Fig tree where it grows. Fig tree: care and cultivation

Not everyone is lucky enough to live in the Mediterranean. The fig tree is also called the fig tree or fig tree - growing at home has been practiced in Europe since the 16th century. The benefits of fruits, the healing composition of the leaves does not depend on the place of cultivation. As a houseplant, with proper care, figs look decorative and bear fruit twice a year.

Conditions for the cultivation of figs on the windowsill

When grown at home, adult figs require abundant watering and spraying in the summer. If the plant lacks moisture, it can shed its foliage at any time of the year. When creating a humid microclimate around a tree, there is no reason for the spider mite to start up - one of the main pests of flowers on the windowsill.

A plant native to their subtropics needs to provide wintering. From November to January, a dormant period is created for the fig tree. He is arranged in a bright, cool place with a temperature below +15 degrees. In additional illumination, top dressing at this time, not a tree does not need.

If the tree does not fall asleep, watering is reduced for it so that the leaves fall off. Water the earth with slightly cool water at a temperature of 18 degrees.

Water the plant moderately so that the clod of earth does not dry out. As the buds began to swell, light, watering, and top dressing are required. It is necessary to create conditions for rapid vegetation. Two harvests per season can be harvested with good care for figs at home. The first time the fig tree blooms in March, bears fruit in June. The following berries ripen from the beginning of August to the end of September. In summer, trees can be transferred to the ground, they will be comfortable there, but in the fall they will need a larger pot.

A sign of fruit maturity is their softening and the release of nectar from the eyes. Ripening lasts 2-4 weeks.

Growing a fruiting fig tree on a windowsill

How to grow figs at home? Several methods are used:

• they harvest cuttings by asking for a twig from good friends;
• buy a seedling in a specialized store;
• seed material is used.

In any case, the first thing that is required is to pick up dishes and an earthen substrate. The soil is prepared from equal proportions of steamed, calcined ingredients:

• leaf humus;
• sod land;
• peat;
• river sand, wood ash.

Processed expanded clay is laid at the bottom of the bowl. A layer of sand is poured on top. It is a good idea to use sphagnum moss on the surface to control humidity.

Dishes for figs are chosen at first small, but for 5 years, young plants are transplanted annually. You need to know that while the roots in the pot feel at ease, flowering is delayed. An adult tree needs 8 liters of substrate. A fig tree lives up to 30 years.

Growing figs at home from cuttings is the most effective method, while maintaining parental properties. The stalk is taken only from a fruitful plant. The most adapted to indoor growing conditions are considered varieties:

• Shuisky;
• Dalmatic;
• White Adriatic;
• Sochi -7;
• Black Pearl;
• Kadata;
• Seedling of Ogloblin.

The stalk is chosen with 3-4 buds, with the lower cut 2 cm below the eye, and the upper cut 1 cm higher. On the rooted part, the bark must be scratched in longitudinal strips to the cambium, this will accelerate root formation. Pour the finished substrate mixed with sphagnum into a glass, moisten and immerse the cutting in the second kidney. Pre-treat the cutting with root or heteroauxin.

To form roots, we cover the planting from above with a cap made of PET bottles, put it on diffused light, use additional lighting for up to 12 hours. Watching the figs grow. After 2-3 weeks, the first leaves will appear, it is necessary to ventilate, accustom the leaves to the air of the apartment, and spray with warm settled water.

When the plant gets used to the surrounding air, it is carefully transferred to a liter pot with a substrate. Two weeks after transplantation, the fig tree is fed with nitrogen fertilizers or a composition for indoor plants.

The seeds of figs are small, the properties of the mother plant are not always inherited, not all germinate. But it happens, except from seeds, at home, there is nothing to breed figs from. The seeds are deepened into the soil by 2-3 cm, the soil is regularly moistened, the pots are covered from evaporation of moisture, and after 2-4 weeks sprouts appear, which are allowed to grow, and rooted in separate cups. Gradually changing pots, seedlings are grown for 4-5 years, until flowering. By this time, the young tree should already have large dishes, preferably a wooden box with a bucket of fertile soil. Whether indoor figs will be fruitful, time will tell. But even without fruits, the tree is very impressive and will live up to 30 years.

Feed for figs

During the growing season, both growing and adult plants need to be fed with organic and mineral fertilizers. Once every 2 weeks, the compositions alternate. The fig tree gratefully accepts the mullein and the fermented infusion of herbs - nettle, dandelion, midge. Once a season, you need to give the plant iron sulfate and a complex composition with trace elements. Figs require potassium-phosphorus fertilizers. They can be made independently from bags, in packaging for feeding seedlings of outdoor plants.

Pest and disease control

From insect pests, you need to protect the tree from spider mites, or do 2 treatments in a week with Actellik insecticide. It is difficult to cope with a pest without chemistry.

A common fungal-type disease in figs is one - coral spotting. A sign of infection is the appearance of a reddish rash on the stem. All areas with affected shoots must be removed. Sections are treated with copper-containing preparations, and watering is carried out with a pink solution of potassium permanganate.

Fig tree at home: features of care and cultivation

Before you grow figs at home, you need to choose the right variety, prepare the soil and place. After completing all the procedures correctly, provide the exotic plant with the necessary care and it will not only decorate the interior of your home, but will also give amazing and useful fruits twice a year.

Fig, fig tree, ficus carica - these are all names of one plant. Its homeland is the Mediterranean. The fig tree is mentioned in the Bible, and its age is more than 6000 years. For the ancient Egyptians, it was the most valuable fruit and favorite delicacy of Queen Cleopatra.

Useful properties of figs

The fig bears a harvest twice a year. Its fruits have a characteristic pear-shaped shape, and the color is from green to purple. Useful properties of figs are in the content of many trace elements necessary for the body:

• vitamins B, A, C, PP;
• trace elements: potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, copper;
• plaid.

The use of figs in cooking and its beneficial features

Since ancient times, the high taste qualities of figs have been valued. Jam, preserves, dried fruits are prepared from it, and the fruits and leaves are widely used in traditional medicine. Medicinal drugs based on the fig tree help with diseases of such systems:

• digestive: increased acidity of the stomach;
• cardiovascular: figs reduce blood clotting and reduce the risk of blood clots;
• respiratory.

What variety of figs to choose for growing

Ficus karika is a compact plant, so growing figs at home will not be a hassle. You just need to familiarize yourself with the basic rules of care. First you need to choose the desired variety.

All types of figs are divided into three groups according to the method of pollination:

• parthenocarpic (self-fertile development of seeds);
• requiring pollination;
• Mixed: do not require pollination in the spring harvest, but do need in the autumn.

Variety selection

For growing at home, you should choose self-fertile low-growing varieties. The most common among amateurs:

• Sochi-7;
• Violet Sukhumi;
• Solar;
• Kadota.

Figs propagate both by seeds and vegetatively. The first method is often ineffective, so the second one is preferred (by cuttings, layering and root shoots). When buying sprouts, you should ask if the mother tree bore fruit at home.

How to grow figs at home: planting and care

With proper care, homemade figs take root easily and do not cause trouble. It is important to choose a good planting material and you can start growing.

Planting a cutting

For planting cuttings, a plastic cup is filled with a substrate of peat and sand (one to one). It is advisable to add sphagnum - it increases the moisture capacity and protects the earthen ball from scattering.

Fig cuttings for growing at home

The planting cutting must have at least three or four buds. The lower oblique cut is 2 cm below the last eye, and the upper one is 1 cm above the first. A few scratches should be applied along the handle on the part that will go into the ground. This will speed up the formation of a more powerful root system.

Rooting cuttings of figs in a special solution

The substrate must be sterilized (steamed in a microwave oven). We fill the cups with prepared soil, moderately moisten and deepen the cuttings to the level of the second kidney from the bottom. Previously, the lower part of the sprout must be dipped in Kornevin and kept according to the instructions. We slightly compact the soil, spray it with water with Zircon and put the glass in the greenhouse (cover it with a transparent container or a cut plastic bottle).

For the normal rooting process, the cuttings need high humidity and diffused light, so the window must be covered with an organza curtain. Light day should last 12 hours, for this you need to take care of the backlight in advance.

Planting cuttings in the first container

The rooting process lasts 2-3 weeks, and when the first leaves appear, you can begin to ventilate the greenhouse, gradually accustoming the plant to drier air. To make the fig easier to adapt to the environment, it should be plentifully sprayed with water several times a day. And if the bush began to fade, it is necessary to return it to the greenhouse again and gradually extend the ventilation.

Transplanting a young plant

For transplanting the cuttings, a container of no more than 1 liter is used, drainage is poured to the bottom and filled with soil mixture (mix purchased soil with ash and sand). Then carefully transplanted together with an earthy clod.

After a couple of weeks, the cuttings are fed with liquid fertilizers for indoor plants. The root system of figs develops very quickly. Fruiting occurs in the 2nd year, and the growth of the bush slows down. It is necessary to replant a young plant annually and increase the capacity each time, then once every 2-3 years.

Fig Care

Figs love light and warmth, and they also need abundant watering. In turn, strong waterlogging of the soil is fraught with rotting of the root system. Homemade figs bear fruit twice a year: in October and June.

With the onset of winter, the plant needs rest. If during this period the leaves are still green, it is necessary to dry the soil, then they will turn yellow and fall off. Watering is done rarely, you just need to prevent the land from drying out. Water for irrigation is taken cold, otherwise the kidneys may grow prematurely. During the dormant period, the plant is not fed.

pruning

Of great importance for normal development and good fruiting is pruning and crown formation. When a young plant reaches 30 cm, the central shoot is pinched. This is necessary for the active growth of side branches.

In an adult, 3-4 skeletal branches are formed. The young tree grows very quickly and can reach huge sizes, so the central branches and young shoots are pruned to form a compact bush. Sprouts directed inward are removed completely. On each branch, the ovary is left no more than 2-3 fruits, and the rest are removed.

How to protect a fig tree from diseases and insects

Most often, figs are attacked by spider mites. This pest actively breeds during the heating season with warm and dry air. For prevention, the plant should be sprayed daily with cool water.

If the pests have already started on the tree, then it is necessary to rinse the damaged area with a strong stream of cold water, and then treat the trunk and branches with Aktellik's solution. After 10 days, the procedure should be repeated.

The fig tree is also susceptible to coral spotting. This is a fungal disease that appears as red dots on the stems. The affected areas must be immediately cut out, and the entire bush should be treated with a solution of Bordeaux mixture or potassium permanganate. It should be noted that in room conditions and with proper care, figs get sick much less often.

Place a compact and unpretentious fig plant on your windowsill or veranda, growing at home will not cause much trouble. A beautiful exotic tree that can grow and bear fruit for up to 30 years, it will delight you with tasty and healthy fruits twice a year.

How to grow figs at home

Useful and tasty figs in nature grow in a subtropical climate, on the Mediterranean Sea. Does not require complex special care. Therefore, it is loved and successfully grown at home. The tree bears fruit twice a year.

Indoor varieties

Figs come from the genus Ficus. Houses have been grown since the 18th century. Scientists have developed indoor varieties that are small in size, self-pollinating.

The table shows the main types.

How to grow figs

Figs are grown in three ways: planting seeds, cuttings, root propagation. For planting, use universal soil mixed with sand, peat, leafy soil. As a fertilizer, ash, lime, eggshells are mixed.

seeds

Seed for planting is obtained from a mature fruit.

To do this, they are taken out of the core, washed under running water and allowed to dry. At this time, prepare a container for planting. The bottom is covered with drainage. The soil mixture is poured (manure, turf, sand (peat) in a ratio of 2: 2: 1).

As a fertilizer, ash is used (1 tbsp per 1 liter of substrate). Water abundantly and lay the seeds on paper or a napkin. Top covered with soil. They create a greenhouse with an air temperature of + 23 ... + 25 ºC. Daily arrange airing, monitor the humidity. The soil is moistened by spraying. A moisture level of 2 mm is maintained in the pallet.

After 2-3 weeks, the first shoots appear. The seedling is being cut. After the first leaves dive into separate pots.

The tree begins to bear fruit 5 years after planting.

cuttings

The procedure is recommended to be carried out in April. To obtain a cutting, a semi-lignified shoot is chosen. Sections are made from below under the kidney along an oblique, from above in a straight line. Leave 3 buds on the seedling. The leaves are cut to 1/3 part for rapid root growth. The resulting stalk is placed in a pre-prepared soil (cleaned moistened sand), creating a greenhouse effect.

Roots appear after 3 weeks. The tree is ready for planting in a separate container.

Root growth

The shoot is pressed to the soil, sprinkled with soil. Roots will sprout within three weeks. The plant is separated and planted. When propagated by cuttings and shoots, the first fruits appear in the third year after planting.

Fig care at home

To create optimal conditions, two main factors are taken into account: humidity and illumination. Figs have two stages of development: in winter the flower is at rest, in summer it begins to bloom and bear fruit.

Location and watering in different phases of life

The rest period lasts from October to March. At this time, the plant needs rare watering, once every two weeks to moisten the soil. The air temperature does not rise above +10…+12 ºC.

From the end of February, figs begin to grow actively, the rest period is replaced by flowering. Increase the frequency of watering. Sometimes a warm shower is carried out if the size of the tree allows. If not, then spray. In warm weather, expose to fresh air.

The optimum air temperature is +22…+25 ºC.

top dressing

Fertilizers are chosen filled with organic matter, minerals. Apply during the flowering period twice a month. Alternate cow dung with infusion of herbs (wood louse, dandelion, nettle). Feed once a season with ferrous sulfate (iron vitriol) to prevent pests and diseases.

Figs also need potassium and phosphorus. Fertilizer with trace elements is sold in the store. Top dressing is carried out during the growing season one-time.

pruning

Figs are a fast growing plant and require maintenance to maintain their appearance. To fix the size, the formation of a green lush bush, the branches are cut off. Old, bare ones are completely removed to obtain new shoots.

The more fresh young shoots on the tree, the more fruit the fig will produce.

The procedure is carried out at the end of winter before the start of the active period.

Diseases, pests

Figs are not susceptible to attack by insects, subject to simple care rules, the grower will not cause much trouble.

To maintain comfortable conditions for the root system, regularly loosen the soil. The formation of the crown contributes to the strengthening of the lower part, the absence of pests, the greening of the tree: the branches are cut in time, the leaves are pinched, and watered abundantly.

The fig tree is a storehouse of elements useful for the body, vitamins, minerals. Especially recommended for people with diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

• vitamins (A, B, C, PP);
• cellulose;
• pectin;
• macro-, microelements (potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus);
• mono-, disaccharides (glucose, fructose).

Potassium and magnesium strengthen the heart and reduce the possibility of diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Thanks to ficin, the wine berry helps to thin the blood, which leads to a decrease in the risk of blood clots and serves as a preventive measure against diseases: thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins.

The fruits of the fig tree are a good diuretic. To prevent kidney disease (pyelonephritis, stones), they are recommended to be eaten.

Rules for growing figs at home

How to grow fruiting figs?

As it turns out, figs at home began to be grown back in the 16th century. Its fruits in taste and content of substances useful for the body are not inferior to garden or wild figs. The tree is compact, unpretentious, grows well even on the windowsill, bears fruit twice a year.

There are two ways to grow a homemade fig tree:

• by cuttings or planting root shoots;
• from seeds.

growing figs at home

To grow a fig tree, ordinary soil mixed with a small amount of river sand and leaf humus can be used, to which a little lime or ash should be added. Not bad if a little mixture of finely ground eggshell and peat is added.

Growing homemade figs from cuttings

The easiest way is to plant cuttings that are cut from fruiting figs. They will be more hardy if fully matured branches are cut from the bottom of the tree. Cuttings take root better if cut in January or February before the plants shed their leaves and young shoots begin to grow on them. The length of the blanks for the cuttings is about 10-15 cm, each of them should have 3-4 buds.

fig tree shoots

Cutting is done with a sharp knife. The upper sections of the cuttings remain straight, but the lower ones are made inclined and several longitudinal small cuts are applied to them - the roots in this case are better formed. Sections are dried in the open air in cool conditions until the milky juice hardens (6-7 hours).

Fig seedlings adapt faster if they are first placed in a heteroauxin solution for 10-12 hours. There are three ways to carry out the process of rooting cuttings:

1. Putting them in a container of water.
2. Planted in a box or vessel with wet sand.
3. By planting the stalk in a small pot specially prepared for this. Drainage (expanded clay) should be poured at the bottom of the container, steamed soil should be laid on it, and a thin layer of steamed sand should be sprinkled on top. Before planting, the cutting should be washed with water, placed in a prepared shallow hole and slightly crushed around the ground.

In all three cases, the seedlings are covered with suitable glass vessels from above and they try to ensure a constant temperature in the room, where it should be light and warm. In the second and third methods, sand or soil must be systematically watered with slightly warmed (but not hot!) Water. Glass covers should be periodically removed to ventilate the plants.

Growing figs in a pot

After about a month, the cuttings that have taken root by this time can be transplanted into pots with prepared soil. At the bottom of them, too, there should be drainage from a porous material, and the surface of the soil is sprinkled with steamed sand. The cuttings, rooted in the third way, are transferred along with a clod of earth to their permanent place and watered with a weak solution of potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate).

Since it is not always possible to find a tree from which cuttings can be cut, ready-made cuttings or seedlings should be purchased. Sometimes seedlings are grown and then cut into several cuttings. With cutting propagation, the first fruits can sometimes be obtained already a year after planting the seedling.

Propagation of figs by planting seeds

To obtain fig seeds, choose healthy and large fruits. The seeds taken out of them are carefully washed with water, and then dried for a day. Planting seeds in prepared soil is carried out in early spring.

Fig tree fruit

Seeds are planted to a depth of 2-3 cm and not very plentiful watering is carried out. A container with planted seeds is covered with glass or polyethylene. After the first shoots appear, the cover is removed for several hours a day so that the plants can breathe. When the seedlings have grown enough, they need to be transplanted into containers of suitable sizes. The first fruits with this method of reproduction usually appear 4-5 years after planting.

Features of care for indoor figs

It is very important to spray the trunks and leaves of fig trees with settled warm water all year round and water it abundantly. If the soil is allowed to dry out, the tree may shed its foliage. In addition, spraying helps prevent the appearance of spider mites. The intensity of watering should be reduced during fruiting - the fruits may become watery.

Like any subtropical plant, home-grown figs have a dormant period. In this plant, it lasts from November to January. Therefore, for this time it should be placed in a cool (with a temperature not higher than +15 and not lower than 0 ° C) and a shaded place. The number of waterings also decreases, and the water for them should be cool. Trees shed their leaves during this period.

When the buds begin to awaken, the plant must be brought out into the light, regular watering should begin, and fertilizing with nitrogen fertilizers. Nitrogen is needed for intensive fruiting. And during periods when the buds swell, caring for a tree includes alternating top dressing from phosphorus fertilizers and a manure solution.

Abundant light is necessary for the growth of figs

Up to 7 years old indoor fig tree, which grows rapidly root system, should be transplanted into a larger pot every spring before the leaves bloom. After that, transplantation is carried out every three years. Drainage at the bottom is still needed. After transplanting, the tree must be exposed to light.

Figs at home during the year can give 1 or 2 crops. With two harvests, the first of them ripens in July, and the next in September. Ripening lasts about a month. The ripe fruit becomes soft and begins to secrete sweet juice from the eyes. One well-groomed tree can produce more than one kilogram of tasty and healthy fruits in a season.

It remains to be added that due to the unusual dissected leaves, figs can also become a spectacular home decoration.

Growing and caring for figs at home

The fig or fig tree is a deciduous plant that belongs to the Mulberry family. Its homeland is the Mediterranean. In the Crimea, the Carpathians, Central Asia and the Caucasus, figs are grown in open ground as a valuable cultivated plant that produces fruits - wine berries. The fig tree is also common in indoor floriculture. With proper care, it acquires a decorative appearance and can bear fruit twice a year.

The fig is a dioecious plant in which female inflorescences grow on some trees (figs) and male flowers on others (caprifigs). Female plants bloom with pistillate flowers, after which edible fruits are formed, and male representatives form two types of flowers: staminate and pistillate. The former are necessary for pollination, while the latter produce inedible fruits. Pollination is carried out by small wasps - blastophages living in male flowers.

With proper care, a fig tree can bear fruit every year.

Dioecious species are not suitable for growing at home, since pollination is impossible. For this purpose, special self-fertile varieties have been developed that form female inflorescences and are able to set fruits without pollination. Figs shed their leaves in winter. The leaf blades are large, fleshy, entire or palmately dissected, broadly ovate. The fig is a light-loving plant, drought-resistant, undemanding to the soil composition and able to grow even on acidic soils. A powerful root system penetrates deep into the soil.

Indoor figs are propagated:

Most often, the cultivation of figs is carried out using cuttings, and fruiting occurs in 2-3 years. If the plant is grown from seeds, then the crop is harvested in the 5-6th year. Breeding with root shoots at home is practiced very rarely, since there is a high probability of injury to the root system and death of the tree.

Fig seeds have a germination capacity of two years. When planting, pay special attention to the composition of the soil. The tree grows well in light soil with a high content of humic acids. But an excessive amount of carbonates adversely affects the growth and development of the plant.

To prepare the soil, take equal amounts of humus and coarse sand. You can also use a soil mixture of humus, peat and sand. A drainage layer is laid at the bottom of the planting pots and 2–3 grains are sown in each. In the future, the strongest plant is selected from the shoots that have appeared.

Growing figs in a pot

The seeds are sown shallowly, after which the containers are covered with polyethylene. For their germination, a temperature of + 24 ... + 27 degrees is required. The first shoots appear after 2-4 weeks. Shelter is removed, and crops are thinned out. When two pairs of true leaves develop on the seedlings, they are seated in separate containers.

To grow figs from cuttings at home, you need to prepare the material. Do this in the middle of winter, when the plant sheds its leaves and enters a dormant period. For cuttings, it is best to use the central parts of the branches from an adult fruit-bearing plant over five years old. Branches must be ripe. Each segment should be 15 cm long with three to four internodes. At the bottom, the cut is made along the oblique, below the last kidney by 2 cm, and at the top - in a straight line. The cuttings are kept in a cool, dry place for several hours until the juice ceases to stand out. Then longitudinal scratches are made on the lower part to destroy the upper layer of the bark to the cambium. Thanks to this procedure, a powerful root system is formed. After that, the segments are placed for some time in a biostimulant solution.

To plant cuttings, prepare containers. A drainage layer of pebbles and expanded clay is laid at the bottom, then loose fertile soil is poured with a layer of 7 cm, and then sand is added with a layer of 4 cm. It is moistened and holes are made in it. The cuttings are removed from the stimulator, washed with running water, the lower sections are powdered with ash and placed in the soil. The containers are covered with a transparent bag or sand and placed in a well-lit place. In cloudy weather, additional lighting is used.

In order for the cuttings to take root well, they maintain the temperature within + 23 ... + 26 degrees. The roots appear after 1.5 months, during which the seedlings ventilate and moisten the sand. When they get stronger and adapt, they are transplanted into flower pots, which are filled with a fertile soil mixture. After 2 weeks, young plants are fed with complex fertilizers for indoor crops.

Caring for figs at home is easy. He loves sunny places. With a lack of light, it develops poorly, and the fruits do not have time to ripen.

In summer, the crown of the tree is sprayed every day with warm water and the soil is watered abundantly. Even with a slight drying of the earthy coma, the fig begins to shed its leaves. During fruiting, the amount of watering is reduced, otherwise the fruits will be watery and fresh.

In winter, the plant goes into a dormant period. At this time, he is taken to a glazed loggia, veranda or other room with a temperature of +10 ... +14 degrees. Figs during the rest period do not need light and top dressing. It needs to be watered rarely and sparingly. The main thing is that the earthen ball does not dry out.

In order not to prematurely awaken the kidneys, cool water is used for irrigation.

Figs begin to feed after the swelling of the first buds. To do this, use a mullein diluted with water. After 2 weeks, a solution of phosphate fertilizers is added to the soil. During the growing season, the fig tree is fed every 2 weeks, alternating mineral and organic compounds.

Since the roots of figs grow very quickly, they need to be replanted every spring before the leaves bloom. Transplantation of adult plants older than 7 years is carried out every 3 years, while the new pot should be several centimeters larger than the previous one. A container that is too large promotes root growth, which leads to a decrease in yield.

The procedure is carried out as follows:

• the pot is scalded with boiling water and a drainage layer 3–4 cm thick is laid on its bottom;
• the plant is transferred to a new container without violating the integrity of the old earthy coma;
• voids are filled with fertile soil, while the root collar cannot be buried.

The transplanted tree is watered with plenty of water and placed in a well-lit place.

In order for the fig to fully develop, it must be cut off in a timely manner. Without the formation of a crown, the plant eventually grows into a large tree, which is very inconvenient for an enclosed space. Pruning is carried out before the swelling of the kidneys. Young plants leave 3-4 healthy shoots. When the tree reaches a height of 25-35 cm, pinch the crown. This stimulates the development of side shoots.

In order for the lower branches to become stronger and more powerful in the future, the shoots of the upper tier should be shortened by 1/3. Competent pruning allows you to get a beautiful lush crown, consisting of 3-4 vertical shoots of the main order and a large number of side branches.

There is another pruning option that gives the crown the shape of a fan. It is necessary to pinch the apical bud and remove the branches directed inside the crown. The main shoots should be in relation to the plane horizontally and parallel to each other. Thanks to fan pruning, the number of fruit-bearing shoots increases several times, and the tree looks very attractive.

Figs can get coral blotch. The disease manifests itself in small red formations on the shoots of a tree. As a treatment, the affected areas are cut out, healthy parts are sprayed with a strong solution of potassium permanganate or fungicides.

Since the tropics are the birthplace of figs, it is rather difficult to grow it in the middle lane in open ground. Even in Stavropol, this is not easy to do. It must be planted on the south side of the site. Having landed on the site, it must be covered for the winter.

To do this, the bush is tied with a rope in a bundle in the fall and bent tightly to the ground. On top put a load for a week. During this time, the plant gets used to being in this position and begins to cuddle itself to the ground. Then it is covered with tomato tops or corn stalks, and covered with fertilizer bags on top. Figs under such shelter can withstand frosts down to -25 degrees.

Figs are one of the most mentioned plants in history. It was the leaves of this tree that served as the first clothes of Adam and Eve. It was grown in ancient Greece, was considered a symbol of fertility. How figs grow, how to use it, is a question that worried people of different eras.

How and where figs grow

The fig tree is called differently:

• fig tree;
• fig;
• fig tree;
• smoke;
• ficus dwarf.

The birthplace of the fig is considered to be the ancient province of Caria. The fig tree spread from Asia Minor to the Mediterranean coast, thanks to travelers and merchants. It is here that the most suitable climatic conditions. This is evidenced by the remains of figs found at the entrance of the excavations.

Over time, the area where you can find this plant has expanded. The fig tree is common in India, Georgia, Iran, Armenia, in the Black Sea and Krasnodar Territories.

Fig belongs to the genus Ficus, Mulberry family. A tree of a multi-stemmed type, but it’s hard to call it a bush either. It grows up to 10 meters, life expectancy is about 100 years. The bark of the tree is gray in color, the branches are covered with large foliage, about 20 centimeters in size. The bottom of the sheet is lighter than the top. Small villi give it roughness. In France, ficus leaves are used in perfumery to produce a woody-herbal aroma.

Important! The milky juice contained in the plant, getting on the skin, irritates it. It must be removed immediately.

The fig itself resembles a vessel with a hole at the top. The peel of the fruit is tender, inside contains a jelly-like pulp with grains. Depending on the variety, it is white, light yellow or purple. Fermentation processes can start right on the tree. It is often referred to as "vin berry".

Important! Raw figs are not eaten.

Dried figs are highly nutritious and useful fruit. It contains fiber, minerals and vitamins:

• vitamin A for vision;
• vitamin B and B1 for the beauty and health of hair;
• vitamin C strengthens the immune system;
• vitamin PP regulates metabolism.

The dried fruit is reduced in size and shape. It also contains a huge amount of sugar.

Important! The calorie content of dried figs is 94 kcal, while raw figs are only 42 kilocalories.

Climate and soil

The tree is unpretentious, can grow even in the poorest soil. You can meet him even in the mountains. In the wild, it prefers to grow in warmth, although it can tolerate temperatures below minus twenty. Suitable conditions are tropical and subtropical climate zone.

Important! For the tree to grow well, the soil should not be too wet.

For the fig tree, frosts are not so terrible as the pollinating wasps that winter in the fruits die in the cold.

Where does an exotic fruit grow in Russia

Since the ficus is a heat-loving plant, it grows on open ground mainly in the south of Russia. You can meet him on the Black Sea coast, in the Kuban, in Sochi, as well as in the Crimea. It is recommended to grow in the form of a bush, to cover for the winter, thereby protecting figs from frost.

There are many varieties of ficus tree that do well in cool climates. Eggplant varieties are grown in Sochi. Berries have an elongated shape, small size, tolerate transportation well. It is this variety that can be seen more often on store shelves. In Dagestan, Ak-figir is considered the best variety, and on the Black Sea coast, preference is given to the Dalmatian variety and Cadet. White variety "Adriatic" grows in Crimea

In the central zone and northern regions of Russia, the fig tree is grown as a houseplant.

How figs grow at home

Before planting ficus, you need to decide on the choice of tree:

1. The "Dalmatian" variety is the most cold-resistant, it looks like a pear, the skin is gray-green. The weight of the fetus reaches up to 170 grams. The taste is sweet-sour, juicy pulp.
2. "White Adriatic" variety. The fruits are small, oval in shape. Flesh is pink and sweet.
3. "Kadota" has a small size up to 70 grams, oval-pear shape. This variety tolerates long transportation. The pulp is sugar, bright pink.

Once a variety has been selected, growing figs at home is easy once you have determined the propagation methods of the plant.

Important! In the south of the country, a tree is planted both in spring and autumn, and in the north of the country only in spring.

Experienced gardeners use two methods of propagation: grow from cuttings or from seeds.

Growing from cuttings

It is necessary to harvest cuttings from autumn. From an adult plant, one-year-old shoots are selected. For planting, it is better not to cut them off, but to break them off. At the site of the break, stronger roots are obtained. The optimal length is not less than 30 centimeters.

Then you need to prepare the soil, fertilizing it with humus or foliage. Sterilize in the oven before planting. Pour the substrate into a deep container and pour warm water over it. Plant seedlings to a depth of 8 centimeters. Cover with foil, put in a warm place and germinate it. In a month, the cuttings will begin to grow.

At the end of April, they can be taken out into the garden, where they quickly get used to the sun's rays. Bring it back indoors for the winter. Next spring, planting in open ground is possible.

Important! Figs do not have insect pests.

from seed

To grow figs from seeds at home, you need to purchase a quality fruit. From a ripe fruit, select the jelly pulp with seeds, place in a container and leave for five days. After the seeds are washed and left in a cool place, before planting.

At the end of February, plant the seeds in a container with soddy soil with the addition of sand and humus. A month later, the first shoots appear. When they have about eight leaves, plant the seedlings in separate pots. A tree from seeds in open ground can be planted after two years.

Regardless of the method of reproduction, figs grow and bear fruit equally.

The fig tree can be grown as a tree or as a bush. The second option will be more practical, it is easier to cover it in the winter. Since figs love warmth, special attention should be paid to overwintering the plant. It is carried out in three ways:

1. You can cover a couple of weeks after fruiting. Carefully so as not to damage the plant, gradually bend the branches to the ground and fix with ropes.
2. At the end of autumn, wrap each branch with special material. If this is not available, a regular flour bag will do.
3. Completely cover the bush, you can put it on the ground, poison from rodents.

Carefully open the fig tree in late April, or early May. Harvested in the second or third year.

Harvest Features

At the same time, the fruits of the current and the beginnings of the next harvest grow on the tree. The first harvest of fruits begins in July. The assembly of the second is carried out in the fall.

Important! You can determine ripeness not only by the taste of the fruit. It is soft to the touch and slightly depressed in the tail area.

If the fruit is designed for drying, then it is left on the tree longer. Collect figs carefully with special gloves. This will protect your hands from getting caustic milky juice.

The plucked fruit is stored for only a few hours, after which the fermentation process begins. For drying, the White Adriatic variety is best suited.

Figs are a tropical plant, unpretentious and easy to care for, which can be easily grown at home.

Figs, the beneficial properties of which cannot be overestimated. Fig tree - is a perennial plant with many positive qualities. Many people know figs as figs, figs, figs. Most often, the fig fruit is used in a dried state; in this form, it is stored much longer.

Where and how figs grow

Everyone knows what a fig looks like, but what benefits does it provide? Appearance berries are similar to the shape of a pear. The ripe fruit has a juicy pulp, a sweet aftertaste, a yellowish-green or purple color. The size of the fig tree and its shade is directly dependent on the variety grown. The maximum length of the considered fruit is ten cm. If the conditions in which the fig (fig tree) grows are favorable, it is able to bear fruit for about two centuries. The tree can bloom up to several times a year, but the fruits are tied in August.

The branches of the shrub have a rather large size, a smooth surface and voluminous foliage. The maximum height is 10 m. The diameter of the trunk can reach 18 cm, the root system can grow up to 15 m wide and up to 6 m deep. Fig leaves are also quite large, their width is 12 cm, length is 15 cm. They are colored in a shade from dark greenish to gray-greenish.

The common fig grows in the Caucasian regions and in the Black Sea region (in Russia). The birthplace of figs is Asia Minor. Also, the tree in question can be found in Portugal, Colombia, Italy, Turkey, Venezuela and Greece. After planting, the fig tree begins to bloom after 2 to 3 years. A good harvest that has benefits for the body can be harvested from this tree only after 7 to 9 years. Figs are able to propagate with the help of seeds, layering and cuttings.

fresh figs calories

Fresh figs are a low calorie fruit with benefits and are therefore recommended for use in weight loss.

Nutritional value per 100 g of product:

• calorie content - 54 kcal;
• proteins - 0.7 g;
• carbohydrates - 12.0 g;
• fat - 0.2 g.
• ash - 1.1 g.
• starch - 0.8 g.
• organic acids - 0.5 g.
• unsaturated fatty acids - 0.1 g.
• saturated fatty acids - 0.1 g.

Dried figs, whose calorie content is much higher than fresh figs, can harm the figure, so it is not recommended to abuse this product.

Nutritional value per 100 g of berries:

• proteins - 3.1 g;
• carbohydrates - 58 g;
• fat - 0.8 g.

Calorie content - 257 kcal. Wine berry causes a quick feeling of fullness.

Fig composition

The composition of figs consists of: potassium, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, sodium, iron, copper, calcium, magnesium. The percentage of iron in fruits does not exceed the indicator of this substance in apples. Ripe figs contain high levels of sugary compounds. In addition, dried figs benefit the human body due to their high content of dietary fiber (90%), but fresh figs contain 12.5% ​​dietary fiber.

What vitamins are found in figs in large quantities and what benefits do they have? This is a unique vitamin composition, per 100 g/mg of figs:

• A-0.008
• B1-0.06,
• B2-0.05,
• B3-0.5
• B5-0.4
• B6-0.1
• B9-0.01
• C-2 mg
• E-0.1 mg

Their usefulness is positive influence on bone tissue, dermis, hair, nails. In addition, vitamins prevent the development of early aging. They improve vision, strengthen the immune system, normalize bowel function, and prevent the development of cancer.

The omega 3 fatty acids found in the berry provide many benefits nervous systems e person. With the help of glyceric acid, it is possible to quickly remove toxins and toxins from the intestines (prevent the development of intoxication). Pantothenic acid can relieve a person of depression, insomnia, improve eyesight, normalize blood pressure, and also prevent hair loss. Ficin is useful for lowering cholesterol, thinning the blood, and reducing the likelihood of blood clots.

The daily norm of fresh fruits of figs (or figs), which are beneficial, for an adult is - no more than 10 pcs. (100 g). The consumption rate of dried figs is - 3 - 5 pieces / day. (30 - 50 g).

10 health benefits of figs

What is useful figs for men? The berry brings great benefits to the body of a man. It is used as a preventive measure for early strokes and heart attacks, in restoring strength during strenuous activity. Zinc, manganese and magnesium contained in figs improve male reproductive health. Also, the use of figs prevents the development of inflammation in the genitourinary system in men. The berry normalizes blood pressure and removes excess cholesterol from the body.

The benefits of figs for women are to eliminate unpleasant symptoms of varicose veins, improve cell regeneration, remove toxic compounds from the body, and fight excess weight (subject to the permissible dosage). Wine berry helps to relax, eliminate overstrain, restore efficiency. Doctors advise eating fig berries during pregnancy.

During pregnancy and lactation, the use of several fig fruits will benefit the baby and his mother, as the berry increases hemoglobin. Daily use of a small amount of fruit can normalize the digestion of food. However, it is worth knowing the measure in the use of figs - you can gain excess weight.

Figs for children are no less beneficial than for adults. Figs can be used provided there is no allergy to the product. Figs are a source of energy, and it will also help improve the appetite and digestion of food in a child. The use of figs helps to strengthen the circulatory, immune, nervous systems.

The benefits of figs for the human body are manifested in a beneficial effect on the respiratory and digestive systems, as well as on the heart and blood vessels. For the treatment of colds (to get rid of cough, sore throat, to strengthen the immune system, relieve fever), it is recommended to take a milk-fig broth, for the manufacture of which the following components will be required:

• 300 ml of milk;
• 4 medium-sized fig fruits in any form.

Manufacturing steps:

1. First you need to pour milk (preferably high fat) into a saucepan and put on the stove, turning on the heat.
2. Warm up slightly, add figs, mix and wait for the mixture to boil.
3. Cook the broth in a sealed container for half an hour with minimal heating.
4. When ready, the pan should be wrapped in a warm towel and left for 3 to 4 hours.

To get the benefit of the medicine, take 3 rubles / day. half a glass before meals. Store the decoction in a closed container in the cold for no more than 24 hours. The course of therapy is designed for two weeks. Also, the medicine is used for colds, bronchitis and tracheitis.

In order to prevent the occurrence of thrombosis, atherosclerosis, an increase in heart rate, and also to strengthen the cardiovascular system, it is recommended to use a fig tree infusion, for the manufacture of which you will need:

• 50 g of dried raw materials;
• 1 st. cooled boiled water.

The raw material must be poured with water and left to infuse for 6 hours. To benefit, the resulting medicine should be taken in small sips during the day before meals. Berries can be eaten. The therapeutic course is designed for 10 - 12 days.

Dried figs bring considerable benefits to the organs of the digestive tract. In case of poisoning, the fig helps to filter and remove all poisonous and toxic compounds from the human body, restore the beneficial microflora of the intestinal cavity. Due to the high percentage of dietary fiber in the fruits of the fig tree, you can get rid of chronic constipation and normalize bowel function (they have a laxative effect).

The benefits of berries in the treatment of intestinal atony are great. To do this, you can prepare a medicine, you will need the following ingredients:

• 200 g of figs;
• 0.4 kg;
• one hundred grams of dried fruits (raisins and);
• 0.2 kg of natural honey;
• 100 ml extract;
• 50 g of senna herb.

Manufacturing steps:

1. First you need to grind the first 4 products with a blender or meat grinder.
2. Then the resulting mixture is well mixed with the remaining components.
3. Refrigerate this mass.

In order for the body to receive the greatest benefit from this medicine, it must be consumed in 1 large liter. in the morning after waking up on an empty stomach and in the evening (before going to bed).

Also, the fruits are used for the treatment of gastritis, the product in question benefits the stomach in the form of protecting its mucous membrane from irritation. In order to cure diseases of the liver and gallbladder, it is recommended to take fig milk, for the manufacture of which you need to prepare:

• 60 g berries;
• 1 st. warm milk.

Pour raw materials with liquid, leave to infuse for five hours. After cooling, the mixture must be crushed with a blender and drunk.

Fig fruits will be useful in gallbladder disease, cholecystitis, dyskinesia, and also in order to prevent the appearance of stones in the bile ducts. The following medicine should be used.

Required components:

• 1.2 kg of figs;
• half a kilogram of fresh lemons;
• ½ kg of sugar;
• 7 tablespoons of honey.

Manufacturing steps:

1. First, remove the seeds from the lemons, then chop with a meat grinder or blender.
2. With a wine berry, do the same steps.
3. Next, mix all the products.

Benefit from received medicinal product the body will receive only when using 2 - 4 large spoons before eating.

Contraindications and harm

As a rule, a fig or fig only benefits a person. However, there are some diseases in which the wine berry should not be consumed or eaten in limited quantities.

• pancreas (pancreatitis);
• diabetes mellitus (dried berries have a high content of sugar compounds);
• gastritis;
• reduced blood clotting;
• intestines (enteritis, colitis);
• gout;
• with a tendency to flatulence;
• obesity;
• in an aggravated form of various diseases of the digestive system;
• in the presence of stones in the gallbladder or its ducts.

It is also necessary to abandon figs with individual intolerance to this product.

The supposed birthplace of the fig, the fig tree, is reflected in its Latin name "Ficus Karika". It is believed that the history of the fig originates in the ancient Asian province of Caria, where the fig has been mentioned and grown as a cultivated plant since time immemorial. Thanks to the activities of traders and travelers, the fig tree from Asia Minor spread to all areas of the Mediterranean Sea, where there were suitable climatic conditions, and the population was imbued with the taste of figs. The remains of figs have been found in the excavation of Neolithic kitchen utensils, which allows us to trace the history of human use of figs, at least as far back as 5000 BC.

Over time, the area where figs grow has stretched from Afghanistan to southern Germany and the Canary Islands. Around the 1530s, figs were introduced into England, and the cultivation of figs in Chinese gardens is reliably known from evidence from 1550. European varieties of figs have been introduced to cultivation in China, Japan, India, South Africa and Australia.

Since ancient times, the fig tree has spread widely in the Caucasus region. Figs grow in Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, on the Black Sea coast of Russia, Abkhazia and the southern coast of Crimea. On the American continent, the history of the fig dates back to 1560, when it was introduced and cultivated in Mexico. Later in the late 17th century, many European varieties of figs were already growing in the United States, where they spread to the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. In Chile and Argentina, varieties of figs that are resistant to severe cold grow.

In Venezuela today, figs are one of the most popular fruits, thanks to a 1960 government program to encourage the expansion of commercial planting of fig trees. In Colombia in the 1970s, fresh figs on the table were considered a sign of luxury, until, due to extremely favorable conditions, fig trees filled the gardens of this South American state.

Due to its unpretentiousness, a wide variety of resistant varieties, as well as excellent taste and a wide range of applications in cooking, medicinal purposes and industrial production, figs grow successfully on all inhabited continents of the planet and have been accompanying people for many thousands of years. Figs are considered the most ancient cultivated plant.

Tell your friends about it.

Fig (fig tree) is not just an ordinary plant, it has been revered by many peoples at all times. The ancient Greeks considered the fig fruit a symbol of fertility, the Italians recognized the fruit as the personification of abundance. This is due to the unusual structure of the fruit - only 1 fruit can contain about 1000 grains. And in Rome, the fig tree has a sacred meaning, since it is believed that it was under it that the founders of the empire were grown.

In Russia, such a fruit is not so common, since it can only grow in regions with a warm climate. Nevertheless, everyone knows about this unique fruit.

Plant features

Figs have several other names: "ficus karika", "vine berry" or fig. In nature, it is a multi-stemmed tree with a spreading lush crown, curved branches and large foliage. The height of the trunks reaches 10 meters, their bark is quite smooth and has a light gray tint. Since figs belong to ficus plants, they have a specific caustic juice.

The skin of the fruit itself is quite tender and soft. Inside, the ripe fruit is filled with sweet red contents with many small grains. If the figs are overripe, then fermentation processes can begin in it even on the branches. That is why the fruits are called "wine".

Description

To get a better idea of ​​​​such an unusual plant, we give its detailed biological description.

• Family- Mulberry.
• Genus- Ficus.
• Leaves. The foliage of the tree is rigid, has large sizes and falling stipules. Small shoots are born in leaf axils, which in the future give inflorescences of figs and caprifigs, bearing flowers of both sexes.
• Fruit. Ripe fruits are juicy, outwardly resemble a pear, have a pronounced sweet taste. Their length is up to 8 cm, and the weight is about 50-70 grams. From above they are covered with the thinnest skin with small villi. The skin can be yellow, yellow-green or dark blue. It depends on the variety and maturity. On top of the fruit there is a small eye covered with scales.
• Pollination. The plant blooms and fertilizes in a very specific way, since heterosexual inflorescences appear on different trees. For pollination of figs, wasps of a certain rare species are needed.

The fig has a large number of pectins, organic acids and other useful substances:

• vitamins B, C, PP;
• beta carotene;
• magnesium;
• iodine;
• calcium;
• phosphorus, etc.

By the way, in terms of the presence of potassium, figs are superior only to walnut crops, and there is much more iron in it than in apples.

Regular consumption of figs can prevent blood clots, maintain optimal blood sugar levels, and lower cholesterol levels. The fruits of this tree are used as an effective antipyretic, diuretic and diaphoretic, antioxidant agent. This fruit is very useful for women, as it can reduce pain during menstruation, and also positively affect the formation of a baby during pregnancy.

However, in addition to positive properties, figs have a number of contraindications. Let's list the main ones.

• Individual intolerance. If you do not know for sure whether you are allergic to figs or not, then you should not immediately eat it in large quantities. Eat just one small fruit and see how your body reacts over the next few hours. If no negative consequences (rash, itching, redness, etc.) were found, then in the future you can use this sweet and tasty fruit without fear.
• Gout. Since figs contain oxalic acid, they can harm people suffering from this disease.
• Urolithiasis and abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract. If you suffer from such problems, then it is worth limiting the use of figs, as they can provoke an aggravation of the situation.

Habitat

Figs are the oldest fruit plant. Presumably, it began to grow in Arabia, and later in Syria, Egypt and Phoenicia. Such a tree came to the USA only at the end of the 16th century.

Such a plant is found in a zone with a subtropical climate and has a fairly wide distribution. So, figs grow in the Caucasus, in the Carpathians, Central Asia, in the Caribbean and Bermuda, in the Crimea. The climate of these regions allows plants to fully develop in open soils. In addition, figs grow in the Mediterranean, Transcaucasia, on the shores of the Black Sea, in Krasnodar, India, Australia and the Iranian Highlands.

The area of ​​distribution of such a plant is extremely large. But the tree really grows well only in the tropics. And on the territory of the Black Sea coast there are frosts that can harm plantings.

Under what conditions are they grown?

Despite the fact that the plant gives such an excellent harvest, it is completely unpretentious in its care. Figs are able to grow and bear fruit even on poor soils. Moreover, sometimes a tree grows even on stone screes. This means that before planting such a plant, no special treatment and fertilizer is required. Even from insects and pests, it does not need to be protected.

The tree tolerates cold very well, which means that low temperatures will not affect the harvest of sweet fruits. The tree can be cut and cut without fear at absolutely any age.

However, there are still some nuances in cultivation. The fig tree does not do well in excessively damp soil. In addition, pollinating wasps are not as resistant to frost as the plant itself, this should not be forgotten.

The fig tree is propagated by seeds, green shoots and suckers. The fruiting period begins 2-3 years after cultivation. This is considered very early term for fruit plants. At the same time, from about 7 years old, the tree begins to produce a consistently high yield.

The approximate life span of a fig tree is about 100 years. But there are cases when the plant lived up to 300 years.

When is the harvest?

If the tree has already reached fruitful age, then you can start harvesting the first crop. It usually ripens in June or July. But at this time it turns out to collect only a small amount of fruit. While in autumn (September and October) comes the time of harvesting the main harvest of figs.

It should be understood that these terms refer to plants that are characterized by more than one-time fruiting. And not to undersized plant varieties, the fruits of which, on the contrary, ripen much faster than ordinary crops.

Interesting fact: the ripe fruits of this season and the rudiments of the future can be on the tree at the same time. This feature allows the kidneys to swell already in the last May days of the next season. At the same time, the fruits of them are very large and early ripening.

To find out if the fruit is ripe or not, you can touch it. Ripe figs are quite soft to the touch, with some dryness near the stalk. But in order to be 100% sure of the ripeness of fruits, you need to try them. There is no more accurate method. Cut the figs at the base with a sharp knife, scissors or secateurs.

The first harvest must be collected selectively, focusing on external signs of maturity. You should not pick unripe fruits, because they contain a bitter dangerous substance. If you plan to dry figs in the future, you can take your time with the collection and hold the fruits on the branch longer. In this way, optimal natural drying can be achieved.

Since the fruit has the most delicate pulp and thin peel, it needs to be sorted out only by hand. It is important to perform such work in the first hours after collection. The earlier the better. Therefore, you should not immediately collect a lot of fruits if you are not sure that you can immediately eat or prepare them.

It is important to start picking fruit early in the morning. Clothing for such work should be long-sleeved to avoid dermatitis. It can be formed as a result of the fact that the villi of the leaves of a fig tree, under the influence of solar radiation, release a burning substance. Its effect is similar to a nettle burn, so protect your hands with sleeves and thick gloves before you start picking the fruit carefully.

After the fruits are harvested, they must be placed in a suitable container, such as pallets, and taken to a dark, cool place where they will await further processing.

How can you use?

Figs can be used different ways: dry, freeze, eat fresh, add to various desserts and pastries. Let's take a closer look at each method.

• Fresh. Freshly picked fruits are stored very little - only a few hours. After that, fermentation processes begin in them. This is due to the fact that the composition of juicy fruits contains at least 30% sugar. For this reason, it is important to eat fruits no later than 6 hours after cutting.
• Frozen. After the figs have been harvested, they must be sorted, washed, dried, sorted into bags and frozen. It is better to use the instant freezing function for this in order to preserve all the useful properties of the fruit.
• Dried. Most often, light fruits are chosen for drying, the size of which is approximately 5 cm. Such fruits have the highest price, but their quality is appropriate. By the way, the more grains in the fig, the better its variety.

Selected fruits are kept under the sun for about 4-5 days. Usually they are simply strung on a thread and hung under a canopy or dried unfolded with eyes up.

Also, figs will be a great addition to ice cream, fruit desserts, pies, etc.

By the way, fresh berries are not only useful, but also a dietary product. Their calorie content is only 50 kcal per 100 g. However, it is important to understand that this property does not apply to dried fruits. On the contrary, they can become an obstacle on the way to a slim figure.

You will be interested to know the following.

• figs long time could not be cultivated in the US because there were no pollinating wasps in the country. And only after the removal of these insects, the Americans were able to enjoy sweet fruits.
• Alexander the Great took figs with him on campaigns, since such a fruit took up little space, but at the same time perfectly restored strength and satisfied hunger.
• Cleopatra simply adored figs, because he helped her maintain youth and beauty. Legend has it that the snake she used to commit suicide was brought in a basket with this fruit.
• According to popular belief, the fig tree brings good luck at work and happiness in family life. Try to plant such a plant on your garden plot and look at the result!
• The beneficial properties of figs were noticed by Avicenna. The legendary doctor successfully used this fruit to treat and prevent many diseases.
• Hundreds of varieties of figs have been described by botanists since before our era.
• According to some reports, the biblical fruit of knowledge was replaced by an apple, since this fruit is more famous and simpler. Whereas the real tree of paradise was the fig plant. It was the fig leaves that served as the first clothes for our ancestors - Eve and Adam.

• If you are obese or diabetic, you should limit your intake of figs as they are quite high in sugar.
• Sweet, nutritious fruit goes well with any cereal. It is great for making sauces and desserts. Use it as an alternative to white sugar, it will benefit your health.

When buying figs from the market, make sure they are fresh. Feel free to ask the seller a lot of questions, otherwise you risk paying for the fermented fruit.

See the following video for growing figs.