The Humble Fig

The humble fig tree has faithfully provided both mankind and animals alike with its healthy nutritional fruit since the advent of written history and doubtless far beyond.

Although the tree itself has been around since pre history, It is now believed that the fig tree was first actively cultivated by the Ancient Egyptians who used its fruit as a rich sweet delicacy and its large leaved branches as much needed shade.

As well as being consumed fresh and dried figs were also used in cooking to enhance the flavour of dishes and in the winemaking process.

By the 9th Century figs had also made it across the sea to Crete and Greece where, due to their abundant yield, they became an important part of the daily diet as well as being considered sacred. This view was echoed in Ancient Rome where figs and their juice were often used in religious ceremony and symbolic traditions.

As well as being one of the highest plant sources of calcium, dried figs especially are a rich source of several other important nutrients such as fiber, copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium and vitamins K and B6.

They are also packed with beneficial phytochemicals and polyphenols such as Gallic, syringic and chlorogenic acid.

Figs can help to keep your digestive system regulated as well as having a positive effect on weight management. It has also been suggested that they may play a role in helping to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

Eating figs can help to lower blood pressure due to their high potassium content and their antioxidant properties (as well as potentially helping to fight/prevent cancer) They help to clean your liver and kidneys of damaging toxins. There have even been studies that suggest that eating figs (fruit or leaves) and their extracts as part of your diet can help towards managing diabetes and keep your eyesight sharp.

When given to your dog (1-2 fresh or dried figs per week only) they can provide a fantastic source of energy as well as helping digestive and heart health in your pet. Start out slow though with just a small test amount as there have been some cases of a fig allergy in canines which can cause symptoms like coughing, itchy skin or eyes or a rash on the skin or in the mouth. This is very rare however but it is still a good idea to make sure your canine pal is ok with them before introducing them on a weekly basis.

My chickens also adore fresh figs both the fruit and the leaves as an occasional treat. Again it is a great source of energy for your flock but also chickens absolutely love anything sweet so the occasional fig goes down a treat every time!!

Just remember, when it comes to both you and your pets, figs are a laxative in larger doses so, as with most foods, moderation is key.

Sweet Carrot and Fig Pet Treats

500g flour

100ml olive oil

2 large carrots blended to pulp

2 peeled fresh figs (or finely diced if dry)

100g millet seed (if for chickens. Leave out the millet seed if you are making these for your dog)

1 tbs honey

Mix all of the ingredients together and then if needed add a little warm water until the mixture reaches a bread dough consistency.

Roll the dough to around 1cm thickness and cut out your biscuits.

Place them on a lightly oiled baking tray with a sprinkling of flour under them to prevent sticking.

Bake at 160 degrees or approx Gas mark 2 for around 15 minutes before turning your biscuits over and then bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the biscuits are firm.

Allow to cool before serving to your pets.

#Food #Health #Dog #Chicken #Recipe