Five fast fig facts:

1. Although considered a fruit, the fig is actually a flower that is inverted into itself. The seeds are drupes, or the real fruit.

2. Figs contain a proteolytic enzyme that is considered an aid to digestion and is used by the pharmaceutical industry.

3. Psoalens, a chemical found in figs, has been used for thousands of years to treat skin pigmentation diseases. Psoralens also promotes tanning in the sun.

4. Figs have many nutritional benefits. They are higher in fiber than any other common fruit or vegetable. A quarter-cup serving provides 5 grams of fiber, which is 20% of the RDV. Figs are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps to control blood pressure. They are also a fruit source of calcium (79 milligrams per 8oz serving).

5. Figs have an opening, called the "ostiole" or "eye," which is not connected to the tree, but which helps the fruit's development by increasing its communication with the environment.

According to Typebase 4, dried figs are beneficial for all types except B secretors.

For years I have heard other people rave about dried figs, but I never tried them because, honestly, they don’t look very appetizing. They are brown, shrivelled, and ugly. But, they are so tasty! Now I am addicted. Yesterday I received my order of five pounds of beautiful figs! I buy my figs through a co-op group at school which orders them from this website.

For more information about figs, check out:

World’s Healthiest Foods