Sour figs (Carpobrotus) are robust, trailing, mat-forming succulents with useful, ornamental leaves and edible fruits popular for making jam.
Why do figs go sour?
Fig souring isn’t a disease in and of itself, but rather the result of any of a large number of bacteria, fungi, and yeasts entering into the fig and essentially rotting it from within. These things enter the fig through its eye, or ostiole, the little hole at the base of the fruit that opens up as it ripens.
Where does sour figs come from?
The sour fig grows on coastal and inland slopes in South Africa from Namaqualand in the Northern Cape through the Western Cape to the Eastern Cape. It is often seen as a pioneer on disturbed sites.
Do figs ferment on the tree?
Fruit souring in plants is a very common problem and appears frequently in citrus, figs and grapes. It’s caused by a variety of soil-borne yeasts that gain entry through the skins of ripening fruits, where they feed, resulting in the fruit’s fermentation.
How do sour figs grow?
Flowers open during bright, sunny days and close again at night. The Cape Sour Fig thrives in a sunny position in well-draining soil. Although frost tender, this succulent is drought- and wind-resistant, and makes for an effective fire barrier. It grows very easily from cuttings, no rooting hormones required.
What can you do with sour figs?
Culinary Uses
- The ripe fruit contains an edible slimy pulp with shiny brown seeds.
- The base of the fruit is bitten off and the sweet-sour pulp is sucked out.
- The ripe fruit is cooked in syrup and called sour fig jam – a delicacy in the Cape.
- Add the fruit to curry dishes.
- Is also used in oriental cooking.
How can you tell if a fig is edible?
By touch, ripe figs should be soft when gently squeezed. Unripe figs remain firm. By taste, ripe figs are sweet with a soft texture. Unripe figs lack sweetness and can be somewhat rubbery.
How do you soften sour figs?
The Easiest Way to Soften Any Dried Fruit
Put your dried fruit in a small bowl and cover with boiling water. Let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes, and then strain the fruit and discard the water.
Can diabetics eat sour figs?
If you have diabetes and want to enjoy dried fruit, like California Dried Figs, you absolutely can! One of the main reasons given for people with diabetes not eating dried figs is the sugar content. And, if we only looked at sugar content when considering our food choices, that might be true.
How many calories are in a sour fig?
Nutritional profile and portion size
| Raw figs | Dried figs | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 74 kcal | 249 kcal |
| Protein | 0.75 g | 3.3 g |
| Lipids | 0.3 g | 0.93 g |
| Dietary fiber | 2.9 g | 9.8 g |
Can you eat fermented figs?
While fresh figs are absolutely delicious, fermenting them provides a complex gamut of flavors and is a great way to preserve them without using sugar. Click HERE for the recipe PLUS a cocktail concoction using the fermented fig juice.
What does a rotten fig look like?
The flesh is dark (or even black) instead of red.
Fortunately, such figs often are soft or smell sour, so you usually don’t even have to open them up to know they’re bad.
Are figs sweet or sour?
What Does It Taste Like? Fresh figs have a sweet, honeyed taste and a soft, squishy texture studded with discernible seeds that give it crunch. Dried figs have a concentrated sweetness and a chewy texture; the seeds are nearly undetectable.
Are figs good for men’s health?
Helps with Male Infertility and Boosts Sperm Count
However, fig fruits are rich in zinc. As a result, figs are a fantastic way to boost your testosterone levels naturally. Figs include a high level of antioxidants and essential nutrients and minerals. As a result, it can help improve sperm motility and count.
How do you propagate Hottentot figs?
Stem cutting is the fastest way to propagate this fast growing plant. Seeds are also available and you may start them indoors at least six weeks before the date of the last frost. Hottentot fig is a perennial plant in its chosen zones but also thrives as an annual in colder areas.
Is ice plant edible?
A bed of Iceplant is oddly reminiscent of an undersea stand of sea anemones! The glistening, succulent leaves are edible–making a delicious, slightly tart spinach substitute. The crushed leaves also make a natural lather and have been used as a soap substitute.
Can you eat sour figs when pregnant?
Yes. Figs are one of the world’s healthiest foods. It is primarily advised for pregnant women. In pregnancy, fig intake can provide numerous health benefits for the body’s stability.
Are Vygies edible?
In spring and summer, (August to October) it bears large, vygie-like, yellow flowers that fade to pink. The large, fleshy fruits that follow become yellowish and wrinkled when ripe. They are edible and make good jams and preserves.
What is Hotnotsvy?
acinaciformis (sour fig, elandsvy, goenavy, Hotnotsvy, strandvy, suurvy ) has purple flowers, robust, short, greyish green, sabre-shaped leaves and tasty edible fruits, used to make a delicious jam, and grows in coastal sands usually close to the sea, in the Western Cape, from Saldanha to Mossel Bay.
Why are my figs not sweet?
Unripe figs can be rubbery, dry, and lack sweetness. The most effective way to tell your figs are unripe is to eat one before its peak. Most people only eat an unripe fig once before deciding to wait and allow figs to fully ripen before harvesting.
Is it safe to eat unripe figs?
In a climate such as the UK’s, where figs don’t often ripen fully, it’s good to know that this glorious fruit doesn’t have to go to waste. Green figs preserved in syrup, or vye konfyt, as they’re called in South Africa, can be enjoyed on cheeseboards, pancakes and other desserts, or even eaten straight from the jar.