Fig (Ficus Carica)

The fig is a fruit that has been part of the usual diet of different cultures since ancient times. In Egypt, specifically in the Pyramid of Giza (year 4,000-5,000 BC), representative drawings of its collection have been found. In the book of Exodus they are part of the fruits that the explorers of Canaan presented to Moses. They were always an essential food for the Greeks: the fig trees were consecrated to Dionysus, the god of renewal. When a city was founded, a fig tree was planted between the agora and the forum to indicate the place where the elders would meet. It was the favorite dish of Plato, in fact it is known as the “fruit of the philosophers.” Galen recommended its consumption to athletes participating in the Olympic Games.

The fig tree is native to the Mediterranean and its fruits have been highly appreciated by the different cultures that have settled on the shores of this sea over the years.

The most important producers are in the Mediterranean basin, highlighting Turkey, Algeria, Greece, Italy and Spain. Also important are Asia Minor and the United States, mainly California.

They have a large amount of water and are rich in carbohydrates (sucrose, glucose, fructose), so their caloric value is high. Highlights its richness in fiber; that improves intestinal transit, organic acids and minerals such as potassium, magnesium and calcium, the latter of worse use than that which comes from dairy products or other foods that are good source of this mineral. As for other nutrients, they contain a moderate amount of provitamin A, antioxidant action. This nutrient is transformed into vitamin A in our body as it needs it. This vitamin is essential for vision, the good condition of the skin, hair, mucous membranes, bones and for the proper functioning of the immune system, in addition to having antioxidant properties. Potassium is necessary for the transmission and generation of the nervous impulse, for normal muscular activity and intervenes in the water balance inside and outside the cell. Magnesium is related to the functioning of the intestine, nerves and muscles, is part of bones and teeth, improves immunity and has a mild laxative effect.

Our figs are available during the months of September and October. We are planting new varieties every year and have selected the most suitable areas of Aragón for our fresh fig crops.