With a New Year comes a new start and for many that means trying to eat healthier. Some even call January, Veganuary, a month dedicated to eating more vegetables, fruits, and plant-based foods, but are figs vegan? Read on to find out more about vegan figs.
If you’ve done a search online you may think you know the answer, but the answer may surprise you. Of the reported1,600 varieties of figs that exist throughout the world, only one in the United States is pollinated by the blastophaga wasp: Calimyrna Figs. These delicious figs account for less than 2% of all figs grown in California. Similar to how bees pollinate flowers, the blastophaga wasp lands on the Calimyrna fig, pollinates it, and flies away. Calimyrna Figs are at the heart of the legion of articles saying figs aren’t vegan. One fig variety in the U.S. out of hundreds. Every variety except for this one self-pollinates.
More about Vegan Figs
Our Orchard Choice and Sun-Maid California Dried Figs sun-ripen on the branch until harvest-ripe and are available in two kinds of vegan figs. Golden Figs are a combination of Tena and Sierra varieties with a delicately sweet, nutty, and tangy taste. Our black Mission Figs are earthy and jammy, with a flavor reminiscent of your favorite nostalgic childhood cookie.
Both pack an incredible amount of health benefits in them including calcium, dietary fiber, magnesium, potassium, and protein to name a few. They can also help support bone care, brain health, and an anti-inflammation diet too.
Can I Cook Plant-Based with Figs
You will love the versatility of using dried figs in plant-based cooking to add subtle sweetness, nutrition, and texture. Find ideas for how to use figs in plant-based cooking (and ideas for baking too) below.