Etymology and Biology
– The word ‘fig’ derives from Old French ‘figue’ and Occitan ‘figa’, while Italian has ‘fico’ derived from Latin ‘ficus’.
– Ficus carica is a gynodioecious, deciduous tree or large shrub with fragrant, deeply lobed leaves.
– The fig fruit develops as a hollow, fleshy structure called the syconium, which is botanically an infructescence.
– The whole fig fruit is 3-5cm long with a green skin that ripens toward purple or brown.
Habitat and Ecology
– The common fig tree grows wild in dry, sunny locations with deep and fresh soil, preferring porous and freely draining soil.
– It can grow in nutritionally poor soil and does not always require pollination by a wasp or from another tree.
– Ficus carica is dispersed by birds and mammals, and the fig fruit is an important food source for fauna.
– The tree can also sprout from root and stolon tissues.
Cultivation and Historical Significance
– The edible fig is one of the first plants cultivated by humans, with subfossil figs dating back to about 9400-9200 BC.
– Figs were widespread in ancient Greece and have a long history of cultivation.
– Fig trees can be cultivated for their fruit production, and different cultivation methods were described by Aristotle and Theophrastus.
– Figs were cultivated in various regions, including Afghanistan, Portugal, India, and California.
Types of Edible Figs and Overwintering
– There are different types of figs, including persistent figs, caducous figs, and intermediate figs.
– Fig varieties are often local and found in specific regions.
– In cold-winter climates, imported fig trees can be protected by burying or insulating them.
– Fig breeding aims to develop new cultivars with improved traits.
Food, Nutrition, and Cultural Significance
– Figs can be eaten fresh or dried, used in jam-making, and are commercially produced in dried or processed forms.
– Raw figs are 79% water, 19% carbohydrates, and provide a moderate source of dietary fiber.
– Dried figs have a higher carbohydrate content, are rich in dietary fiber and the essential mineral manganese.
– Figs have cultural significance in various mythologies and religions, including Babylonian, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
– The fig has biblical significance, symbolizing fertility and peace, and is mentioned in the Quran.
– The fig tree has also been associated with American history and the American West.
