Why are Figs So Expensive?
Why are figs so expensive? Any idea? Well, the figs are among the most beautiful fruits you’ll ever come across. They have the appearance of an alien fruit and are incredibly rich and ancient-looking. There’s something about these that can drive people insane, particularly that crunchiness of seeds.
In the end, every when you see figs at your local grocery store You’ll find that they’re priced a bit high. Based on the location you’re in it could be too much. The colder climates typically have to import hot climate fruit and figs are one of the most delicate of them all.
Figs are a great source of potassium, fiber vitamin B6, iron, magnesium manganese, copper, folate, calcium, phosphorus as well as niacin, pantothenic acids, riboflavin and thiamine zinc, as well as vitamins A, C E K, B12, and A. They also have antioxidants like polyphenols flavonoids, anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins.
The figs are delicious fruits that can be consumed raw or cooked, dried or juiced. They are a very popular snack across the globe and are commonly served as dessert toppings.
Why are figs so expensive?
The reason figs are expensive is that they have a short shelf time (3 days) and must be sold as well as dried, and packaged. They disappear fast and growers run the risk of losing entire crops because of this.
Another reason for this is that figs need to be removed from trees, which results in an acrid sap that can cause skin burns. Workers must be extremely cautious and wear protective gear when picking the figs.
There are also the fig predators like gophers and starlings. They are able to eat and poke holes into fruits at an incredible speed, and the fruits aren’t able to be used or sold. This is a major loss for farmers and there will always be an extra charge just for this.
Again, you will have to keep in mind that figs are bought across a variety of countries. This means that there are a large number of middlemen involved between the people who cultivate figs and the consumers and increases the cost of importing. Let’s examine these factors in more detail let’s get started.
They have a very limited shelf-life ( just 3 days)
When we say that figs have a shelf life that is short is really an extremely short shelf life. Even avocados last longer! The reason is that figs are picked at the time they’re ripe (or less than). However, after they’ve been removed from the tree they begin to ripen quickly.
In fact, they begin to rot within three days. That means that every fruit that is picked must be taken rapidly to a marketplace. If you are living in a country with a large fig production, there is a great likelihood of finding affordable fresh figs.
The countries that are included are Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Iran, and Spain. If you’re from America the best chance is to be on the West coast, since most are cultivated in California.
For the rest of us, figs need to be shipped from the above countries. This means that they must be shipped quickly and this is an additional cost.
If you are in a colder area away from the country that is fig-producing, and still have fresh figs to pick probably produced in hothouses. They’re, however, not like the fresh air plants, and they’ll remain relatively costly.
You are more likely to find dried figs as opposed to fresh ones
Due to their limited shelf life, they are usually sold dried. This makes sense since a lot of figs are spoilt during transport.
The dry and shriveled packaging ensures that they are not spoiled in transit. It also means you stand a slim chance of snatching fresh figs.
However, there’s some good news. Even if the figs that you’ve discovered are dried figs you can refresh them. They might not have the same look or color in however they’ll become fresh and full of flavor.
To rehydrate figs you must soak them in boiling (not active bubbling) water for about two hours, then cover them. Certain figs will rehydrate within only after a few minutes, while others could require an hour or more. Make sure you keep your eye on them to you know when they’re done.
Picking figs can be risky and can cause skin burns
The art of picking figs isn’t something you can do with ease. It’s actually somewhat risky and requires an awful amount of manual labor. Every fig you are able to see is picked manually by the workers. It takes a long time, and they run the risk of getting their hands covered in the skin as well as fingers being burned due to the milky sap that stems of the figs release when they’re squeezed.
Some workers are equipped with small knives that they use to slice the fig from the tree. This simplifies the process, but it can take longer. It is recommended that they wear gloves that are protective always.
All of this has to be recorded as well as the fact it’s complete manual work. Every crop that needs to be harvested by hand is costly, just like strawberries, saffron, and blueberries.
Fig crops are frequently threatened by birds and gophers
There’s quite a bit of loss of fruit in the fig crop. The fruit grows well but there are animals and birds that visit and consume the fruits. In some instances, it’s not a problem but in others, it’s simply too excessive to be ignored.
For example, gophers could consume a large number of figs from a tree before anyone is able to spot them. Starlings eat holes in a variety of fruit at once and search for bugs or works.
This causes losses for farmers, who have increased the price to compensate.
The most delicious figs are the Black Mission and Brown Turkey
If you’re looking for the finest figs, you should go for Black Mission or Brown Turkey. They are among the most delicious fruits available and they’re fairly easily accessible (like the figs in general). They’re also available at more expensive prices. However, they’re definitely worth the cost.
It’s obvious that Black Mission is smaller, and appears wrinkled and shrinks when it’s mature. Turkey is brown Turkey has an outer skin of brown and is heftier than Black Mission.
California is the place where figs are most widely in USA
If you’re from America then you’re likely to find Calimyrna figs. They are Smyrna figs that were imported several decades ago and are named after California and Smyrna.
They’re the third most delicious fruit in the world and, since they’re grown in the US, they’re likely to be cheaper in cost.
How to pick the perfect ripe fig?
Whatever fig you’re searching for, you must know a few things before you go.
The first thing to note is that a fig can only be described as fully ripe until it’s completely smooth. When figs mature, they become soft, slightly stretched and could develop wrinkles. It’s possible to think that’s not the kind of thing you’d like. They are actually the things you’re looking for. Try them. This is particularly relevant for Black Mission.
In the second, even if you find a fig that isn’t quite ripe, don’t fret. Give it a few days at the counter and it’ll be delicious.
If there aren’t any obvious cuts in the skin or any broken parts the fig will be fine. There are figs that aren’t all dark purple. Remember that Brown turkey is a fig in brown-purple with the top being slightly green. Don’t miss them as they’re delicious.
Calimyrna the figs are green on the outside and pink inside. They’re good when they’re not as glossy and smooth. The skin’s exterior should be matte and have something like a velvety or matte finish.
In short, figs can be an absolute pleasure. When you are willing to look closely at the figs you’re buying, you’ll realize that each type of fig appears different once they are ripe. Do not be averse to the figs you find in shops.
If you’ve purchased silky smooth, you shouldn’t get the ice cubes yet. Let them rest for a few days until the sugars begin to develop more, and they begin to soften and start to look a little wrinkled.
Wrapping up
Why are the figs so expensive? I’m sure you’ve found the answer. If you’ve ever wondered why certain foods are more expensive than other foods, then go to the local supermarket. Although many of us are aware of what makes figs so expensive, we do know that they are delicious when fresh. We hope that our article has helped to clarify any doubts about the cost of figs.
