It’s late summer here in Cyprus, my favourite time of year. If you’re driving or walking around, it won’t be long before you spot fig trees, with their wide flat leaves and branches heavy with ripe fruit.
The Mediterranean climate provides the perfect environment for fig trees to flourish, and they do so abundantly, even with this year being particularly dry.
Figs, with their soft texture and honey-like sweetness, have been a staple in the Cypriot diet for centuries. Not only are they delicious fresh, but they also lend themselves beautifully to an array of traditional Cypriot dishes. From savory meals to sweet desserts, figs hold a special place in local cuisine.
A Brief History of Figs in Cyprus
Figs are believed to have been cultivated in Cyprus for thousands of years. Historical records suggest that fig trees were brought to the island from ancient Persia and spread throughout the Mediterranean. Figs became a key component of the diet, often dried and stored for the winter months when fresh fruit was scarce.
Today, fig trees grow in almost every Cypriot village, found in gardens, orchards, and even growing wild. The trees I’ve come across so far produce fairly small fruits with their skin staying green and their inside a fleshy peach colour. They look similar but not exactly like the Adriatic and Desert King varieties.
The fruit ripens between late July and early October. This year (again my information is limited to near me) it looks like it’s going to be a small and late harvest.
What’s so Special about Figs?
Figs are not only tasty but also packed with nutrition. One medium fig contains about 37 calories and is high in fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, contributing to strong bones and heart health.
Figs are versatile providing both natural sweetness and a subtle savory note, and being a natural product there’s a whole heap of health benefits:
- Rich in fiber: Supports digestive health and helps prevent constipation.
- High in antioxidants: Protects cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Good source of calcium: Promotes strong bones and teeth.
- Contains potassium: Helps regulate blood pressure and supports heart health.
- Natural sugars for energy: Provides a quick source of energy without refined sugars.
- Promotes healthy digestion: Contains enzymes like ficin that aid digestion.
- High in vitamins and minerals: Especially vitamin A, vitamin K, magnesium, and iron.
- Supports healthy skin: Antioxidants and vitamins in figs can help maintain skin health.
- May improve blood sugar control: Despite their sweetness, figs may help regulate blood sugar levels in moderation.
Traditional Cypriot Recipes with Figs
In Cyprus, figs are used in a variety of ways. Fresh figs are often enjoyed as a simple snack, eaten straight from the tree or paired with yogurt, walnuts and a spoon of honey. Dried figs, on the other hand, are a key ingredient in traditional sweets and savory dishes.
One popular dish is fig spoon sweet, a Cypriot preserve made by cooking figs slowly in sugar syrup until they are tender and caramelized. This sweet treat is traditionally served with a glass of cold water to visitors and I can attest to this being the case when older generations of Cypriots have welcomed me into their home.
But figs aren’t limited to sweets. They are often paired with cheese, such as halloumi or feta, and used in salads with greens and nuts. Their natural sweetness complements the saltiness of the cheese, creating a balanced and flavorful dish.
If you find yourself with an abundance of figs during the season, there are plenty of ways to preserve them for later use.
Drying figs is one of the oldest methods, allowing them to last throughout the winter months. Simply leave the figs whole or cut them in half and lay them out in a sunny spot to dry for several days, flipping them occasionally. Take care to cover them to avoid the flies and ant having a feast. Once dried, they can be stored in an airtight container for months.
Figs can also be made into jams and compotes, perfect for spreading on toast or serving with meats and cheeses. Fig jam, with a hint of cinnamon or lemon zest, is a favorite in Cyprus and makes for a delicious addition to breakfast or a cheese platter. Alternatively, you can try my chutney recipe.
Let’s Make Fig Chutney
The recipe below is my first attempt at figs in a chutney, but with them being abundant in Cyprus right now I just couldn’t resist.
It tasted great slathered on fresh hot pitta with salty butter and I can’t wait to have some more at the weekend over grilled halloumi.
Ingredients:
- 300g fresh figs
- 75g sugar
- 25g local honey
- 50ml balsamic vinegar
- 100ml water
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp turmeric
This quantity is enough to fill a jar of approx 10fl oz.
Instructions:
This has got to be one of the easiest recipes ever.
- Chop your figs into large or small chunks, depending on what kind of texture you prefer for your finished chutney.
- Put everything in the pot together on a medium heat.
- Stir occasionally and watch it bubble away until it reaches a jammy consistency.
- Leave to cool before putting into a jar.
I added a little too much water on my last attempt so mine took a little longer than expected, but you should get to a good consistency in about 20 minutes
Store in the fridge for 2 weeks or freezer for up to 6 months.
Here are the macros for this recipe, divide it by how many portions you have. Please take these as approximations.
- Calories: 639
- Total fat: 1.02g
- Saturated fat: 0.15g
- Total carbohydrate: 163.49g
- Sugar 151.01g
- Protein: 2.91g
- Fiber: 9.74g
So Many Figs You Don’t Know What to Do…?
If you find yourself with more figs than you can handle. Here are some ideas to help make the most of your bounty:
- Freeze fresh figs by slicing them in half and laying them flat on a baking tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for later use in smoothies or baking.
- Dry the figs and store them for winter, either on their own or dipped in dark chocolate for an indulgent treat.
- Make fig vinegar by fermenting fresh figs with sugar and water over a few weeks. The result is a tangy, flavorful vinegar that’s perfect for salad dressings.
- Infuse your favorite spirit with figs and a touch of cinnamon to create a unique homemade liqueur.
Whether you’re enjoying them fresh or finding creative ways to preserve them, figs are a true gift of Cyprus, bringing warmth and sweetness to every dish. Now, with that in mind, I’m off to enjoy some freshly picked figs with a generous dollop of local honey.
More Figs and Related Things
If you enjoyed this, you might like our article about Lemons in Cyprus