Figs are practically dropping off their trees by this time in summer – but don’t let the bounty overwhelm you. There are so many ways to use these melt-in-your-mouth fruits to sweeten summer salads, throw on the grill, make jam, or even add an exotic flavor to lemonade!
But first, let’s look at what these summertime superfoods can do for your health.
- Figs are a rich source of fruit fiber, which not only helps with weight loss, but could also help reduce breast cancer risk.
- Potassium-rich foods like figs help our bodies balance the salt we eat, helping to prevent or stop hypertension.
- Figs are also a source of calcium , helping to prevent bone loss.
- Black Mission figs have poly-phenolic flavonoid anti-oxidants, similar to red wine.
- Figs contain B-complex vitamins like niacin and folates.
- Dried figs are more dense with minerals including calcium, copper, potassium, manganese and zinc than fresh figs.
Now, what can you do with figs this summer? I like my figs sweet and simple.
- Try tossing fresh figs with olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar, then roasting them in the oven for 20 minutes at 350 degrees F. Use to top a salad, or as an accompaniment to a cheese plate.
- Fire up the grill and, using rosemary sprigs as skewers, grill your figs and let them infuse with rosemary flavor! This makes an outstanding dessert, especially when served with vanilla ice cream.
- Blend fresh, ripe figs with lemon juice, sugar and water for a peach-colored lemonade that is as healthy as it is pretty.