08
Aug
Dried figs are popular, tasty, and sweet dried fruits with many benefits. They are a good source of potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, B, and C. Figs are also a great source of dietary fiber that helps digestion and weight control.
Characteristics
Dried figs contain large amounts of iron and vitamin C. Combining these two nutrients has made dried figs an excellent fruit for anemia, especially for those suffering from iron deficiency. Dried figs are full of dietary fibers, essential for removing constipation and preventing other digestive problems. It has low calories and is a good snack for people trying to lose weight. On the other hand, because of their high sugar content, dried figs can also activate cells and produce a lot of energy, which is usually required by those who suffer from anemia.
Production of dried figs
Iran, as one of the big producers in the world, can produce about one million tons of figs annually. By delivering 60,000 tons of dried figs, Iran is the fifth largest producer of this product. Although Turkey has significant cultivation and production ranks in this field, Iranian dried figs, particularly Estahban figs, are unique in quality and taste worldwide.
Drying method
Figs are dried using the conventional sun-dried method; in this method, the figs remain on the tree until they are half-dried. After shedding the fruits, they are collected from under the trees and poured into a pre-made special dish. These dishes are known as “Shpang” and have other local names. One should try to spread the figs on Shpang on one layer.
This dish should be (placed) in a way that is exposed to the sunlight. The time required to produce dried figs in Shpang depends on the temperature and the initial dryness of the figs.
Generally, dried figs take about 3-5 days to produce. When they are ready, dried figs must be collected early in the morning to prevent exposure to sunlight; otherwise, they get warm, and the fruit texture becomes soft and difficult to maintain. If the collected dried figs are not dried enough or sufficiently preserved, the color may gradually change and lose its original quality.
Consumption of dried figs
Figs are used in various ways, such as chocolate, biscuits, cake, and muffins. Dried figs mixed with other conventional dried fruits are common. For example, preparing and consuming a mixture containing pistachios, almonds, walnuts, and dried figs is very useful for enhancing memory. It is recommended that pregnant women add this mixture to their diet to enhance the baby’s memory.
