shaped fruits, and when cut open they have viscous pulp and many, many small seeds (see photo). It tastes sweet, but without being overly cloying and sometimes with a slight tartness. Dried figs are easily transported and stored for quite a long time, thanks to which they have become a regular fixture on our store shelves and in the kitchen.
Composition and beneficial properties
The composition of dried figs is so well balanced that its beneficial properties for the human body became obvious in ancient times.
Among fruits, it is considered the record holder for the amount of fiber, the content of which in dried fruits is up to 10%. Thanks to this, as well as the presence of pectin, figs normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, simultaneously removing toxins and helping to reduce excess weight.
Another important element in the composition of dried figs are polyphenols and flavonoids, which are considered effective antioxidants. They protect cells from free radicals, cleanse blood vessels and prevent premature aging of the body. In terms of polyphenol content, dried figs are 50 times higher than most other popular fruits..
It also contains a lot of catechins and epicatechins, which exhibit antitumor activity. Therefore, dried figs are indicated for the prevention of cancer.
In addition, the beneficial properties of figs are associated with its rich multivitamin composition. It contains a lot of vitamin C, necessary for strengthening blood vessels and capillaries, B vitamins, which have a beneficial effect on the nervous and cardiovascular systems, as well as vitamins A, E, K.
The mineral composition of dried figs is rich and varied. This fruit is the record holder for the amount of potassium and calcium.. Thanks to the presence of the first, it effectively reduces blood pressure, and the second – strengthens bones and ligaments. It also contains a lot of magnesium and iron.
By regularly eating just a few dried figs, you will saturate your body with useful substances, improve the condition of your heart and blood vessels, strengthen your memory, improve digestion, normalize blood pressure and get rid of fatigue for a long time.
How to select and store?
How to choose and store dried figs so that they fully exhibit all their beneficial properties? In order not to be mistaken in this matter, pay attention to the following:
![](https://i2.wp.com/xcook.info/sites/default/files/resize/products/0-50/susheniy-injir-3-350x233.jpg)
Dried figs should be stored in a cool place with low humidity, otherwise they may become damp and even become infected with pests. It is advisable to transfer the fruits into a completely dry container with a tight lid or into a fabric bag, which in turn should be placed in a glass jar. Try to avoid direct contact with the sun and moisture on the figs, and then they will not lose their valuable qualities for a long time.
Use in cooking
The use of dried figs in cooking has been known since ancient times. Its excellent gelling properties have made figs a desirable component of a variety of jams, confitures, and marshmallows. Besides dried figs are a natural preservative, the addition of which to dishes (including jam) extends their shelf life under natural conditions.
Dried figs go great with nuts and citrus fruits. If you grind it with walnuts and add a little lemon and orange juice, you will get a delicious paste for desserts (it goes into homemade sweets, cakes, baskets, sweet sandwiches, creams, etc..). Dried figs can also be a dessert on their own.
But in second courses it is used less often. Sometimes it is added to poultry sauce, which it gives a sweetish flavor and interesting texture, and sometimes dried figs are stuffed into chicken or duck. Some gourmets serve it with stewed lamb and spicy cheeses.
Dried figs are usually added to milkshakes or fruit smoothies, where they perfectly replace or complement bananas.
Benefits of dried figs and treatment
The benefits of dried figs for the human body are, without exaggeration, enormous. It is often introduced as an additional component in the treatment of many diseases.
Avicenna also recommended a decoction of dried figs as antipyretic and diaphoretic for colds and fevers. To prepare it, add 1 tbsp. l. crushed dry fruits with a liter of boiling water and boil over low heat for 10 minutes, then cool, strain and drink half a glass three times a day.
Infusion of 2 tbsp. l. chopped figs, poured 1 liter of boiling water, treat vitiligo and baldness. The fruits are first infused for an hour, and then the liquid is filtered and taken before meals, 100 ml.
An infusion of dried figs with milk allows cope with a severe cough(even with chronic), as well as treats sore throat, kidney disease, gastritis and whooping cough. It is prepared from 2 tbsp. l. chopped figs and a glass of hot milk, which are ground to a liquid pulp, and then taken 100 g three times a day. If this mixture is further boiled, it can be used for external treatment. pustular skin diseases.
For kidney and bladder stones A decoction of 5 dried figs, boiled for 5 minutes in 500 ml of water and then mashed, will help get rid of it. The resulting pulp should be divided into 3-4 equal portions and eaten between meals.
Harm of dried figs and contraindications
The harm that dried figs can cause to humans is minimal. However, some contraindications to its use still exist.
Since the calorie content of this fruit (249 kcal) and its sugar content (54%) increase when dried, dried figs It is not advisable for obese people to eat. True, figs can also be an assistant in the fight against excess weight, but to do this, you need to soak them in water overnight to activate the fiber and remove some of the sugars, and eat them on an empty stomach in the morning. Soaked figs will saturate the body with useful substances and dull the feeling of hunger..
Dried figs are not recommended for diabetes mellitus and gout. True, lately scientists have been inclined to conclude that it may even help in the fight against type 2 diabetes, but this is still only a hypothesis.
Figs are a sweet southern delicacy. Its fruits are a valuable gift from nature. They contain substances thanks to which we can maintain our health and beauty. How dried figs are beneficial for women will be discussed in this article. Every girl should know how to eat its fruits correctly in order to get the maximum benefit.
Dried figs - benefits and harm to the body
Figs, or as they are also called, fig trees, have been known since biblical times. Even then, its fruits were highly valued. It's all about its unique composition - it is a real storehouse of vitamins. The fig tree grows in the southern regions. Its fruits deteriorate during transportation and become wrinkled, and therefore you can find them in stores in dried form.
Dried figs are a high-calorie product; they contain 257 kcal per 100 grams of fruit! Fresh fruits are low in calories. Fig tree fruits should be included in the diet, because they are a source of:
1. Folic acid.
2. Retinol.
3. Ascorbic acid.
4. Riboflavin.
5. Omega-3 fatty acids.
6. Fiber.
7. Macro- and microelements.
Eating fruit has a beneficial effect on the entire body, from the intestines to the immune system. Thus, the abundance of coarse fibers in fruits helps cleanse the intestines of toxins and toxic substances. Thanks to the fruits, digestion improves and stool becomes regular. Everyone knows that if the intestines work like a clock, then the condition of the skin improves, metabolism accelerates, and excess weight disappears.
Let's consider the many beneficial properties of dried fig tree fruit:
1. Improves blood composition, increases hemoglobin.
2. Has an anti-inflammatory effect.
3. Promotes tissue regeneration.
4. Makes the skin more soft, elastic and beautiful.
5. Improves the condition of the skin.
6. Strengthens hair follicles.
7. Strengthens nail plates.
8. Has expectorant properties, cleanses the bronchi.
9. Inhibits the development of pathogenic microflora.
10. Has a diuretic effect.
11. Normalizes blood pressure.
12. Cleans blood vessels.
13. Strengthens the heart muscle.
14. Strengthens immune defense.
15. Helps fight stress.
This fruit, when dried, is high in calories, so it is eaten in small quantities, otherwise there is a high risk of gaining weight. It is dangerous to eat treats when you have urolithiasis, as you can provoke the movement of stones and blockage of the ducts. Another delicacy is harmful to eat if:
1. Gout.
2. Allergies to fruit.
3. Pancreatitis.
4. Colitis.
5. Gastroenteritis.
6. Diabetes mellitus.
7. For diarrhea.
This fruit is contraindicated for any gastrointestinal diseases, as it contains coarse fibers that are difficult to digest. For the same reason, the treat is not given to children under 2 years of age.
We examined the beneficial properties and harms of dried figs in general terms. It's amazing how valuable this fruit is. But women should pay special attention to it. Why, we'll talk further.
What are the benefits of dried figs for women??
It has already been mentioned that figs contain folic acid. Women need this vitamin when planning pregnancy and in the first trimester. Thanks to vitamin B9, the risk of intrauterine pathologies of the fetal nervous system is reduced.
Breastfeeding women should also include dried figs in their diet, because this delicacy enhances milk production and improves its quality. In addition, these fruits make a woman more beautiful. Thanks to them, girls' skin condition improves, it acquires a delicate structure and elasticity.
Dried figs, although a high-calorie product, if consumed correctly, will not harm the figure, but will only be beneficial, because it speeds up metabolic processes. It is useful for women for other reasons:
1. Helps prevent varicose veins.
2. Relieves swelling due to its diuretic effect.
3. Improves mood.
4. Thanks to its high calcium content, it strengthens teeth.
5. Strengthens the immune system.
6. Relieves pain during menstruation.
7. Helps prevent fetal pathologies at the initial stage of pregnancy.
How to eat figs correctly?
Dried figs can be eaten simply like any other dried fruit, but in small quantities. It is enough to eat 1 fruit every day to improve your health. Dried fruits are also used in baking, when cooking compotes, and also added to milk porridge. In general, fig trees go well with dairy products - cottage cheese or yogurt. These fruits are even eaten with cream cheese. This is delicious. Since this fruit is difficult to digest, it is not eaten at night. It is best to enjoy it in the morning to saturate the body with useful substances and energy.
Eating dried figs in large quantities can lead to obesity.
If you have the opportunity to buy figs in a store or market, do not neglect it. This fruit is useful for women and men, it helps cleanse the body of toxic substances, improve the condition of the respiratory system, blood vessels, and heart. However, you should not use it if you have contraindications. If you have any chronic diseases, it is better to ask your doctor whether in your case it is possible to eat the southern delicacy or not.
Probably, figs can be considered God’s favorite, since when creating this plant he did not skimp on endowing all its parts with unique properties. We can start with the fact that the leaves of this exotic tree were the prototype of modern thongs. In folk medicine they are used as an ambulance and effective aid:
- for the skin in the treatment of abscesses,
- burns,
- dermatitis,
- as well as the milky juice of leaves or unripe fruits will painlessly relieve such scourges as warts,
- and mixed with honey it treated cataracts and trachoma.
And if modern medicine has been able to counter such methods of healing vision with more effective methods, then the use of other beneficial properties of the fig tree is given full approval. In special cases, when biting poisonous insects, in particular tarantulas, even the ashes of the branches of this legendary tree are used.
Alexander the Great always took fig fruits during his campaigns. He restored their strength after difficult battles.
Elixir of beauty and femininity
But the main wealth of taste and medicinal properties is concentrated, of course, in fig fruits. Just listen to how voluptuous and juicy one of its many names sounds - the fig tree. It is not surprising that it contains a whole arsenal of biological substances, minerals, vitamins that affect the health, appearance and even sexual condition of women.
Since the ripe, tender miracle berry is very difficult to transport, for most consumers it is more accessible in dried and dried form without losing its value. Therefore, the beneficial properties of dried figs for women should begin to be listed with the presence of folic acid and other vitamins B and E.
By the way, most people know about the need for these vitamins in the diet, but without specifics, why? First of all, they prevent the growth of tumors and other mutations, help overcome depressive states, prevent the development of osteoporosis, anemia, damage to the membranes of blood vessels of the circulatory system and nerve impulse transmission connections.
Figs contain high concentrations of copper, which affects the production of sufficient amounts of sex hormones, collagen and elastin in the skin. Therefore, several berries of the wine tree a day, eaten in the morning on an empty stomach, help to resist menopause, which is destructive for female beauty.
The benefits of dried figs for women include improved appearance, as skin turgor and moisture levels increase, nails stop peeling, and the risk of hair loss decreases.
In addition, due to physiological characteristics in the fertile age, eating several figs per day prevents the development of anemia, neutralizes PMS surges and reduces pain during menstruation. Thanks to the fiber and pectin contained in the fruits of the fig tree, intestinal motility increases, and, consequently, constipation that poisons the body with toxins disappears.
Figs in cosmetology
Minerals, vitamins, pectin and acids from fig tree fruits can act not only from the inside, but also from the outside if a face mask is made from figs. Fresh or dried fruits are taken as a cosmetic base, supplying the skin with the elements necessary to maintain youthful skin, and specific ingredients, such as egg whites, cottage cheese, oils, taking into account its type and problems, can serve as an addition. Before grinding dried figs to a mushy consistency, it is recommended to first soak them in milk or mineral water.
Video, fig face mask:
Wine of the year for a real man
However, wineberry is universal and does not divide people by gender in order to have a beneficial effect on the body. The answer to the question of how dried figs are useful for men is simple - it helps them remain men even at a very old age, and has a positive effect on potency. In addition, fig berries will combat such a purely male ailment as prostatitis.
But there are areas of health of both sexes for which drinking wine berries will provide real help. The potassium contained in the fruit will protect the heart muscle during hypertension. Often, with high blood pressure, the body, trying to normalize it, gets rid of fluid through frequent urination, but this important microelement is washed away.
Figs with milk for cough
For colds and sore throats, people have been resorting to a recipe using fig tree fruits for several centuries. At home, it is not difficult to prepare figs with cough milk for children. The broth will be simpler and of better quality in the oven, but with a little skill it will turn out just as good on the stove. To do this, add washed dried wine berries to warm milk (the fattier the better) at the rate of one fruit per one and a half glasses and boil it down by about one third over low heat.
To prevent the milk from running away and burning, which will irrevocably spoil the taste of the medicine, you can use a water bath or stir continuously. Next, carefully wrap it, pour it into a thermos, or leave it to simmer in the oven for at least three hours, but it can be overnight. The result is a caramel-colored liquid, similar in consistency to syrup, effective as medicine and tasty, despite its usefulness, which is very much appreciated by children. It is better to store the mixture in the refrigerator to avoid souring, and consume half a glass half a glass half an hour before meals 2-3 times a day.
Never mind, but still be careful
On the other hand, no matter how useful dried figs are, the beneficial properties and contraindications lie on the individual scales of each person’s body. First of all, this is individual intolerance, expressed in the manifestations of allergies. So, due to the presence of salicylates in fig berries, their toxic effects are possible if the fruit is consumed in excess.
It is because of this that when asked whether a nursing mother can eat dried figs, since they increase lactation, make breast milk more nutritious and enrich it with calcium, you can answer that it is possible, but introduce it into your diet gradually and carefully. And the laxative effect, which is transmitted through mother’s milk to the baby, can upset a small, inexperienced tummy.
There is probably no product on earth, including dried figs, the benefits and harms to the body from which would be unambiguously determined, because the main criterion is the dosage. Even the abundance of fructose and glucose in the product can play a cruel joke on those who want to improve their health in a short time.
A few fruits, due to their calorie content, can relieve hunger for a long time, but if you forget about the sense of proportion because of the pleasant taste, you can add several unwanted kilograms and increase your blood sugar level. Considering figs as a dietary product, you can ask the question: “How many calories are in dried figs?” With 257, it clearly lags behind the common sweets honey and chocolate with 320 and 540 kilocalories, respectively.
Composition of fresh and dried figs in 100 grams
Due to the high content of glucose and fructose, figs preserve themselves by sugaring. This explains the white coating on dried fruits. If we consider the option that this fruit will be bought at an oriental bazaar, bypassing a series of resellers, then provided it is properly stored in a “breathable” container, for example in canvas bags, in a cool, ventilated place, away from sunlight, then it can delight with its taste in throughout the year until the next harvest. If all the vicissitudes of its arrival on the counter are not known for certain, the shelf life of dry figs should be halved.
To summarize, I would like to note the benefits of figs for our body. I tried it for the first time fresh a year ago, and was in love with it, very tasty and nutritious. One drawback is that it is not stored fresh for long; it is advisable to eat it within 7-8 hours after picking. But the dried one can be eaten for a whole year.
Video about the beneficial properties of fig or fig trees:
I also tried fig jam, to be honest, it’s not an acquired taste, it’s very sweet and has a specific taste.
Dear blog readers, being healthy is easy, what healthy fig recipes do you know, share in the comments. Let's expand our knowledge about this natural treasure called fig (fig, fig tree or fig tree).
Figs have many names: fig, fig, Smirninskaya or wine, bodhi. It belongs to the most ancient cultures cultivated by man.
Fig fruits are used to treat various diseases, to generally strengthen the body and maintain immunity, for culinary and cosmetic purposes. The oldest discovery of fossilized fruits was discovered in the Jordan Valley. Thanks to absolute periodization, their age was determined to be at least 11 thousand years.
Judging by numerous data recorded in historical sources, the exceptional properties of figs have been known and used since ancient times.
In our time, it has not lost either its healing and nutritional qualities or popularity.
Calorie content and chemical composition Fig fruits, depending on the variety, are yellow, black-blue and black. They are extremely tasty and full of nutrients.
The calorie content of fresh figs is not too high, despite the fact that they have a very sweet taste. Fresh ones contain 49–57 kcal per 100 g. Figs are sacred in many countries of Europe and Asia, in Egypt and India and in other parts of the world where they grow. Its beneficial properties, so valuable in the ancient world, determined its popularity. Egyptian tradition endows it with fertile qualities, Indian- creative, giving spiritual enlightenment and immortality, the Islamic tradition considers the fig to be the very tree of paradise on which forbidden fruits grow.
Per 100 g of product, figs contain approximately:
- proteins - 3 g;
- fat - 0.8 g;
- carbohydrates - 58 g;
- dietary fiber - 18 g;
- organic, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids - 2.4 g;
- water - 16 g;
- saccharides - 55 g;
- starch - 3 g;
- ash - 3 g;
- calcium - 144 mg;
- magnesium - 59 mg;
- sodium - 11 mg;
- potassium - 710 mg;
- phosphorus - 68 mg;
- iron - 0.3 mg.
![](https://i0.wp.com/sb.agronomu.com/media/res/3/2/6/1/9/32619.oqrm4c.790.jpg)
Useful properties of figs
Wineberry fruits are consumed fresh or dried. At the same time, all the benefits of fresh berries are preserved and even enhanced by increasing the concentration of substances as the amount of water decreases.
The calorie content of fresh figs is not too high, despite the fact that they have a very sweet taste. Fresh ones contain 49–57 kcal per 100 g. Fig leaves, according to biblical legend, were the first clothing of the first people. In images that have come down from the times of antiquity and the Renaissance, glorifying the beauty of the body, the genitals are covered with them. They were probably chosen due to their shape, which is close to the male genital organ.
Fresh
Fresh wine berries have exceptional healing properties:
- It is used in the treatment of fungal diseases.
- Anyone who regularly eats figs strengthens their bones. This is especially important for older people.
- Fresh figs should be introduced with caution into the diet of pregnant and lactating women: its benefits are undoubted, but harm to the body is also likely. A pregnant woman may gain weight at an accelerated rate, or her blood sugar levels will increase. It can cause colic in a baby, transmitted through mother's milk.
- It also has a beneficial effect on the skin.
- Due to its iron content, fig juice is used in the treatment of anemia.
- Magnesium and potassium in the product supply muscle tissue with building material and help improve the functioning of the heart muscle; it is useful for tachycardia.
- Wine berries have the valuable quality of thinning the blood, which helps lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and thrombosis.
![](https://i2.wp.com/sb.agronomu.com/media/res/3/2/6/5/3/32653.oqroao.790.jpg)
Important! The use of figs in the diet is a preventive measure for coronary disease; the likelihood of hypertension and heart attack also decreases. Those who eat this wonderful berry reduce their risk of atherosclerosis, thrombophlebitis and even diabetes.
Fresh fruits, juice, decoctions and infusions from them are used in treatment. Infusions have an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect and have a regulating effect on metabolism. Milk-fig infusions are very popular.
Dried
Despite the fact that all useful substances remain in dried fruits, their properties differ to some extent. By reducing the amount of water, the level of sugars in them increases to 70%. At the same time, the level of vitamins, minerals, micro- and macroelements and other substances remains the same.
The calorie content of fresh figs is not too high, despite the fact that they have a very sweet taste. Fresh ones contain 49–57 kcal per 100 g. Buddhism interprets the fig as a symbol of insight, due to the fact that it was under this tree that Buddha realized the meaning of existence. The tree was also sacred in the Roman Empire, because under its shade a she-wolf fed Romulus and Remus with her milk.- the founders of Rome.
Thanks to dried figs, available at any time of the year:
- intestinal motility improves;
- the body removes waste and toxins;
- bowel function improves;
- connective tissue and cartilage grow together better thanks to the pectins contained in the fruits;
- antioxidants help cleanse the blood of cholesterol plaques, cleanse small blood vessels and give them elasticity;
- iron, potassium and magnesium have a positive effect on the cardiovascular and circulatory systems of the body, normalize blood pressure, rhythm and heart rate.
- boiled with milk, it is widely used as an expectorant, diaphoretic and antipyretic;
- B vitamins have a positive effect on the nervous system: they improve mood, normalize nervous activity, and increase performance.
![](https://i2.wp.com/sb.agronomu.com/media/res/3/2/6/6/0/32660.oqrohc.790.jpg)
Important! Due to its pronounced laxative effect, it is not recommended to consume figs before an important event, trip, etc.
The fig is considered a “female berry”; all sorts of beliefs, signs and recipes are associated with it, intricately intertwining the rational and mythical sides.
What are the benefits of dried figs, which carry their glory from time immemorial, for women?
- Those who want to lose unnecessary pounds can use a method in which one “fig” day is arranged weekly. In fact, in addition to 100 g of dried fruits, on this day you are supposed to consume a kilogram of raw fruits, half a kilo of raw vegetables and 2 liters of low-fat kefir.
- Women love sweets, but are often forced to avoid them. An excellent alternative would be a few dried figs, which, despite all their sweetness, are much healthier than chocolates, candies, chips, etc.
- Recommendations are taken from the practice of oriental medicine to relieve menstrual pain by eating a few fig berries.
- Figs can not only help you lose excess weight, but also help you gain the missing ones if you know how to eat them correctly: regular consumption in large quantities due to the calorie content of the product will quickly add kilograms, while dosed consumption will help cleanse the intestines, which promotes weight loss.
![](https://i2.wp.com/sb.agronomu.com/media/res/3/2/6/6/7/32667.oqrp1c.790.jpg)
How to choose the right one
Fresh figs, unprocessed and healthy, can only be enjoyed where they grow, since they have an extremely short shelf life - literally a few hours after being picked.
It fully justifies one of its names “wine berry” - fermentation begins very quickly.
The calorie content of fresh figs is not too high, despite the fact that they have a very sweet taste. Fresh ones contain 49–57 kcal per 100 g. An obscene gesture called “figa”, symbolizing, according to various interpretations, sexual intercourse or demonstration of genitals, has ancient roots and, depending on the situation and culture, is an insult, an obscene proposal, a magical way to get rid of evil spirits, a manifestation of disagreement and resistance, refusal from submission and even a remedy, for example, for barley.
Fresh fruits
Needless to say, it is better not to buy anything, including figs, from suspicious strangers or in unverified places. The aroma of the berry is pleasant and sweet, it should not be too rich. If the fruit smells musty, it is spoiled. Fresh quality fruits must be:
- without mechanical damage;
- moderately soft;
- the maximum dark shade inherent in this variety;
- you should prefer berries of the same size
- a large number of seeds indicates high taste characteristics.
Important! Never buy hard, unripe fruits.- they will not “reach” at home, like apricots or tomatoes.
Dried fruits are more affordable and can be purchased at any time of the year. You should choose brown, beige or gray berries, depending on the variety.
Tips for choosing dried figs:
- The fruit should have a matte tint, regardless of the color dictated by the variety. The shiny, beautiful berries are treated with sulfur dioxide.
- Berries not treated with chemicals are also not particularly meaty.
- A quality product will be slightly flattened.
- Sometimes the surface is covered with a white coating, which is crystallized glucose. This product is distinguished by its sweetness.
- A dry, rough texture combined with a sour or salty taste indicates that the product is expired.
- Even if you are confident in the quality of the purchased product, it is better to soak it in water an hour before use to dissolve possible harmful compounds.
The calorie content of fresh figs is not too high, despite the fact that they have a very sweet taste. Fresh ones contain 49–57 kcal per 100 g. Jesus found no fruit on the fig tree and placed a curse on it, after which the tree withered, which is why the withered fig tree in the Christian tradition- a symbol of heresy.
How to store
Fig berries must be stored in processed form, but fresh ones have an ultra-short shelf life.
Fresh fruits
If you are lucky enough to find yourself at the end of summer in a region where this amazing berry grows, and you managed to purchase it for consumption, you better eat it as soon as possible. If there is a need for storage, use the refrigerator. The temperature should be approximately 1 °C. Maximum shelf life - several days, depending on the original condition of the product.
If left at room temperature, the figs will ferment the same day.
Dried
Not everyone knows how to store dried figs. In a dry, cool, dark place it is stored for several months: the longer the dryer the air and the lower the temperature. If the conditions are not met, the product becomes damp and harmful substances develop in it. The container must be tightly sealed. Exposure to sunlight is excluded.
The calorie content of fresh figs is not too high, despite the fact that they have a very sweet taste. Fresh ones contain 49–57 kcal per 100 g. The ancient Greeks attributed the ability to give courage and strength to fig fruits, so athletes who competed in the Olympic Games included figs in their diet and consumed them in large quantities. Warriors took dried berries with them, especially if they had long and tiring marches ahead.
Before eating, it is advisable to soak dried figs for an hour in warm water, which will dissolve the chemicals. Boiling water can destroy some of the beneficial substances of the product.
Use in cooking
A healthy person can eat fig berries in any form. This exotic product will add its own flavor to any dish:
- in fresh or dried form, they replace sweets and chocolates;
- dried fruits are added to compotes, used in fillings for cakes and other products;
- unripe berries cannot be eaten raw, but they become very tasty when sliced and baked with nuts and honey;
- ripe fruits, sliced and seasoned with whipped cream or sour cream, are a delicious and nutritious dessert;
- Fig berries served with soft cheeses are an excellent appetizer for white wine or champagne;
- add the product to meat dishes, poultry dishes, salads, snacks;
- Of course, this fruit is also prepared in traditional ways: jam, jam, pastille, canned compotes;
- They even make wine from fig berries.
The calorie content of fresh figs is not too high, despite the fact that they have a very sweet taste. Fresh ones contain 49–57 kcal per 100 g. Ancient Greek culture also attached overtly erotic meaning to fig fruits. They symbolized the genitals: entirely- men's, cut in half- women's. Information about this goes back to IX– VIII centuries BC e. Figs are invariably present in images of the god of fertility and winemaking, Dionysus, whose service had an openly erotic meaning.
Application in cosmetology
It is not surprising that such a useful product has found its application and occupied a worthy niche in cosmetology.
It has the ability to regenerate, moisturize and soften. It is applied for:
- skin moisturizing;
- eliminate peeling;
- rejuvenation;
- fight wrinkles.
![](https://i2.wp.com/sb.agronomu.com/media/res/3/2/6/7/7/32677.oqrpbc.790.jpg)
Contraindications and harm
Figs - unique product, the beneficial properties of which have been known for a long time and are still used today, but it also has contraindications.
- acute inflammatory processes of any part of the gastrointestinal tract;
- diabetes mellitus;
- gout;
- obesity;
- pancreatitis;
- urolithiasis.
![](https://i2.wp.com/sb.agronomu.com/media/res/3/2/6/7/9/32679.oqrpd0.790.jpg)
Figs have undeniable benefits and occupy a worthy place among medicinal products. It is not only healthy, but also very tasty both on its own and in combination with other products: its presence adds exotic notes to dishes.
Mentioned in the Bible. The first people, Adam and Eve, covered themselves with fig tree leaves. Fig fruits are a storehouse of vitamins and minerals. The rich chemical composition of wine berries, as dried figs are called, has a positive effect on many processes occurring in the human body. The berry is especially useful for women.
Very often, when dried, many fruits lose their beneficial properties. But this does not apply to figs. The nutritional value of the berry increases after it is dried; it is not for nothing that soldiers ate it during the campaigns of Alexander the Great. Yes, and fresh figs are difficult to preserve, so it is better to dry them. You can enjoy dried fruits for a whole year until the new harvest.
Composition and benefits for women
The dried fruits of the fig tree, or fig, retain many vitamins. The fruits are especially rich in vitamin A and folic acid; they contain slightly less vitamin E. Among the minerals, figs contain enough magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and almost as much potassium as in nuts. Wine berries are valued for their high content - about 70 percent - of glucose and sucrose. Pectin in figs increases the nutritional value of fruits and can normalize metabolism.
Dried berries are especially beneficial for the female body:
- Eating a few figs helps maintain the balance of chemical elements during critical days. Since they contain coumarin, the blood thins, easing the woman’s condition.
- Anemia is one of the common diseases of women during pregnancy. It is the consumption of dried figs that will improve blood composition.
- The properties of wine berries include stimulation of the lactation process, so during the feeding period they eat two or three pieces a day. Excessive indulgence can negatively affect the child’s digestive system.
- For those who suffer from increased body weight, wine berry will be the best assistant in losing weight. Including figs in your diet will quickly fill you up and will help you eliminate candy and sweets from the menu. Fig berries can easily be replaced during a snack.
- To cleanse the body of waste and toxins, women use dried fig tree fruits. They contain so much fiber that after eating even two berries a day, the need for it will disappear. And the dietary fiber of the berries will relieve constipation and improve metabolism.
- Symptoms of varicose veins are especially severe in women. Dried figs replenish potassium deficiency in the body, relieve swelling and cramps in the calf muscles.
- Figs are useful for colds and sore throats. Dried figs infused with milk are used to gargle.
- The pulp of dried figs contains many seeds. In crushed form, it is used as a scrub to exfoliate dead skin cells and rejuvenate the face.
The positive effect of fig tree fruits on the female body was described by Avicenna.
But some women will have to give up fig delicacies if they suffer from an acute form of gastric or duodenal ulcer. Oxalic acid in the fruit will irritate the walls of the digestive tract, increasing pain.
It is forbidden to eat dried figs if you have pancreatitis.
A large amount of glucose will not allow people with diabetes to enjoy figs. Although fig fruits do not contain essential oils, allergy sufferers should include fig berries in their diet with caution.
No matter what benefits the fig tree berry brings to a woman’s body, it is necessary to observe moderation in its consumption.
Since figs grow only in warm countries, the fruits reach the retail chain fresh within a short period of time: either in July or September. The ripeness of the berry is determined by the opening of the fruit from below into four parts. Drying of fruits is carried out under a canopy, where they are well ventilated. It is not recommended to wash figs before drying them.
The very name of the berry suggests that it can ferment like new wine. You can avoid this by dipping the fruits into boiling syrup for a second or two. Now all that remains is to lay them out on racks and place them in a well-ventilated area. After drying for a week, the berries are flattened, strung on a thread and hung in the sun. Some people place the berry bunch over the gas turned on or put it in the oven. After drying, the fruits are placed in a paper bag and stored in a closet.
There are also the following ways to store figs:
- The dark variety of figs is dried and placed in sealed bags and placed in the freezer.
- The jam is prepared by passing the berries through a meat grinder along with lemon. Add sugar to the prepared mass and cook over low heat for twenty to forty minutes. The jam is stored in jars. Per kilogram of berries take 700 grams of sugar.
- Wine is prepared from dried figs with the addition of several blueberries. A kilogram of figs is poured with ten liters of warm water and placed in a dark place for ten days.
All types of wine berry storage will allow you to enjoy its beneficial properties. for a long time.
More information can be found in the video: