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Fig Tree and Figs: How to plant a fig tree with success, care and benefits of figs.
The fig tree is one of the first plants cultivated by man (there are more than 700 species of fig trees). La Higuera is of vital importance to maintain the biodiversity of ecosystems.
0:00 Intro
0:05 Reflection quote
0:20 Title
0:23 History of the fig tree
0:41 Characteristics of the fig tree
0:56 Fig tree growth, care and climatology
1:14 Need for Irrigation
1:28 Roots of the fig tree. Resistance to cold and frost
1:37 Trunk of the fig tree
1:41 fig tree cup
1:48 Fig leaves
1:57 Fruit of the fig tree: Figs
2:22 Pollination of the fig tree
2:57 Health benefits of fig
5:02 Culinary uses of the fig
5:17 Final summary of the fig tree
- The FIG tree -
This plant, of Asian origin and surrounded by mysticism, was one of the first cultivated by man.
The presence of ripe figs throughout the year made this strange fruit part of our diet since the beginning of time.
It is a deciduous tree that can measure up to 10 meters in height, and is relatively long-lived, because hopefully it will live for 50 or 60 years, providing us with its sweet and tasty fruits during all that time.
Its growth is good in temperate climates, and although fig trees require many hours of light for their proper development, it is really resistant to adverse weather conditions, so its cultivation does not need as much attention as that of other fruit trees.
At the beginning of its vegetative stage, it requires abundant watering, but after a few years, its spectacular root development allows it to obtain enough water, even to withstand severe periods of drought.
These extremely strong roots also allow it to withstand cold and frost, or grow without problem in rocky terrain.
It is a rustic tree, with a smooth grayish trunk.
It has a very wide crown, due to its profuse branching, very useful for shading.
The leaves 10 to 25 cm. long, deeply lobed, bright green and rough in texture.
Figs are actually fruitless. They are inverted flowers. The flowers grow inside a pear-shaped pod, which will then ripen into what we call a fig.
Each fig contains many flowers (between 200 and 300) and each of them produces a single fruit called achene. They are very small and each contains a seed.
Pollination occurs thanks to a surprising process of symbiosis between fig trees and wasps (forced mutualism) by which female wasps enter the sycon, lay their eggs inside it and die. When the larvae hatch, the wingless male larvae fertilize the females; female wasps mature and visit other figs, carrying pollen and completing the life cycle.
Each of the more than 700 species of fig trees that exist has a fig wasp specifically as a pollinator.
Figs are very nutritious, with a high energy value.
Easy to digest (their emollient ferments are easily absorbed by the intestinal tract) and they are also probiotics.
They take care of the intestinal microbiota, stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria in the small intestine.
They are laxatives, with a soluble fiber content of 2.5%. Helps in cases of constipation and provides satiety; relieve gastrointestinal discomfort, colic and gastritis.
They are rich in calcium (100 grams of dried figs provide 250 mg of Calcium, fresh figs contain about 38 mg) which strengthens the bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
They also contain phosphorus, which stimulates bone growth and recovery from damage.
They provide Vitamin B, C, D and Beta-carotene, the latter is transformed by our body into vitamin A, with antioxidant action, it helps to prevent aging and to fight against degenerative diseases.
In addition, vitamin A restores and nourishes the mucosa, mouth, lips, tongue, the lining of the esophagus, stomach and intestines.
Useful to control hypertension along with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Contains trace elements such as fiber, potassium and magnesium.
Regulate glucose levels. Replenish sugars and mineral salts.
Its content in flavonoids such as quercetin and luteolin, which neutralize free radicals and help in the prevention of cancer, being able to stop the growth of tumors. Luteolin prevents the development of skin cancer, and provides benefits during its treatment.
Regular consumption reduces the possibility of suffering from macular degeneration in our eyes by 36%.
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fig # fig # permaculture