Essential Pantry Organic Dried Mission Figs

2 pound bag - California

It turns out that dried figs, have more nutritional and medicinal value than the fresh version. Protein, calcium, thiamin, riboflavin, potassium, iron and carbs make up the good stuff along with being a fibrous material. Plus, the process of drying the figs, concentrates the fig's flavor, and the result? "They taste like candy!"

What is clear and important is that figs have been an important food group for many for at least a thousand years. In the ancient civilizations of China and Greece, figs were revered for their healthy benefits. Expected to grow larger muscles, increase potency, and even ordered to be eaten to ward off disease!

The Mission Fig

Th Mission Fig was first introduced to what is now the United States by the Spaniards in 1768. In the 19th century, Franciscan missionaries planted figs at the mission in San Diego. It then travelled north, as the Franciscan missionaries continued to plat them at missions as they traveled up the California coast.

Black Mission figs are a dark skinned fig with a strawberry colored interior. California is now the third biggest producer of figs in the world - although Black Mission is not the dominant variety. Fresh Black Mission figs are only available from June through September, but dried ones are available year round. And there is considerable research that shows that dried figs are even more nutritious than fresh ones.

Storage

Dried figs will stay fresh for several months and can either be kept in a cool, dark place or stored in the refrigerator. They should be kept well wrapped so that they are not over exposed to air that may cause them to become hard or too dry.

Eat them in the morning, eat them at night, eat them all day and you will say, hooray!