Information about Fruits: Figs

About figs, information about the fruit, production, history and varieties in the world.

FRUITS OF THE EARTH

Fig

Called "the poor man's food" in the Mediterranean countries. Chief producers are Italy, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Greece, and Algeria. Smaller producers are the U.S., Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Argentina, and Australia. In the U.S. the main production is in the central valleys of California. They have a laxative effect, provide calcium and phosphorus, and dried they are high in iron. When fresh, figs should be eaten very soft: when dried they should be purchased unsulfured. Try eating a dried fig with an almond in the middle.