The figs and figs They come from the same tree, the fig tree, but they are somewhat different. In a way, it could be considered that the figs are like a prelude to figs in the season calendar.
Both figs and figs are delicious, healthy fruits full of healthy properties: they provide minerals, fiber and energy. However, also they have some differences which we review below.
figs and figs: What are each one?
Although they are often confused, figs and figs are not exactly the same. Both are fruits or, more specifically, infructescences of the fig tree (Ficus carica), but the figs are only produced a type of fig tree, the breval, bifera or baconerawhose fruits can ripen at two different times of the year.
There are some 300 varieties of fig trees that are grown for human consumption and, while there are some that only produce figs (the so-called uniferous), others produce both figs and figs (bifera).
The fig trees are the first fruits that the fig trees produce annually. Figs are the fruit that this type of fig tree bears later, and the one that matures on the other types of fig tree.
Among the fig trees that only produce figsthe main ones are Lady’s Neck and those of Fraga.
The varieties Bordisot (queen’s fig), Burjassot, Strain, Franciscan either Green Muscat produce figs and figs.
Fig and fig season: when do they ripen?
The figs They ripen from the end of July to November and their best time is at late summer and early autumn.
Figs, on the other hand, are figs that do not ripen in autumn. They remain on the tree all winter as small buds, in spring they complete the maturation and They are collected in May and June.
That is to say, The figs are the figs that remained immature and that finish growing in the following season.
This difference of nine or ten months between the ripening of the figs and the ripening of the figs is what gave rise to the popular expression «from figs to figs»used to refer to something that happens very occasionally.
Differences between figs and figs
The main difference between figs and figs, beyond their ripening period, is their size. Figs are usually larger than figswith a more elongated shape, like a pear, and with a somewhat thicker skin that tends to crack less.
The flavor of both figs and figs can vary depending on their variety, but in general figs are usually less sweet. His pulp is firmer and less juicy.
By being more large and easy to handlefigs are more valued commercially than figs, but both are a delight, In addition to eating it naturally (which is, in fact, the best way to do it to enjoy all its benefits), It can be enjoyed in a multitude of dishes, both sweet and savory.: in jams, cakes, salads, stews…
Properties of figs and figs
The composition of figs and figs is very similaralthough the figs have a somewhat lower sugar content. In addition to a delicious flavor and sweet aroma, both are a good source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. They contribute vitamins B, C and D, beta-carotene and mineralsespecially calcium (35 mg per 100 g) and magnesium (17 mg/100 g).
They contain 74 calories per 100 gramscoming mainly from its 14 g of carbohydrates, and They barely have fatwhich makes them a great appetizer or dessert for people who want to control their weight. They also provide enzymes that help regulate digestive processes.
They are very rich in fiberwhich helps digestive health and makes them suitable in case of constipation. Its high fiber content can also help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent spikes in glucose levels.
Thanks to their fiber and potassium content, it is believed that they can help reduce the risk of heart disease and maintain blood pressure at healthy levels.
They are also rich in antioxidantswhich help protect the body from free radical damage and inflammation. In addition, their calcium and magnesium content makes them good for maintain healthy bones.