If you’ve ever eaten a fig, you probably assumed it was a fruit because it tastes sweet. A fig is generally considered a fruit in a culinary sense, but technically it doesn’t meet the botanical classification of a “true fruit” as it’s technically an “inflorescence.” Figs aren’t considered vegetables, though – that part is clear!
If you’re a bit confused, don’t worry – we’ll explain more about what we mean in this article!
Are figs a type of fruit?
Botanists and people who appreciate calling things by their super technical names can make things tricky for the rest of us sometimes! Figs are generally accepted as a type of fruit, though they don’t technically/botanically fit under the category of fruit.
So what technically makes something fall under the category of fruit? One of the many definitions out there goes something like this: If it grew from a seed and the seed is still present in the mature structure, it’s likely a fruit. Another definition of a fruit is “the fleshy or dry ripened ovary of a flowering plant, enclosing the seed or seeds.”
Super technically, figs are considered an inflorescence, a cluster of multiple flowers and seeds contained within a bulbous (round) stem. Even though you can plant a fig tree from the seeds present in the mature fig (another thing most fruits have in common), it’s not considered a true fruit.
When this happens, you can say that figs are considered a type of fruit in a culinary sense because they are similar to other true fruits or used in a way that true fruits usually are (for instance, being used in desserts).
The fig isn’t unique here – just look at other things we think of as fruits or vegetables that don’t technically meet the criteria like strawberries and tomatoes. Why must it all be so complicated?
…but are figs a vegetable?
While the classifications of fruit are obviously a little complicated, we can say with certainty that figs are not vegetables! One of the definitions of a vegetable is the edible portion of a plant, such as a stem, leaves, root, tuber, bulb, or flowering head. Vegetables also don’t contain seeds, such as carrots and potatoes.
The fig is a cluster of flowers and seeds – flowers are generally associated with the growth of fruit, not vegetables (fruits are “the mature and ripened ovaries of flowers”).
Some types of fruit are considered vegetables in a culinary way because they’re most commonly treated as vegetables – just look at the tomato. But figs aren’t typically considered a vegetable in a culinary sense, so at least we have a for-sure answer in this department!
How do you eat figs?
Figs aren’t exactly the most popular type of culinary fruit out there. In fact, you might have never eaten a fig before! So how are figs treated as a fruit in the culinary world?
The entire fig is completely edible, including the skin and seeds. Eating figs straight off the tree after they’ve been warmed by the sun is ideal, but you can also dry, bake, or even grill them!
Because figs are sensitive to cold temperatures, it’s ideal to either eat them fresh off the tree or dried. Figs won’t maintain their optimal taste and texture if you wait to eat them after they’ve been picked from the tree for a long time.
How are figs used in a culinary way?
Figs are naturally sweet, with one 37-calorie medium (around 2 ¼ inch diameter) fig containing a little over eight grams of natural sugar and around 1.5 grams of dietary fiber.
The naturally sweet fig makes it a popular ingredient in syrups, chutneys, and jams, as well as being used in pies and cakes. Like other naturally sweet foods, figs can also be incorporated into savory dishes for the popular “sweet and savory” balance.
You can also enjoy dried figs plain (just like dried apricots), making it a great source of natural energy while on the go, such as while hiking or as a pre- or post-exercise snack!
Are figs good for you?
Figs are a great source of dietary fiber, a nutrient you might be falling short in from your diet. Fiber helps promote healthy digestion and can even help lower your cholesterol levels if you eat enough of it regularly – aim to get at least 25 grams daily!
Figs are also a natural source of calcium with 100 grams of figs providing around 35 milligrams of calcium, which is around 4% of the range of recommended daily intake. So while they’re not a great source of calcium, every bit adds up!
FAQs:
Some people debate that figs aren’t vegan because some varieties cause a wasp to die during the pollination process. However, figs are widely accepted as vegan-friendly because veganism can be defined as avoiding the “…exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food…”. Since wasps pollinating plants and dying at the end of the process is a natural symbiotic relationship, it isn’t considered animal cruelty, nor are figs considered an animal byproduct.
Figs and dates are from two completely different types of plants (the former is from the fig tree and the latter from a date palm tree), so they aren’t the same.
Thank you for sharing your dietary information, every bit for the outcomes when it comes to being healthy. I appreciate your time and consideration when evaluating food intake, especially when it comes first and foremost from a true blue professional.