Figs, with their mellow flesh and the crunchy touch of their seeds, are a pleasure for all the senses. Not only that, but they are succulent and provide us with energy, vitamins, minerals and fibre.

Thanks to their unique taste and nutritional value, they are unlike any other fruit on the market today. 

Today we would like to tell you about their origin and history.

A bit of history

Figs are a delicious and nutritious fruit that have been appreciated by humans for thousands of years. And not only are they delicious, but they also have a long and fascinating history. 

The fig tree is believed to have originated in the Middle East or Asia Minor and has been cultivated throughout the Mediterranean region for centuries. Figs have been enjoyed since ancient times and are even mentioned in the Bible. 

Scholars believe they were one of the first plants domesticated by man. They reached the Mediterranean region, and consequently the rest of the world, through human migration. 

In ancient times, figs were an important source of food for many peoples. They were also used for medicinal purposes to treat various ailments.

It has been present in Greece for centuries. There it is known as the "fruit of the philosophers", because it was valued by those who knew how good it tasted!

The ancient Egyptians believed that figs were a gift from God and consumed them to maintain good health. 

The symbolism of figs

For centuries, figs have been associated with peace, prosperity and fertility. 

In ancient Greece and Rome, figs were an important part of the diet, and the trees were often planted near houses as a symbol of good luck. 

Today, figs still play an important role in some religions. 

In Christianity, the fig tree is associated with paradise, and in Islam it is considered a symbol of purity. In Hinduism, the tree is considered sacred, and in Judaism, it is a symbol of abundance. Buddhists also hold the fig tree in high esteem, believing that it was under a fig tree that Buddha attained enlightenment. Whether eaten or simply admired, figs have always been prized for their beauty and symbolism.

Figs today

Today, figs remain popular and are grown in many parts of the world. The main producers of figs are Turkey, Egypt, Greece, Morocco and Spain. There are more than 700 varieties of fig trees worldwide, and about 300 of them are grown for human consumption. 

Figs are a good source of fibre and other nutrients, and can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether eaten fresh, dried or in a recipe, figs are a delicious and nutritious food.

They pair excellently with red meats, poultry, fish and cheeses. They are also an excellent ingredient in all kinds of desserts and cakes. On our blog, you will find many recipes

Figs have been around for centuries and are a delicious and nutritious fruit. They are also full of history and can be enjoyed in many different ways. We hope you try them for yourself and let us know what you think on our social networks - thanks for reading!

It's summer, the middle of August and we're in "holiday mode". It's quite hot and we feel like eating light, fresh and, above all, quick to prepare, to avoid spending long hours in the kitchen. 

Today we want to share with you a fresh, healthy and delicious snack that you can prepare in 5 minutes... (Or less).

Why is this recipe especially for athletes?

This snack is a great option for athletes, as it provides them with carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats.

Whipped cream cheese contains a high protein content, mostly casein, a slow-absorbing protein. Skimmed cheese is the perfect non-fat substitute for cream. It is gluten-free, which also makes it ideal for coeliacs.

It also has no added sugar. The sweetness of our snack has been achieved thanks to the sweetness of our El Pajarero dried figs, another food rich in iron, magnesium and calcium that will give you everything your muscles need. 

Another advantage of this recipe is that you don't need a long list of ingredients, you don't have to use heat and you'll have it ready in just a few minutes. So if you're short on time or just looking for something new to try, this recipe will be perfect for you. Without further ado, let's get started!

Ingredients for two servings

• 200g 0% fat whipped cream cheese or the one of your choice 
• 6 dried figs "El Pajarero"
• 80g ripe mango
• 1 golden or green kiwi
• 2 large strawberries
• Chia seeds
• Optional: honey, banana and seasonal fruits of your choice.

Preparation

Cut the figs in half. The advantage of our El Pajarero dried figs is that as they are small, you won't need many cuts.

Peel the mango and dice it. Do the same with the kiwi, strawberries and any other fruit you have decided to add.

Once you have the fruits ready, separate the whipped cream cheese into two bowls (100 grams each). Spread the fruit on top of the whipped cheese and here's a tip: if you play with the colours of the fruit, it will be even more appetising ;) 

Set aside in the fridge for a couple of minutes.

Before eating, sprinkle with chia seeds. Another option is to add chopped walnuts.

As mentioned above, this recipe is sugar-free. The sweetness will be achieved with our El Pajarero dried figs. And also if the fruits you have added are at the right point of ripeness.

However, if you think it lacks sugar, you can pour a thin trickle of honey on top. It will give it a delicious and natural touch.

This recipe is perfect for summer and as you can see, it is very easy to make, just mix all the ingredients and enjoy!