R&D: Figs: A New Twist on an Old World Fruit-- February 2011
Figs have a long tradition of being a health food. The early Olympians incorporated figs into their diets, and they were presented as laurels to the winners. In the Middle Ages, figs were given to soldiers to aid their strength and power in battle. In some Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures, figs are a symbol of abundance, fertility and sweetness.
Today, figs are found worldwide and have seeped into mainstream American culture. While figs often have been relegated to bakery products, the highly versatile fruit can be found in savory applications, such as sauces and condiments, stated Tom Payne, food technologist, California Fig Advisory Board, during his speech titled, " California Figs: Ancient Fruit, Contemporary Ingredient," given at Prepared Foods' 2010 R&D Applications Seminar-East. In the U.S., they recently have been spotted in newer applications, such as cheese, ice cream, truffles and chocolate bars.