How and where does figs grow in Russia

The oldest fruit tree mentioned in history is undoubtedly the fig. Its leaves were the first clothes of Adam and Eve, there is even a version that the tree of knowledge was not an apple tree at all, but a fig.

The history of the ancient world is inextricably linked with the cultivation of figs. In Greece, these fruits were a symbol of fertility (the number of fruit seeds reaches 1000 or more).

Soft fig leaves replaced napkins for the Romans ... By the way, the she-wolf nursed the founders of Rome under the shade of the fig tree. Until now, Italians consider figs to be a Christmas symbol of abundance.

In this article, we will learn what a fig (white and black) looks like, where it grows in Russia, and how to eat its fruits.

What is a fig, what it looks like and its other name

In another way, figs are called "ficus carica". It is difficult to call this multi-stemmed tree up to 10 meters high a bush. The crown is spreading, the bark is gray, the curved branches are covered with very large beautiful foliage.

The outer side is dark, the bottom leaves are much lighter, rough from small villi. Figs, like other ficuses, contain a very caustic milky juice.

Fig fruits - with a very delicate skin, filled inside with sweet reddish "jelly" and small grains. In fruits, fermentation processes often begin right on the branches, hence the second name - "wine berries".

The plant is dioecious, "male" and "female" inflorescences grow on different trees. How does a tree bloom? Nondescript flowers grow in the axils of the leaves. Pollination occurs in a very specific way - a special kind of wasps develop inside the fig flower and fly out, carry the pollen.

Due to the lack of natural pollinators (these wasps), figs could not acclimate in America until special varieties were developed for new growing conditions. In our time, industrial plantations of fig trees are entirely composed of only such self-fertile varieties.

How, where does the fig grow and bloom, how to determine its ripeness?

The plant is so unpretentious that it can grow not only on poor soils, but even on rock debris and stone walls. The soil does not require any processing before planting at all - neither cultivation, nor fertilization.

The fig tree propagates by seeds, root suckers, green cuttings. The plant easily tolerates cutting and pruning at any age. Figs begin to bear fruit early - for 2-3 years, starting from about 7 years old, it gives a stable harvest, lives up to 100 years (even 300-year-old specimens are known).

The closest relative of the well-known ficus, the fig grows as a spreading shrub or tree up to 10-12 meters high. The plant is extremely tropical, even a temperature of -100C is destructive for it; on the Black Sea coast, frequent frosts significantly damage the plantings of cultivated figs.

The specificity of the plant is that frost itself is not terrible for figs. Pollinating wasps overwintering in fruits do not tolerate cold weather.

An unpretentious fruit tree with such tasty and healthy fruits has spread in India, Australia and the islands of Oceania, the semi-deserts of Africa, in Central and Latin America, Bermuda and the Caribbean.

Since ancient times, figs have been growing in the Crimea, Transcaucasia and Central Asia.It was brought to the Black Sea coast by Greek colonists.

When are the berries harvested?

The most unusual thing in our understanding is that on the branches there are simultaneously figs of the current harvest and the rudiments of the fruits of the next season. Moreover, these buds, having overwintered, are ready for harvesting at the end of May. They are much larger than the fall harvest, but not as tasty.

The first crop (insignificant) is harvested in June-July, and the main second one - in the fall, in September-October. However, in modern industrial plantings, varieties with one-time fruiting are cultivated.

If the figs are to be dried, the x is left on the branches for a longer time, where they wither and dry spontaneously almost to the required condition in natural conditions.

Now they are mastering varieties of low-growing figs, as well as varieties that wither on branches much faster. All this facilitates the production of valuable fruits.

The very delicate berries can only be stored for a few hours and must be processed quickly or eaten fresh.

How to harvest figs correctly: green or ripe?

Figs, like a thousand years ago, are harvested only by hand. This is due exclusively to the very “delicate” structure of the fruit - a jelly-like pulp with small seeds is covered with a thin peel. Fruits are removed from each tree in several stages, choosing only ripe figs as they ripen. Unripe fruits should not be eaten, as they contain a poisonous bitter "milk".

The fruits are harvested not only very carefully. Fruit pickers must wear thick cotton gloves,

• so as not to damage delicate wine berries,
• to protect yourself from the caustic sap of the plant.

Fruits cut with a sharp pruner or knife are placed in low pallets, transferred to the shade and sent to consumers.

How to store and consume the harvested fruits of the tree?

Fresh figs are stored for just a few hours. Considering the high sugar content (up to 30% in fresh fruits), the fermentation processes begin very quickly - no longer than 6 hours (hence the second name - "wine berry").

In the United States, a significant proportion of figs are deep-frozen immediately. Some varieties are perfectly stored in a 30-40% cane sugar solution at a temperature of -12^O C in refrigerators. The main part is supplied to consumers in dried form.

For drying, light fruits are most often used from about 5 centimeters. They are kept in the sun for 4-5 days.

The classic way of drying figs is under a canopy, strung on a string through a punctured stalk (in the form of "beads"). Sometimes it is dried by spreading "eye" up, spread out in the sun. Sometimes figs are dipped in hot syrup for just a few seconds before drying and then brought to condition over gas or in the sun.

Figs with dark berries are frozen. It is pre-washed, dried, packaged and frozen. Store at -16-18 ^O From about six months. But this storage method is not the most popular.

Useful properties of ripe fruit

Figs are not only tasty, but also very healthy.In addition to pectins, organic acids, vitamins (B, C, PP, beta-carotene), these fruits contain many minerals and trace elements. The potassium content of figs is almost like nuts, and iron is more than that of apples.

Recipes

To recuperate after an illness and just to raise immunity, a "miracle mixture" is recommended.

For its preparation, it is necessary to take in equal shares:

• dried figs,
• dried apricots,
• raisin,
• shelled walnuts.

Pass everything through a meat grinder and mix with the same proportion of honey. Keep refrigerated. Taking 1 tablespoon every morning is not only very tasty, but also well supports the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract and the general tone of the body.

In southern countries, figs are processed into jam, marshmallow, and even high-grade alcoholic drinks are prepared from it. From the products we have available, try our original cookies.

Necessary products :

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 50 grams of unsalted butter
• 1.5 wheat flour
• 1 chicken egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 200 grams of chopped figs
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder, vanilla sugar, lemon zest and lemon juice,
• a pinch of salt.

It is very simple to prepare: mix everything and gradually stir in flour. Roll out the dough 1-2 centimeters thick. Cut into a glass, put on a baking sheet. Bake at 160^O From about 15-20 minutes.

Conclusion

Fig is a tree of the tropics and subtropics. Of course, it can be grown in a greenhouse, and even in a room to get a few berries. But all the beneficial properties are preserved in dried berries, which can always be bought in the retail network.

And to grow another ficus at home ...