The Fig: Overview of an Ancient Fruit

Abstract

The genus Ficus includes species ranging in number from 600 to more than 1900, with most found in the tropics or subtropics and only a handful with fruits considered edible (reviewed in Condit, 1969). The cultivated fig, Ficus carica L., (Moraceae), is clearly of greatest importance as a source of human food. The fig fruit has long been associated with horticulture in the Mediterranean region (Zohary and Spiegel-Roy, 1975) and is considered to have been ''first brought into cultivation in southern Arabia'' (Storey, 1975). Wild or ''nearly wild'' figs are reported throughout much of the Middle East and Mediterranean region (De Candolle, 1886). Cultivated figs are reported to have become established across the Mediterranean region 6000 years ago, reaching England by 500 CE (Ferguson et al., 1990). Interestingly, the fossil record shows a prehistoric distribution of Ficus carica across southern Europe (De Candolle, 1886).

Agronomic behaviour and quality of six fig cultivars for fresh consumption

“…Conversely, in the last decade, the consumption of fresh whole brebas and figs has increased in both the USA (Stover et al, 2007b) and in Europe, reaching in the case of Spain average exports of around 3000 t of dried figs and 2100 t of fresh figs, with sales of approximately 7 million euros counting both types. The main market for fresh figs is in France which represents more than 85% of the market, followed by Italy, Germany and the Netherlands (FAOSTAT, 2014).…”

Detection and partial characterization of a putative closterovirus affecting Ficus carica: molecular, ultrastructural and physiological aspects of infected leaves

“…Levels of thiobarbituric acid reactants in viral-infected leaves increased by 15%, while the content of total phenolics increased by 29%, in respect to healthy ones. The present results indicate a possible presence of Ficus carica L., a deciduous tree belonging to the Moraceae family is very common in the Mediterranean basin and in countries with a dry and sub tropical climate (Mars 2003;Stover et al 2007). Fig tree plantations cover a 427,000 ha area worldwide with an overall yield of million tons.…”

Nutritional Compounds in Figs from the Southern Mediterranean Region

“…Ficus carica is thought to have originated in western Asia and from there slowly spread through the Mediterranean region (1). It is one of the early domesticated fruit species (2) It is a hollow, fleshy receptacle, enclosing numerous flowers, which never see the light and develop into drupelets within the receptacle after being pollinated.…”