figs

Nutrition

Figs are high in fiber, providing 20 percent of the recommended daily value — more dietary fiber per serving than any other common dried or fresh fruit.

Selection

Look for figs that are soft and smell sweet. Handle carefully because their fragile skins bruise easily.

Storage

Store fully ripened figs in the refrigerator up to two days; bring to room temperature before serving.
 
Preparation

Dried figs are an excellent replacement for fat in baked goods. When using dried figs to replace shortening or oil in baking, do not overmix or overbake. Use only half of the normal amount of shortening, margarine, butter or oil in a recipe when using dried puree. For instance, if 1 cup of margarine is called for, use only ½ cup. Then use ½ of the fig puree.

Here’s a simple fig puree recipe to include in your baking recipes.

Fig Puree

Makes about 1½cups

Ingredients

2 cups dried figs

¾ cup water

2 tsp. vanilla

 
Puree figs, water and vanilla in blender or food processor.

 
Source: Centers for Disease Control