California Figs

Review by Debbie Mazo

Ever wonder what you're really biting into when you eat a fig bar? Come on over to California Figs where you'll learn that the fig, although considered a fruit, is actually a flower inverted into itself. Brought to you by the California Fig Advisory Board, this educational web site is a wonderful place to visit for all fig fans.

Worshipped through the ages, figs were probably one of the first fruits to be dried and stored by man. In History & Fig Facts, you can read all about it as well as get the dirt on the most popular California fig types. Fig varieties include the Calimyrna Fig, noted for its delicious nut-like flavor and tender, golden skin and the Mission Fig, named for the mission fathers who planted the fruit as they traveled north along the California coast.

As early as 2900 BC, the medicinal powers of figs were recognized. This well-designed site also has complete nutritional information, including quick and easy ways to add fiber with California figs. To increase your dietary fiber, try slicing a few figs to add to tossed green salads. Or, sweeten up mashed or cubed winter squash or sweet potatoes with some chopped figs.

Figs are sweet, flavorful, and easy to eat and use. Recipes & Contest has inventive ways to explore the flavor of this tasty fruit. With full-color photos and serving selections, recipes range from Chicken and Fig Risotto to California Fig and Fruit Salsa. The section also features Holiday Recipes.

To prove its versatility, take a quick tour through the food alphabet with California Figs. Able to complement everything from apples to zucchini, figs are definitely nature's most nearly perfect fruit.

About the Writer Debbie Mazo is a writer and editor based in Vancouver, Canada. She currently specializes in technical and marketing materials, but is also pursuing opportunities in food journalism.

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