Last week I had a complete moment of utter excitement in my local co-op. I spotted for the first time this season what is probably my all time favorite summer time fruit, fresh figs!!!! There is just something about figs that my body absolutely craves. The flavor of course is amazing, and the texture is like that of a gooey, sweet dessert with a nectar-like filling. But beyond this, the fig has an incredible array of nutrients and health benefits that make this delectable fruit deserve some spotlight attention.

Figs are incredibly alkalinizing due to their very high mineral content. As far as sweet fruit goes, figs are exceptional high in a few minerals that many other fruits skimp on. Calcium and iron being two, which are great for bone and blood building. They are known for having one of the highest Calcium levels in the plant kingdom. They also contain high levels of copper, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin K. They are a strength and energy food. Figs trees have been around since ancient times, consumed by both primates in nature and people living all over the world. Fig tree are native to southwest Asia and the Mediterranean region of the world, and are now cultivated in many other areas of the world with a similar climate.

Figs are very soothing and cleansing to the digestive system and are very high in soluble fiber, which gently keeps waste moving out of our bodies easily. They actually have the ability to help dissolve mucous buildup in the large intestines. Figs would be an incredible fruit to eat before and after an intestinal cleanse or juice fast.

I prefer to eat figs as a mono meal all by themselves, but you can also blend them in smoothies or chopped up in green salads with a little Coconut Vinegar and olive oil. Try making a figgy vanilla nut mylk by blending a few figs into your nut mylk base. Do this with sesame mylk (recipe included below) and you will literally have an akalinizing, Calcium packed, bone building super tonic.

Figs can be found at most health food stores and organic co-ops mid summer through the fall. You will usually find a few different varieties ranging from black in color to a light yellowish green. Look for Black Mission, Brown Turkish, Calimyrna, and Adriatic varieties. Figs are also a great food to forage for in your area. Many people have gorgeous figs trees that produce massive amounts of fruit each year, that end up falling on the ground and going to waste. If you spot ripe figs going to waste, chances are the owner would be more than happy to let your forage.

My Bones are Strong - sesame fig Calcium/magnesium/silica tonic

1/2 cup soaked unhulled sesame seeds (soak overnight). Use black or
brown variety.
4 cups pure water (3 cups water if you want a creamier mylk)
1/2 soft tahitian vanilla bean
Blend and strain through Nut Milk Bag

Place mylk back into blender and add:

3 very ripe, soft black figs (any variety will do, although I love
Black Mission figs for this recipe)
1/2 tbs mesquite pod meal
1 tbs freshly ground Bali cocoa beans (grind easily in a coffee grinder)
1 tsp Greener Grasses by Healthforce Nutritionals
Pinch of Balinese sea salt
Sweeten to taste with manuka honey

This recipe is rich in Calcium from the sesame seeds and figs, very rich in magnesium from cocoa beans, and bone building minerals like silica from the grasses in Greener Grasses powder. And it is absolutely scrumptious!

Because of their energizing quality you’ll notice after eating a pint or two of figs that you’ll be ready to go run a marathon!! And you’ll have a big smile on your face while you’re at it.

Can't find any fresh figs? Get some organic dried figs here !

by Anna Hays

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_fig

Eating for Beauty by David Wolfe