Preserving figs

Food preservation is the process of maintaining food quality and nutritional value and preventing the growth of microorganisms and “the oxidation of fats that cause rancidity”. Fruit preserves are fruits prepared and stored in jars to be used for the long term. Varieties of fruit preserves are based on the type of fruit and the way of preparation.

Preserving figs:

Figs are different from other fruits since they are very delicate and tend to quickly deteriorate. The essential cause of deterioration seems to be the high level of sugar in figs that result in microbial rots.

Although figs are not juicy fruit they do make high-quality jams and preserves.

• Drying figs:

Drying is by far the most popular and traditional way of preserving figs that were introduced since 4000 BC in Mesopotamia. This early interest in dried fruit highlights its nutritive value and sweet taste. Figs, particularly dried figs, are stapled in the Egyptian and Palestinian diet; they can be found in breakfast and offerings. In Greece, the fruit was profoundly used daily by the poor as well as rich.

Water content in the fruit is dried under the sun or by using dryers.

Drying preserves food quality and reduces chemical changes.

• Canning figs:

A preserving method in which the fruit is sealed in a jar. A 1997 study showed that canned figs are rich in vitamins and fibers more than fresh figs. Packing figs in syrup help preserve its color and taste.

• Freezing figs:

It is an easy process of preserving the fig by packing it in a freezer container after washing it.

You can add a teaspoon of ascorbic acid to preserve the fresh color of the fruit.

• Pickling figs:

Less common than other methods; Pickled figs are flavorful and of great benefits. The most famous homemade recipe consists of peeling the figs, add boiling water over them, then draining. The figs are cooked in the pickling solution, and finally, they are refrigerated for 12 to 24 hours. ( National Center for Home Food)

Nutritional facts of dried figs:

The dried fruit has less water than the ripe fig. It thus contains fewer calories and sugar. 149 grams nutritional value is distributed as:

• 38% of the daily value of manganese
• 3% of the DV of Vitamin C
• 29% of the DV of vitamin K
• 9-12 of the DV of vitamin A
• 29% of the DV of potassium
• 25% of the DV of magnesium
• 24% of the DV of calcium
• 95.2 grams of carbs
• 14.6 grams of fiber
• 4.9 grams of protein
• 1.4 grams of fat
• 71.4 grams of sugars
• 371 calories

Six Health benefits of dried figs:

Good for the immune system:

The immune system defends the body against any type of infection and to make it stronger we need a fair amount of vitamin A.

Skin and hair:

Many experts encourage the consumption of dried figs for people who suffer from severe skin issues such as eczema and vitiligo. The therapeutic fruit is rich with vitamins A, C, and E, and a good amount of antioxidants. These compounds play a key role in nourishing the skin, cell regeneration, and blood circulation.

Including figs in your diet will help your hair to grow faster, stronger, and softer. Today, beauty industries rely on the highly praised compounds of the dried fruit to produce better hair shampoos.

Promotes bone health:

Our body needs about 12% of calcium daily and figs are not only a source of calcium but also of potassium, phosphorus and, magnesium; they all promote good bone formation.

Treat constipation:

Constipation is the ultimate result of the tough movement of the bowel. Nutritionists recommend preserved figs as a natural remedy for avoiding constipation. They prove that anjeer in fiber can normalize bowel movement.

fight diabetes:

Dried figs are ideal for people with diabetes. The fiber in the figs promotes good insulin function in the body. Vitamin C and K in the fruit can be daily consumed by patients.

Treat sexual dysfunction:

Dried figs are an excellent source of amino acids which work perfectly for increasing vitality. They also regulate cycles for adolescent girls. According to a report published in The Ultimate Aphrodisiac Food, figs can treat some causes of sterility, and causes of erectile dysfunction.

Figs can be consumed either fresh or dried. They are a great source of vitamins and minerals. The heavenly, delicious fruit offers the body a natural source of protection throughout the year.