July, 2006 - Volume 7, Issue 9



Figs can “FIGure” in your future



Remember the story of Adam and Eve? Even way back then, figs were around. In fact, figs are the fruit mentioned most often in the Bible.

If the only way you have eaten this age old fruit is in a Newton cookie, you are in for a surprise. Figs offer a rich, full sweetness, incredible texture, and they shine in both savory and sweet dishes.

Chop and sauté figs with butter, garlic, and onions to make an inspiring sauce for pork or chicken; serve them raw or roasted with bread and cheese; dice them and sprinkle on ice cream; or bake them into an amazing crumble. Plus they are very nutritious: four or five figs provide 5 grams of dietary fiber, more dietary fiber per serving than any other common dried or fresh fruit.. In addition, figs have the highest overall mineral content of all common fruits. A serving includes potassium, iron and as much calcium as a half cup of milk.

LOCAL FIGS IN NOW
Right now, we have delicious local Black Mission Figs, Brown Turkey Figs, and a third green variety with no name but amazing flavor. Since figs are so fragile, you don’t see them in the grocery store very often. The figs in our store have not traveled far from their tree.

COOKING WITH FIGS
For lots of fig cooking ideas, pick up a copy of the girl & the fig Cookbook, published by the popular Sonoma restaurant by the same name. Try their Fig & Port Vinaigrette, their Black Mission Fig Syrup (which they call “liquid fig gold”), and the Spiced Fig Caramel and Spiced Fig Chocolate.

FIG VINEGAR
Bistro Blends has 18-Year Black Mission Fig Balsamic Vinegar. This amazing thick vinegar is great for salads, sauces and yes, even ice cream. It also works well as a marinade for pork loin.

FIG BUTTER
From Earth & Vine, try Spiced Fig Pear Butter. This tastes amazing with pork medallions, and you can also whip it in to cream cheese for a decadent spice cake frosting.

Please stop in and try a fig today!