The Fig: A Fruit or a Flower?

Until recently, figs haven’t been so typical plants in Hungary. With the climate change, it is more and more frequent to see huge fig trees. This one in a private garden near Budapest caters for a substantial amount of fresh fruit twice in the summer period.

Did you know that figs are not actually fruits, but inverted flowers? Figs have their blossoms inside the fleshy structure, which is pollinated by a specific type of wasp that enters through a tiny hole.

Figs are also very nutritious, as they contain more fiber than prunes, more calcium than milk, and more potassium than bananas. Figs have a long history of cultivation and consumption, dating back to ancient times. They were considered sacred by many civilizations, such as the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians.

Figs are also mentioned in the Bible, the Quran, and other religious texts as symbols of abundance, fertility, and sweetness. Figs are delicious and versatile, as they can be eaten fresh, dried, cooked, or preserved. They can also be used to make jams, cakes, pies, salads, and sauces. Figs are truly amazing plants that deserve more appreciation and attention.

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