How is fig grown, where is it grown?
Turkey ranks first in world fig production. Over 300 thousand tons of figs are produced in Turkey every year. Figs, which can be consumed by drying, are also used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
How do figs grow? Where is fig grown mostly in Turkey and how is it grown? Here are the ones who are curious about figs…
Figs cannot be grown in every country due to climatic conditions. In Turkey, where four seasons are experienced, annual fig production is above the world average, as is the case with other fruits.
How are figs grown?
Figs are grown much faster and easier in regions where the Mediterranean climate prevails. The fig tree should be planted as far away from residential areas as possible. At the same time, attention should be paid to the distance between the trees. One of the common mistakes made by growers who want to save space is to plant fig trees too close to each other. Fig trees must receive sunlight and be watered twice a week.
Where Are Figs Grown?
Figs are mostly grown in Mediterranean countries and in the region called the Middle East. Other than Turkey, the countries with the highest annual fig production are Algeria and Tunisia. The number of fig trees is increasing every year in North African countries such as Morocco, Libya and Tunisia.
Where Are Figs Grown and Cultivated in Turkey?
The places where figs are grown the most are Germencik and İncirliova districts of Aydın. Apart from this, over 50 thousand tons of figs are grown in a year in İzmir, Deniz, Afyon and Denizli, which are located in the Aegean region.
History of Fig
The fig tree is one of nature's greatest miracles. It has been consumed lovingly for thousands of years with its delicious fruit.
It has always been seen as a symbol of abundance and fertility for generations.
Crowns woven from fig leaves were proudly carried as a symbol of fertility in Ancient Greek Civilization. For centuries, giving a fig leaf as a gift has been accepted as a reward for the other party. The importance of the fig for human beings has been so great that it is mentioned as the fruit of paradise in holy sources.
It is known that Siddharta Guatama got his inspiration, which formed the basis of Buddhism, while sitting under the fig tree.
The Old Testament, which frequently mentions the fig, is full of fig-inspired images and similes. Sitting in the shade of a fig tree or tasting its fruits is almost synonymous with tasting a serene and peaceful existence.
While Jews still use figs as their traditional food in the celebration of Passover, it is described as a tree that grows in the garden of Eden in the Bible and is shown as an indispensable food for Christmas celebrations because it is a sacred fruit.
Hz. It is stated that Muhammad said about figs, "If I had the chance to choose, I would like to take the fig tree with me to heaven".
Although it is known that it was grown during the time of the Sumerians and ancient Egyptians, the Anatolian lands are considered to be the homeland of the fig. Historian Herodotus speaks highly of the delicious figs grown in Anatolia in 484 BC. The botanical name of fig, "Ficus Carica", also comes from the ancient settlement area "Caria" in the Aegean Region. Fig, then spread from Anatolian lands to the Middle East, India and China, became known worldwide.
Source : Tariş Fig Association
What are the benefits of figs?
Developments in modern science have revealed that the fig has a very high nutritional value, as well as its incredible taste. First of all, figs are the fruit with the highest fiber content among fruits and vegetables. Fibrous foods ensure the proper functioning of the digestive system, help remove cholesterol without mixing with the blood, and prevent the formation of some types of cancer from the very beginning. Only five dried figs meet the entire daily fiber requirement of the body.
The benefits of dried figs
Researches of scientists have revealed that dried figs outperform other fruits with their rich phenol composition in terms of antioxidants. On the other hand, fig contains intensely omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and phytosterol, which cannot be produced by the body and must be taken from outside. Fatty acids are indispensable for the healthy functioning of the brain and nervous system, and phytosterol ensures that cholesterol in animal foods, which is dangerous for cardiovascular health, is removed from the body without mixing with the blood.
Figs are also the fruit with the highest mineral content. 40 grams of figs can meet 7% of daily potassium needs and 6% of daily calcium and iron needs. A bowl of dried figs provides the same amount of calcium as a bowl of milk. Figs contain protein, carbohydrates, phosphorus, calcium, iron, sodium, potassium, magnesium as well as rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C and folic acid. As it facilitates digestion, it also helps cells to regenerate and prevents the growth of cancerous cells with its benzaldehyde substance.