Fig tree

Ficus carica (common fig) is a deciduous shrub or tree of the Moraceae family, native to the Mediterranean. It is botanically unique for its "fruit" – in fact, it is a syconium (a fleshy inflorescence enclosed inside), where small flowers are found on the inner wall. While the original forms require symbiotic pollination by wasps, modern cultivars are often parthenocarpic (they produce fruit without pollination). When injured, the plant secretes white latex. Nutritionally, figs are among the most energy-rich fruits due to their high content of simple sugars. They are an exceptional source of fiber and minerals, with a calcium content that exceeds most other fruits. Their phytochemical profile is rich in polyphenols (especially anthocyanins in dark varieties) and flavonoids. A specific component of the latex and fruit is the proteolytic enzyme ficin, which, like papain, breaks down proteins and aids digestion.