Figs, 2018's most fashionable healthy food

The fig is the most mentioned fruit in the Bible. According to this sacred book, it grew in the Garden of Eden. In recent times it seems to be experiencing a new boom, and not precisely because it appears in a sacred text.

The fruit of the Ficus carica has been chosen by Firmenich as the flavor of the year for 2018. Chris Millington, president of the company, leader in the design of fragrances and flavors for the food industry, said "the fig is becoming increasingly popular among consumers, and the products with this flavor grew by more than 80% between 2012 and 2016."

"The fig's many health benefits and sweet and satisfying flavor offer us endless opportunities to inspire our customers and delight consumers in a wide range of food categories," he added.

The fig has a high content of phenolic compounds, some of them antioxidants, also contains fiber, large amounts of calcium, and other minerals, such as magnesium, manganese, and potassium. However, it's not fashionable just because of its nutritional profile.

Healthy, but cool

The fig has actually become fashionable because, just like other popular fruits nowadays (such as avocados), it looks great in photographs.

In addition, Firminich stated, the fig makes our meals feel artisanal. "The fig's timeless and elementary taste will continue to satisfy our desire to eat something true and unique," they stated.

Paradoxically, even though this fruit has been in our diet since time immemorial, its rustic nature offers a certain exoticism that makes it stand out in the age of Instagram.

A summer fruit that can be enjoyed throughout the whole year

The fig is a summer fruit, and its season in Spain goes from July to September. However, as with most fruits nowadays, it is possible to find them throughout the year.

It should be noted that most of the world's harvest is dried, a process that usually begins in the trees and finishes in the orchard's ground or in mechanical dryers.

Dried figs can be eaten all year round and they retain a good part of their properties, however, since all dried fruits have more calories than their fresh variety - they have six times more energy given their high sugar content-, they should be consumed in moderation. In addition, they do not look so good on social networks.

Source: directoalpaladar.com

Publication date: 1/10/2018

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