5 Fabulous Ways to Eat Figs

It looks like this week's posts are going to be dedicated to food and nutrition holidays. This week is National Fig Week. There's so much to celebrate about this subtly sweet fruit that can be both savory and sweet - my favorite combination. Figs are an often overlooked fruit, but I'm expecting a big comeback! According to my taste-buds, they're going to be famous.

One serving, or 1 medium fig contains as little as 40 calories and 0 grams of fat and cholesterol. Consumed either fresh or dried, figs are fiber-filled and potassium-rich. Did you know that figs are higher in potassium than bananas? The calcium content of figs adds to its fabulous nutritional profile. In the United States, they are typically grown in sunny California. There are several varieties of figs such as, Adriatic, Mission, and Celestes. As Mother Earth's natural sweetener, figs are packed with nutrients and make excellent additions to salads, sides, and baked goods.

Fig salad with goat cheese and rosemary.

5 Fabulous Ways to Eat Figs

1. Eat them raw! Figs with thick skins can be peeled before being eaten and those with thin skins can be immediately bitten into!
Try this: Waldorf Salad with California Figs

2. Roast 'Em! Wash figs and place them in the oven to roast. Serve with your favorite meat or alone as a side dish. Top them off with a dollop of low-fat ricotta or goat cheese.
Try this: Roasted Figs with Honey and Rosemary 

3. Bake a fresh fig tart with honey and almonds. Serve as a savory meal or top with a scoop of yogurt for dessert.
Try this: Fig and Almond Tart

4. Make a pizza! This Italian classic is certainly worth of a figgy topping. Add caramelized onions, gorgonzola cheese, and thyme.
Try this: Roasted Fig and Prosciutto Flatbread

5. Grill them! Place sliced figs over chicken breasts and wrap in aluminum foil. Place on the grill and let cook until tender.
Try this: Grilled Garlic Chicken Breasts with Lemon, Parsley, and Grilled Figs

Let's get figgy!