The first to appear, since May, are the fioroni, larger than average and grown mainly in some regions of southern Italy. For the real figs, green or black, you have to wait until September. Fleshy and sweet, these fruits are energizing and rich in antioxidants, ideal for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.
Between history, mythology and religion
The first evidence of fig cultivation dates back to the dawn of the agricultural civilizations of Palestine and Egypt: from these regions it later spread throughout the Mediterranean Sea basin. Later, the fig tree reached America, Asia and Australia, where climatic conditions offered the plant an ideal habitat. In Greece, the fig tree has been the protagonist of many myths: for example, it is said that Polyphemus used its juice to coagulate milk and produce cheese in his cave, while Plato was believed to help to make intelligent. In India the fig tree is sacred; in the Bible, instead, the fig leaf was the only "dress" available to Adam and Eve.
Property
Remineralizers, laxatives, disinfectants, anti-inflammatories and digestives: figs are definitely good for you. They are also expectorants, as they act by increasing the volume of fluid and secretions within the airways. In other words, they can help with coughing. Fig latex, on the other hand, can be a good remedy in case of warts or insect bites, but on the other hand it can also cause severe skin irritation. It is no coincidence that growers are used to harvesting them before dawn: heat, sun and latex can become a very annoying mix when working in the fields. Figs, with over 150 varieties, also contain a lot of water, calories and fiber.
Lots of ideas in the kitchen
Once ripe, figs are easily available. Better to enjoy them, then, before they lose all their properties. When there is a choice in the fruit and vegetable department, it is better to opt for figs without dents and not too soft. To prevent them from going bad, it is also advisable to keep them in the fridge and consume them within a few days. Or choose to use figs for a delicious jam at full energy, prepare them in sweet and sour, match them with almonds or why not, prepare creamy fillings. Without forgetting delicacies such as chocolate covered figs and timeless dried figs.