Nutri News September 2022

18
Written by: Alicia Scott
All About
Figs
Adriatic Figs
Figs are said to originate from Western Asia and can
be traced back to 5,000 BC. The fig tells a complex
symbolic story in culinary history because it was used
to sweeten dishes before the widespread use of
sugar.1 The fig tree was introduced in the New World
through Mexico in 1560 and one of the most popular
commercial products since then has been Fig
Newtons which were developed in 1891.1 One of the
most interesting things about figs is that the fruit of
the plant is an inverted flower. The fig tree is
respected and even sacred in certain religions such
as Islam where it is one of the two most sacred trees
of the religion.2 In other religions such as
Christianity, Hinduism, and others, it is seen as a sign
of peace, fertility, and prosperity.1
There are well over 700 different varieties of figs
however, there are nine varieties that are more
known than the others, and here are the top five
varieties within those nine. The first variety is
Celeste, this variety is pear-shaped, with purplish
skin and the pulp is more of white or pink color.3 The
flavor profile is excellent, and it is almost seedless.
The second variety is Brown Turkey, and this variety
has a broader shape than the Celeste with coppercolored
skin and the pulp can go from a white color
to a light red. This variety can thrive in warmer
climates and can be found growing all over
Hawaii.3 Brunswick otherwise called Magnolia is
another variety and compared to the other two
mentioned, it has a narrow lobed shape with a
bronze or purple-brown color. Leaving the more
purple color family, Marseilles otherwise called
Lemon is known for its yellow-green color and round
shape with large seeds.3 In the yellow-green color
family, there is the Adriatic variety with a distinct
flavor and good quality, and this variety is known for
its turbinate shape with a thick, short neck.
Celeste Figs
Brunswick Figs