Eat What:
– Of the Ficus family, grown on a shrub and is native to Southwest Asia and the Mediterranean region; in the US, most figs come from California
– Figs are the most mentioned fruit in the Bible
– Introduced commercially in 1982 with Nabisco’s Fig Newtons
– Figs aren’t fruits; they are flowers inverted into themselves (the seeds are the actual “fruit”)
Eat When:
– Fresh figs are available in late summer and early fall; store in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator and eat within a couple days of purchasing
– Dried figs are available year-round; store in a cool place away from grains in an air-tight container
Eat Right:
– High in calcium and fiber; in fact, figs provide more fiber than any other fruit or vegetable
– Dried mission figs are rich in copper, magnesium, potassium, vitamin K and manganese and antioxidants
– 120 calories per 1/4 C (about 4 dried) or 30 calories per 1 small fig (fresh)
Eat More:
– Toss chopped figs into oatmeal with pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and a dash of maple syrup
– Pair halved figs with blue cheese and crackers; drizzle with honey
– Reduce 2 C halved figs and 1 strip orange zest in a small pot with 2 T each red wine, water and brown sugar over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes
Fig, Pecan & Blue Cheese Salad
Serves 2
4 figs, quartered
1 oz. pecans, toasted
2 oz. blue cheese
4 cups arugula and spinach mix
dressing:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp best-quality balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tbsp honey
salt & pepper
Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice and honey until emulsified. Add salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle dressing over bowls filled with salad ingredients.
*Variation: Candy or spice the toasted pecans: While warming on the stovetop in a skillet, add either sugar or chili powder to season.
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Holly R. Layer received a B. A. in Journalism from Penn State and served four years in the U. S. Air Force before deciding to go back to school to become a Registered Dietician. She loves running, reading, fine stationery, colorful kitchen gadgets and ALL things food-related. She is currently living with her husband, Andrew, an East Aurora native, and their giant dog in a hotel while they house-hunt in the area. You can find her at www.thefrozenpineapple.com.