How figs bloom - unique features of the southern handsome

Figs are known for their sweet and juicy flesh, delicate skin and small crunchy seeds. It is considered one of the first cultivated plants, if not the first. In the 13th century BC, trees were already massively grown in ancient Pylos. The unique properties of the fruits are described by ancient scientists, and their healing power is surrounded by myths and legends.

Fig

Figs can be found in many written monuments. Biblical characters were covered with fig tree leaves, their images are abundant in ancient art in the form of those very fig leaves that cover the genitals. The dried figs were taken with them on campaigns by the soldiers of Alexander the Great, and Avicenna treated them with almost all diseases and called them the elixir of youth.

Archaeological finds from the Paleolithic era show that people began to grow figs earlier than barley or wheat. This indirectly confirms the benefits of figs for the human body.

What is a fig: a fruit or a berry?

At first glance, it is both: a berry - because there are many small seeds inside, and a fruit - as it grows on a tree. Another name - wine berry - hints at the correct answer. However, the question is not as easy as it seems.

Even Wikipedia does not give a clear explanation of whether a fig is a fruit or a berry. In fact, the fruit of the fig tree is a ripe group of inflorescences located under the shell, which cannot be seen from the outside. As they ripen, they turn into infructescences - "bottles" with sweet nectar.

The fig is formed from a formation on the stem called the syconium. Inside are flowers that are never seen.

Residents of the northern regions may not know what figs are and how they are eaten, because they are difficult to transport and begins to produce juice within a few hours after collection.

Small inflorescences inside the figs

The shape of the fruits resembles a pear, they weigh 30-50 grams. They are brought to the Krasnodar market from Adler and Abazia. The bottom of the boxes is covered with white paper, the berries are carefully laid in one layer, handling them very carefully. The shade depends on the cultivar and ranges from light yellow to almost black.

I, like many, did not know what figs tasted like until I tasted them. In the south of the Krasnodar Territory, trees grow right along the roads and delight everyone who is not used to such a picture. In Crimea, figs also ripen, sometimes reaching the size of a fist. According to legend, the first seedlings were brought here by the Genoese, who left behind dilapidated fortresses.

The taste of the fruit is sweet, honey, delicate. The best ones are those that are covered with a mesh of small cracks. I prefer dark, small varieties.

How to eat fresh figs with or without peels?

With bought or plucked figs, they do it simply: they are washed under running water and sent to the mouth. I don’t peel off the skin. Some break, gnaw out the middle, and leave the outer layer. To be honest, I don’t understand what principle they are guided by. I have not seen tough skins. The skin is much softer than any other fruit.

Sometimes, to be sure, I pour boiling water over, since figs are usually eaten whole, and microorganisms remain in the cracks.Due to botanical features, in ripe specimens, a hole is formed on the opposite side of the tail.

Ripe figs, cut into quarters

Sometimes it reaches such a size that not only microbes, but also an insect can "crawl" there. In this case, I cut it in half and see what's inside. When serving, large berries can be divided into quarters and beautifully laid on a plate.

Where does exotic fruit grow in Russia?

It seems impossible, but it is quite possible to cultivate a subtropical culture in our northern climate and, despite the severe winter frosts, it will bring a good harvest. This requires only the right agricultural technology.

Where figs grow in the wild, at an average daily temperature of +10 ° C for the entire growing season, the sum of temperatures reaches +4000 ° C. With such indicators, the harvest will be plentiful and stable. Therefore, when cultivating a crop on your own, it is important to ensure the same conditions using the trench method.

Under certain conditions, with the obligatory shelter for the winter, it is possible to plant a fig tree in central Russia. Although in the Caucasus and Crimea, it is found in the wild. In the Krasnodar Territory, in October-November, fig trees require special greenhouse conditions to survive the winter. In regions with a harsh continental climate, the culture is bred in winter gardens and greenhouses. Figs bloom for 2-3 years after planting. It brings a high yield from 7-9 years old. The culture is propagated by seeds, cuttings and layering.

What figs are rich in: the composition of vitamins and calorie content

Dark purple or light green fruit is a storehouse of valuable substances. Among the active components are enzymes, fiber, a balanced combination of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. According to the USDA, 100 grams of figs contain:

• 19 g carbohydrates
• 0.7 g protein
• 3 g dietary fiber
• 0.3 g fat.

Caloric content of fresh figs 1 pc. is 25-37 kcal. Vitamin and mineral composition is presented in the table.

As you can see, potassium is in the lead. A handful of fruits provides a quarter of the daily requirement. Such products are not often found. As for the rest of the elements, their number will cover the daily requirement by no more than 3-4%.

The chemical composition of figs is rich and varied. Like apples, it is valuable not so much for vitamins and minerals as for polyphenols, fiber and other biologically active components.

Fresh figs: health benefits

The unique fruit is not only tasty, but also healthy. Even ancient physicians knew the healing power of figs. It has long been noticed: it is enough to eat 1-2 berries to satisfy the feeling of hunger and feel a surge of vivacity. The beneficial properties of fresh figs are explained by the presence of not fully understood chemical compounds.

Figs quickly recuperate, relieve fatigue. A healthy snack is far more nutritious than any energy bar. Here are some of the medicinal qualities of the berry:

• It is a powerful antioxidant. Phenolic compounds, which are especially rich in dark varieties, actively fight oxidative stress, protecting cells from aging and destruction.
• It has a laxative, antifungal, antibacterial effect.
• It has an expectorant effect.
• Contains a lot of potassium. Together with magnesium, this element regulates blood pressure, normalizes heart rate, and improves mental activity.
• Increases appetite, improves metabolism.

Figs are a valuable source of plant ficin.It was experimentally found that the enzyme improves digestion no worse than papain, and also reduces the risk of blood clots by breaking down their proteins - fibrinogen and fibrin.

The fruits are recommended for the following conditions:

• increased mental and emotional stress,
• colds,
• constipation
• digestive problems
• high cholesterol,
• tendency to form blood clots,
• anemia.

The use of berries has a beneficial effect on the condition of the heart and blood vessels. They are used for depression, overwork, as well as for the prevention of cancer (1) and general strengthening of the body.

The benefits of fresh figs for a woman's body

With a breakdown, a wine berry will give vigor, and during critical days, it will reduce pain and ease discomfort. The benefits of fresh figs for women are not limited to this. The berries are used for external skin care at home. This is a proven way to fight premature wrinkles, inflammation and acne.

Fresh fruits

A simple and effective remedy for rejuvenation is used not only in home cosmetology. Plant extracts can be found in branded products. Researchers from the University of Pakistani Bahawalpur studied the effects of fig extract on the epidermis. They published the results in the Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences in December 2014. It turned out that even in the composition of industrial cosmetic products, the plant successfully solves the problems of hyperpigmentation, acne and freckles.

Lotions, masks, infusions are prepared on the basis of berries. They cleanse, refresh and nourish the skin well. The pulp whitens yellowed nails, strengthens weakened hair. Application from it helps to get rid of calluses, make the feet soft and smooth.

To experience the regenerating effect of the magic berry, just break it in half and wipe your face or other part of your body.

Milk with figs for coughs and colds

A decoction in milk is a well-known way to bring down the temperature without resorting to medications. It is an effective diaphoretic and antipyretic agent that has long been used by the people. The drink not only relieves symptoms, but also treats cough, sore throat, and prevents complications. The unique combination has a complex therapeutic effect:

• liquefies phlegm and facilitates its excretion;
• relieves inflammation, fights bacteria, strengthens the immune system;
• accelerates metabolic processes, cleansing from toxins, dangerous microorganisms and their waste products.

For a healing potion, berries and fatty milk are required. A cow or goat will do. Drink preparation:

1. Wash three berries thoroughly, wipe with a napkin, finely chop.
2. Boil 1.5 cups of milk, pour into a thermos.
3. Add fruit pieces, leave for 2-3 hours.

Strain the broth through cheesecloth before use. Take three times a day, cooled to a comfortable temperature. To enhance the effect, add a teaspoon of honey if desired, but this is not necessary. The two ingredients complement each other and work wonders together. They treat cough, hoarseness, and restore a hoarse voice.

Fresh figs: benefits for men

There are many herbal-based recipes that increase libido and potency, mostly boiling down to the milk broth discussed above or making a wine drink.

The people have long noticed the healing properties of figs for men. In the regions where it grows, there is a strong belief that eating a few daily will improve men's health. They are even used to treat prostatitis. I cannot judge how much this corresponds to reality, because I have not experienced it myself ;-).

In any case, the fruits of the fig tree make a man's diet more balanced, replenishing the deficiency of bioactive elements.This, in turn, helps to promote health and metabolism.

mmm ... juicy yummy!

Healing recipes

For the treatment of tumors, bronchial asthma, bronchitis and cough, experts prescribe a decoction with infertility. To prepare the broth, you will need 1 tbsp. hot milk, which is poured into 20 g of dry seedlings. Then the mixture is cooked over low heat for ten minutes. It is taken inside hot.

For diseases of the kidneys, urinary tract and bronchial asthma, an infusion of fig leaves is recommended. It is required to take three tablespoons of dry leaves, which were collected before flowering, grind, pour 0.5 liters of hot water and leave for 4-5 hours in a thermos.

When is caution required?

Like any product, figs can be harmful if consumed excessively. It rarely has side effects other than a mild laxative effect. A tasty medicine can be taken for a long time, as long as it is available.

The only contraindication that I have been able to find is gout and diabetes. The fact is that figs contain a lot of sugar and oxalic acid, which, when metabolism is disturbed, provokes the formation of oxalates.

The sources available to me also indicate the rate of consumption: 5 berries per day. I will not say that I support this limitation. At least, I rarely stop at this figure.

Growing features

The fig tree can be grown as a tree or as a shrub. The second option will be more practical, it is easier to cover it in the winter. Since figs love warmth, special attention should be paid to the wintering of the plant. It is carried out in three ways:

1. You can cover it a couple of weeks after fruiting. Carefully, so as not to damage the plant, gradually bend the branches to the ground and fix with ropes.
2. At the end of autumn, wrap each branch with a special material. If this is not the case, a regular flour bag will do.
3. Completely cover the bush, you can put on the ground, poison from rodents.

Carefully open the fig tree in late April or early May. Harvest in the second or third year.

How to choose fresh figs on the market?

To make a good purchase, you need to take the fruit in your hand, assessing the correspondence of weight and volume. The berry should not be too light or too dense. The smaller the size, the more delicate the taste. Trust the experienced gourmet and don't look for the bigger one. Color will tell about the degree of maturity. If it is a saturated color, then everything is in order.

Do not be afraid of cracks on the surface - take these specimens, you will not regret it! Do not take those that look too neat, they have not reached and will not reach condition. Pay attention to the white paper I wrote about above. The absence of juice stains on its surface is a sign that the crop has arrived successfully. The sweetest fruits are the last, autumn harvest.

Storing figs is a thankless task. Perishable food will stay in the refrigerator (on a plate, not in a plastic container or plastic bag!) For a maximum of 3 days. Better to eat it as soon as possible and go for a new portion.

Well, while I was writing, I slammed the plate. I'll go buy some more before the season is over, which is what I wish for you!

Application

The fruits of this plant are consumed canned, dried or fresh. Fresh fruits are also used to make delicious jams and preserves. As a houseplant, figs are grown in the northern and middle regions of Russia.

Potassium is useful in diseases of the cardiovascular system, since the presence of potassium relieves tension from the blood vessels, they expand and relax. Figs are necessary for venous insufficiency and for the prevention of hypertension.

Ficin, which is found in the plant, is necessary for the resorption of vascular blood clots. In addition, ficin reduces blood clotting.

Fig is a high-quality hematopoietic agent that reduces too strong heartbeat. It is prescribed for anemia.