Fig

Kadota

• Description

The Kadota fig is a highly regarded variety of fig known for its mild sweetness and versatility. Below is a detailed description:

Appearance:

• Skin: Light green to pale yellow when ripe, giving it a bright and attractive appearance.

• Flesh: Amber to pale pink, juicy, and soft.

• Size: Medium-sized, typically around 2 inches in diameter.

Taste and Texture:

• Flavor: Sweet and mild, with a honey-like quality, making it less intense than some darker fig varieties like Mission figs.

• Texture: Soft and chewy with tiny edible seeds that add a pleasant crunch.

Uses:

• Fresh Consumption: Perfect for eating fresh due to its balanced sweetness.

• Culinary Uses: Ideal for making jams, jellies, desserts, and savory dishes. Kadota figs are also commonly dried for longer storage and sweeter flavor.

• Pairings: Pairs well with cheeses, nuts, honey, and cured meats, making it a popular choice for charcuterie boards.

Growing Details:

• Season: Typically ripens in late summer to early fall, though it can produce multiple harvests in favorable climates.

• Origin: Believed to be a variant of the traditional Italian “Dottato” fig, widely grown in Mediterranean regions and adapted to various climates.

Special Features:

• Seedless Appearance: While it does contain seeds, they are so tiny and soft that the fruit often feels seedless.

• Shelf Life: Slightly shorter shelf life than darker figs, so they are best consumed soon after harvest.

The Kadota fig is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional value per 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) of fresh fruit:

Nutritional Value:

• Calories: ~74 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 19 g

• Sugars: ~16 g

• Dietary Fiber: 3 g

• Protein: 0.8 g

• Fat: 0.3 g

• Saturated Fat: 0 g

• Unsaturated Fats: Trace amounts

Vitamins:

• Vitamin A: 142 IU (important for vision and skin health)

• Vitamin C: 2 mg (antioxidant and supports the immune system)

• Vitamin K: 4.7 µg (aids in blood clotting and bone health)

• Folate: 6 µg (important for cell growth and repair)

Minerals:

• Calcium: 35 mg (supports strong bones and teeth)

• Magnesium: 17 mg (helps with muscle function and nerve signaling)

• Potassium: 232 mg (essential for heart health and fluid balance)

• Iron: 0.4 mg (important for oxygen transport in the blood)

• Phosphorus: 14 mg (aids in energy production and bone health)

Other Nutritional Benefits:

• Antioxidants: Contains polyphenols that help combat oxidative stress.

• Low Sodium: Ideal for heart health and maintaining healthy blood pressure.

Health Benefits:

• Digestive Health: The dietary fiber promotes healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.

• Heart Health: Low fat and high potassium content support cardiovascular health.

• Bone Health: The calcium and magnesium contribute to bone density and strength.

Strawberry Fig

• Description

The Strawberry fig is a variety of fig tree that produces small to medium-sized fruits with a rich, sweet flavor and an attractive appearance. Here’s a detailed description of the fruit:

Appearance:

• Skin: Deep purple to reddish-brown when fully ripe, sometimes with a slight greenish tint at the base.

• Flesh: Bright red to deep strawberry-colored, which gives the variety its name. The interior is soft, juicy, and densely packed with tiny edible seeds.

• Size: Typically small to medium, about 1–2 inches in diameter.

Taste and Texture:

• Flavor: Sweet with a slight tanginess, reminiscent of strawberries, making it unique among fig varieties.

• Texture: Smooth, tender skin with a juicy and jam-like interior. The seeds provide a subtle crunch, enhancing the overall eating experience.

Uses:

• Fresh Eating: Perfect for enjoying fresh due to its sweetness and appealing texture.

• Preserves: Often used in jams and jellies to highlight its vibrant color and rich flavor.

• Desserts and Baked Goods: Complements pastries, tarts, and cakes beautifully.

• Pairings: Pairs well with cheeses, nuts, honey, and cured meats for appetizers or charcuterie boards.

Growing Details:

• Ripening Season: Late summer to early fall, depending on the climate.

• Tree Characteristics: Strawberry fig trees are relatively small and compact, making them ideal for backyard gardens.

Special Features:

• Unique Color: The bright red interior sets it apart from other fig varieties.

• Versatility: Its balance of sweetness and tartness makes it suitable for both sweet and savory dishes.

The Strawberry fig is a nutritious and flavorful fruit, offering a range of health benefits. Here’s the approximate nutritional value for 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) of fresh Strawberry fig:

Nutritional Value:

• Calories: ~74 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 19 g

• Sugars: ~16 g

• Dietary Fiber: 3 g

• Protein: 0.8 g

• Fat: 0.3 g

• Saturated Fat: 0 g

• Unsaturated Fats: Trace amounts

Vitamins:

• Vitamin A: ~142 IU (supports vision, immune function, and skin health)

• Vitamin C: ~2 mg (antioxidant and immune system support)

• Vitamin K: ~4.7 µg (important for blood clotting and bone health)

• Folate: ~6 µg (essential for cell growth and repair)

Minerals:

• Calcium: ~35 mg (supports bone and teeth health)

• Magnesium: ~17 mg (helps with muscle function and nerve signaling)

• Potassium: ~232 mg (important for heart health and fluid balance)

• Iron: ~0.4 mg (necessary for oxygen transport in the blood)

• Phosphorus: ~14 mg (aids in energy production and bone health)

Other Benefits:

• Antioxidants: Rich in polyphenols that protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.

• Low Sodium: Heart-friendly and helps maintain healthy blood pressure.

• Natural Sugars: Provides a quick energy boost without added sugar.

Health Benefits:

1. Digestive Health: The dietary fiber promotes regular bowel movements and supports gut health.

2. Heart Health: Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, and the antioxidants support cardiovascular health.

3. Bone Health: Contains calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K for strong bones.

4. Weight Management: Low in calories and high in fiber, making it a filling and healthy snack.