Fruit | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Sodium High Fiber

Fig

Ficus carica Allergen-Free
Fig

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Moraceae
  • Primary Cuisine Mediterranean
  • Seasonality Late Summer - Early Fall (Fresh), Year-Round (Dried)
  • Source Fig tree

The Forktionary Angle

"Ancient Delicacy"

Definition

A sweet, edible fruit from the fig tree, known for its unique texture and numerous tiny seeds.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet, Honey-like
TextureChewy, Juicy, Seedy
AromaFruity, Earthy
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Ancient Cultivation

Cultivated for over 11,000 years, making it one of the oldest known domesticated fruits.

Dried Usage Rate

Over 90% of global fig production is consumed as dried fruit.

Unique Pollination

Pollinated exclusively by the fig wasp, a symbiotic relationship essential for reproduction.

Nutrition Facts

Per 50g (1 medium fig)
Calories74 kcal
Total Fat0.3 g
Saturated Fat0.06 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0.75 g
Total Carbohydrate19.18 g
Dietary Fiber2.9 g
Total Sugars16.2 g
Calcium35 mg
Iron0.37 mg
Potassium232 mg

Chef’s Secret

Roasting figs slightly with a drizzle of honey enhances their sweetness and deepens their flavor, perfect for savory or sweet dishes.

Substitutions

Best Match

Prunes

1:1

Good for baking, jams, and general sweetness, similar chewy texture.

Dates

1:1

Excellent for sweetness and chewiness, especially in energy bars and baking.

Dried Apricots

1:1

Provides fruity sweetness and chew, but with a tangier flavor.

Raisins

1:1

Smaller, less distinct flavor, but works for general dried fruit needs.

Buying Guide

Choose ripe figs that are soft, plump, and have a slight bend in the stem. Avoid bruised or shriveled figs.

Flavor Pairings

Prosciutto goat cheese balsamic vinegar honey walnuts almonds yogurt.

Recipes Using Fig

A To Z Bread image 169
For Large Groups 4 Hours Or Less Fruit Low Carb

A To Z Bread

This incredibly versatile and moist bread is a delicious way to use up leftover frozen berries! Packed with flavor and easy to customize, A to Z Berry Bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon treat. Make it your own by adding your favorite mix of frozen fruits, nuts, and spices.

See Complete Recipe
Baked Figs In Port image 171
Oven Main Ingredient Fruit Dinner Party

Baked Figs In Port

Indulge in the sweet decadence of baked figs! This recipe transforms fresh figs into a luxurious dessert, perfectly complemented by rich port wine, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of raspberries. Easy to make and incredibly flavorful, this recipe is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special treat. Adapted from a Chicago Sun-Times recipe.

See Complete Recipe
Baked Goat Cheese Caramelized Onion Garlic And Figs image 139
60 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient Cheese Appetizers

Baked Goat Cheese Caramelized Onion Garlic And Figs

This warm appetizer, adapted from a Food Network favorite, is a delightful blend of creamy goat cheese, sweet caramelized onions and figs, and fragrant garlic and rosemary. Perfect for a party or a cozy night in! Impress your guests with this easy-to-make, yet elegant dish.

See Complete Recipe
Black Olive And Fig Tapenade image 200
Time To Make European Spreads Preparation

Black Olive And Fig Tapenade

Elevate your appetizer game with this vibrant Black Olive & Fig Tapenade! A delicious twist on a classic Spanish tapa, this recipe combines the briny saltiness of Kalamata olives with the sweet richness of figs for an unforgettable flavor explosion. Perfect for serving on crusty bread, crackers, or even as a gourmet pizza topping. Easy to make in under 15 minutes!

See Complete Recipe
Drunken Fig Jam image 147
Dinner Party Course Healthy Preparation

Drunken Fig Jam

Indulge in the decadent sweetness of our Drunken Fig Jam, a recipe inspired by Bon Appétit (October 2008). This boozy spread, perfect for cheese boards or as a luxurious topping for your favorite desserts, combines ripe figs with fragrant lemon and a kick of brandy. Makes about six 1/2-pint jars. Prepare to be amazed!

See Complete Recipe
Scrumptious Fig Squares image 195
Bar Cookies Weeknight Preparation Desserts

Scrumptious Fig Squares

Prepare to be amazed! These Scrumptious Fig Squares are a gourmet twist on classic Fig Newtons. Bursting with the rich flavor of homemade fig jam nestled in a buttery, flaky crust, they're unbelievably delicious and surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for dessert, tea time, or a special occasion.

See Complete Recipe