Fig
(Kadota and Strawberry Fig)
(Kadota and Strawberry 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.