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Gardening insights: Surprising facts about figs – you didn't know about that
26.12.2023 05:20
Updated: 13.05.2024 21:21
There are lots of plants that are unique in some ways, and that's why it's so interesting to grow them.
Some fruits can actually be quite surprising too - not just because of their size or taste, but other features.
Here are a few interesting facts about figs.
Figs are not really fruits
What we think of as the fig fruit is actually a kind of flower.
The fig is a unique structure called a "syconium" that contains lots of tiny flowers inside.
Wasps play a role in fig pollination
Figs have a special relationship with wasps.
Female wasps enter the fig to lay their eggs and, while doing so, they pollinate the flowers inside.
However, don't worry, the wasps we find in the figs we eat are usually very tiny and not harmful to us.
Fig trees can live for a long time
Some fig trees can live for hundreds of years!
They are known for their longevity and can be found in various parts of the world.
Figs have a soft spot
When figs are ripe and ready to eat, they develop a small opening called an "ostiole" at the bottom.
This is where the wasps enter and exit. You can look for this soft spot to know if a fig is ripe.
Figs have a sweet surprise
If you eat a fresh fig, you might come across a crunchy texture inside.
These are actually tiny seeds called "achenes." They add a unique texture to the fruit.
Figs are nutritious
Figs are a good source of fiber, which can help with digestion.
They also contain vitamins and minerals like potassium and calcium, which are important for our bodies.
Figs have been enjoyed for a long time
People have been eating figs for thousands of years!
They have been grown and enjoyed by civilizations throughout history, including the ancient Egyptians and Greeks.
Figs can be dried
Dried figs are a popular snack.
They are made by removing the moisture from fresh figs, which concentrates their sweetness.
Dried figs can be enjoyed on their own or used in various recipes.
Recently, we talked about common tree illnesses.
