Canned figs

Yummy - LOVE figs!!
Where are they sold - I'd like to try them!
Might have to buy some as my fig tree doesn't look like it's taking off!

Thanks for the heads up as I was drooling over the picture... mmmmm figs in a can what an awesome idea

Some extra info on figs:

Fig fruit nutrition facts

Delicious, sweet fig fruit is one of the popular fruits enjoyed since ancient times. Fig is rich in natural health benefiting phyto-nutrients, anti-oxidants and vitamins. Completely developed and ripe fig features bell or pear shape with succulent juicy flesh inside. Dried figs, indeed, are highly concentrated source of minerals and vitamins.

Botanically figs belong to the mulberry family (Moraceae), in the genus: Ficus. Scientific name: Ficus carica.

Fig tree is native to temperate regions of Asia Minor or Turkey, and today, grown as an important fruit of commerce in the eastern Mediterranean climates, USA, and Spain. It also cultivated as a fruit tree in the home gardens in many other regions as well. During each season, fig bears several hundreds of pear-shaped fruits twice a year, which vary in size and color depending on the variety.

Interiorly, fig fruit features numerous, tiny club shaped ovaries extending towards central hollow cavity. In their natural habitat, “caprifigs” pollinated by tiny "gall wasp" (Blastophaga psenes) insect that enters flower clusters through a small opening at the apex.

Several cultivars of fig exist; some of the popular varieties commonly grown in the USA are Brown Turkey, Conadria, Kadota, and Black mission. However, since the wasp do not exist in the North America, most of these fruits develop by parthenogenesis (without pollination) and therefore, do not possess true seeds.

Health benefits of figs

Fig fruit is low in calories. 100 g fresh fruits carry only 74 calories. However, they contain health benefiting soluble dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins, and pigment anti-oxidants that contribute immensely towards optimum health and wellness.

Dried figs are an excellent source of minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants. In fact, dried figs possess higher concentrations of energy, minerals and vitamins. 100 g dried figs provide 249 calories.

Fresh figs, especially black mission, are good in poly-phenolic flavonoid anti-oxidants such as carotenes, lutein, tannins, chlorogenic acid...etc. Their anti-oxidant value is comparable to that of apples at 3200 umol/100 g (Trolex equivalents).

Additionally, fresh figs contain adequate levels of some of the anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin A, E, and K. Altogether these phyto-chemical compounds in fig fruit help scavenge harmful oxygen derived free radicals from the human body and thereby protect us from cancers, diabetes, degenerative diseases and infections.

Furthermore, research studies suggest that chlorogenic acid in the figs help lower blood sugar levels and control blood-glucose levels in type-II diabetes mellitus (adult onset) condition.

Fresh, as well as dried figs contain good levels of B-complex group of vitamins such as niacin, pyridoxine, folates, and pantothenic acid. These vitamins function as co-factors for metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Dried figs are an excellent sources of minerals like calcium, copper, potassium, manganese, iron, selenium and zinc. 100 g of dried figs contain 680 mg of potassium, 162 mg of calcium, and 2.03 mg of iron. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Copper required in the production of red blood cells. Iron is essential for red blood cell formation as well for cellular oxidation. (Source: USDA National Nutrient database).



Selection and storage

Fresh figs can be available all-round the season; however, they are at thier best from May through November. One may find fresh as well as dried figs in the markets. While buying fresh figs, look for uniform, ripe ones that are soft, emitting sweet, pleasant aroma.

Avoid overtly soft, bruised, fungus inflicted fruits. Similarly unripe green fruits as they are bitter (astringent) and therefore, out of flavor.

Fig fruit perishes rather very quickly and should be eaten while fresh or else should be placed inside the refrigerator where it stay fresh for 2-3 days. Place them in a plastic or zip pouch and store inside the refrigerator set with high relative humidity. However, dried figs can stay for 6-8 months.

Preparation and serving tips
figs, apple, banana fruit salad
Fig, banana, and apple salad.
Photo courtesy: Paul Downeye

Figs must be allowed to ripe completely on the tree itelf before picking. They can be enjoyed fresh, and after sun or artificial drying.

To eat fresh fruits, wash them in cold water, mop them dry gently using soft cloth or tissue. One may eat fresh-figs whole, or peeled. If taken out from the cold storage, place in a bowl of water to bring them back to normal room temperature which enriches their taste and flavor.

Here are some serving tips:

Sweet, succulent fig fruit best enjoyed as it is without any addition/seasonings.

Fresh figs are a great addition to salads, in cakes and ice-creams.

Dried figs can be added to soup, stews and to enrich poultry, venison, lamb meat.

Dry figs are excellent additions to breakfast cereal, muffins, cakes, sandwiches, pies, and cheesecakes.

Enjoy marinated figs with raspberry sauce.


Safety profile

Fig leaves and un-ripe fruits produce white latex, which when come in contact with body parts can penetrate skin causing burning discomfort. Fig latex contains several compounds like furocoumarins, 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP)...etc, which can elicit cell-mediated allergic-reactions. If left untreated, it might lead to severe allergic eruptions on the exposed parts.

In some sensitive people, eating fig fruit may also elicit allergic reactions ranging from vomiting, diarrhea, and itching of skin and mucus membranes. It is therefore, people with history of allergy to figs may be advised to avoid eating them.

Health Benefits
Help Lower High Blood Pressure

Figs are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps to control blood pressure. Since many people not only do not eat enough fruits and vegetables, but do consume high amounts of sodium as salt is frequently added to processed foods, they may be deficient in potassium. Low intake of potassium-rich foods, especially when coupled with a high intake of sodium, can lead to hypertension. In the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) study, one group ate servings of fruits and vegetables in place of snacks and sweets, and also ate low-fat dairy food. This diet delivered more potassium, magnesium and calcium. Another group ate a "usual" diet low in fruits and vegetables with a fat content like that found in the average American Diet. After eight weeks, the group that ate the enhanced diet lowered their blood pressure by an average of 5.5 points (systolic) over 3.0 points (diastolic).
A Sweet Way to Lose Weight

Figs are a good source of dietary fiber. Fiber and fiber-rich foods may have a positive effect on weight management. In one study, women who increased their fiber intake with supplements significantly decreased their energy intake, yet their hunger and satiety scores did not change. Figs, like other high fiber foods, may be helpful in a weight management program.
Fruit and Cereal Fiber Protective against Postmenopausal Breast Cancer

Results of a prospective study involving 51,823 postmenopausal women for an average of 8.3 years showed a 34% reduction in breast cancer risk for those consuming the most fruit fiber compared to those consuming the least. In addition, in the subgroup of women who had ever used hormone replacement, those consuming the most fiber, especially cereal fiber, had a 50% reduction in their risk of breast cancer compared to those consuming the least. Fruits richest in fiber include apples, dates, figs, pears and prunes. When choosing a high fiber cereal, look for whole grain cereals as they supply the most bran (a mere 1/3rd cup of bran contains about 14 grams of fiber).
An Insulin-Lowering Leaf in Diabetes

You probably do not think about the leaves of the fig tree as one of fig's edible parts. But in some cultures, fig leaves are a common part of the menu, and for good reason. The leaves of the fig have repeatedly been shown to have antidiabetic properties and can actually reduce the amount of insulin needed by persons with diabetes who require insulin injections. In one study, a liquid extract made from fig leaves was simply added to the breakfast of insulin-dependent diabetic subjects in order to produce this insulin-lowering effect.
Cardiovascular Effects

In animal studies, fig leaves have been shown to lower levels of triglycerides (a form in which fats circulate in the bloodstream), while in in vitro studies, fig leaves inhibited the growth of certain types of cancer cells. Researchers have not yet determined exactly which substances in fig leaves are responsible for these remarkable healing effects.

Besides their potassium and fiber content, figs emerged from our food ranking system as a good source of the trace mineral manganese.
Protection against Macular Degeneration

Your mother may have told you carrots would keep your eyes bright as a child, but as an adult, it looks like fruit is even more important for keeping your sight. Data reported in a study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology indicates that eating 3 or more servings of fruit per day may lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults, by 36%, compared to persons who consume less than 1.5 servings of fruit daily.

In this study, which involved over 100,00 women and men, researchers evaluated the effect of study participants' consumption of fruits; vegetables; the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E; and carotenoids on the development of early ARMD or neovascular ARMD, a more severe form of the illness associated with vision loss. Food intake information was collected periodically for up to 18 years for women and 12 years for men.

While, surprisingly, intakes of vegetables, antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids were not strongly related to incidence of either form of ARMD, fruit intake was definitely protective against the severe form of this vision-destroying disease. Three servings of fruit may sound like a lot to eat each day, but by simply tossing a banana into your morning smoothie or slicing it over your cereal, topping off a cup of yogurt or green salad with a couple of diced figs, and snacking on an apple, plum, nectarine or pear, you've reached this goal.

so, where can I buy canned figs???