Looking for new treats to try out in your kitchen? Dried Wild Figs might be the answer you’re looking for. Popular in baking and as a garnish, dried wild figs have a multitude of applications that can delight your cravings. Its colour can range from amber to light yellow and brown. Another reason why figs have been a favourite by many is because of its sweet, nectar-like scent that accompanies its full fruity flavour with hints of nectar and caramel. Its versatility in cooking applications surely lives up to its title as “fruit of the gods”.
In garnishing
Dried wild figs can spruce up any dish you create. You can opt to scatter it on salads and porridge for added sweetness. These figs can also be used to decorate cakes as well as other pastries. It can level up your cheese platters. You can even go ahead and add it to your favourite ice cream or just dip it as it is in melted chocolate if you’re looking for an afternoon snack.
In baking
These dried wild figs go well with nuts, honey, cheese, yoghurt, and even chocolate. You can incorporate these babies into cakes, cookies, and pastries of your liking. Simmer them with balsamic vinegar and water to make a syrup or jam and use it as a glaze for your fruit cake. Figs contain 55% natural sugar content which makes them the world’s sweetest fruit.
In main dishes
If you’re wanting to add sweetness to your main dishes, dried wild figs can be great for stuffing in turkey, chicken, or duck dishes. Its caramel-like sweetness adds depth to your dishes and cuts through the fat of the poultry.
Health Benefits of Dried Wild Figs
Figs are rich in potassium, iron, B-complex vitamins, and minerals. It contains the highest mineral and fibre content of any fruit, nut, or veggie and is considered as a superfood alongside goji berries. It is also notable that one fig contains the same amount of calcium as an egg. While it can be enjoyed both raw and dried, the nutritional value of figs increases when it is dried first.
Despite containing 55% of natural sugar content, figs are great in regulating blood sugar levels since it also contains potassium which puts a cap on the amount of sugar the body takes in every meal. Figs also have high fibre content which helps in enhancing digestion, regulating bowel movements, and preventing constipation. If you aim to lose weight, figs are ideal to include in your diet because its high fibre content makes you feel full for a longer period of time and inhibits the hunger-inducing hormone. Rich in zinc and B vitamins, figs can also strengthen your immune system and contribute to your overall well-being if included in your diet. It also promotes strong bones and combats inflammation since it is abundant in minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Take this opportunity to indulge your curiosity with figs and how it can potentially enhance the nutritious value of your diet by including it in your daily meals. With its amazing health benefits and the array of dishes you can cook up with it, you will surely enjoy dried wild figs for a long time.
