Learn about the bizarre reproduction cycle of figs, their long history as a food source, various flavors and uses, their significance in different cultures, and the mutualistic relationship between figs and fig wasps.
Figs are unique as they are both a fruit and a flower, with a structure that protects flowers and seeds as they mature.
Figs have a long history and cultural significance, being one of the first fruits cultivated by humans and widely consumed in ancient civilizations.
Deep dives
Figs: A Fruit and Flower Combination
Figs are unique as they are both a fruit and a flower. The structure of a fig protects its flowers and seeds as they mature. The process of pollinating figs is intricate and involves a specific species of wasp. The wasps lay their eggs inside specific fig varieties, allowing the figs to develop and ripen. Contrary to myth, figs do not contain wasp parts when consumed by humans. The figs produce a compound called fikin that breaks down the wasp's body, providing nutrients for the developing seeds and flowers. This mutualistic relationship between figs and wasps has been co-evolving for millions of years.
The Long History of Figs
Figs have a long history and were one of the first fruits cultivated by primitive humans. They were widely consumed by ancient Romans and Greeks and played a role in Greek mythology. Figs were also mentioned in religious texts, such as the Bible and the Quran. They were introduced to England by the Romans and later reintroduced during the reign of Henry VIII. Spanish missionaries brought fig trees to the Americas, leading to the development of the Mission and Smyrna fig varieties. The iconic fig Newton cookie was commercially available in 1891. Figs have historical significance and are considered nutritious for their fiber, calcium, and other essential nutrients.
The Fascinating Relationship Between Figs and Wasps
Figs are pollinated by specific species of wasps that co-evolved with them. Female fig wasps lay their eggs inside male figs, where their offspring mate and chew a path for future females to escape. The male figs provide protection and nutrients for the wasp eggs. Female figs, the ones humans consume, mimic the scent of male figs to attract wasps for pollination. Figs do not contain wasp parts, as the figs produce a compound that breaks down the wasp's body. This unique relationship between figs and wasps has been fine-tuned over the course of millions of years.
The Myth and Fact of Wasps in Figs
There is a common myth that figs contain wasp parts, leading some vegans to avoid them. However, this is not true. Many commercially produced figs do not require pollination, while others can be artificially ripened. Even figs that are pollinated by wasps do not contain wasp parts when consumed by humans. Fig trees have evolved mechanisms to ensure successful pollination and fig development. The close relationship between figs and wasps showcases the fascinating and complex interactions found in nature.
Figs aren't actually a fruit -- they're an inside-out cluster of flowers -- but they're one of humanity's oldest food sources. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren dig into the long history and bizarre reproduction cycle of the fig.
