Free Low Calorie Recipes

Gettin' Giggy with Figs!

By Michele Turcotte

Q: What is the succulent fruit of the ficus tree?

A: The fig of course!

The fig is actually not a fruit but a flower that has inverted itself, producing an edible, sweet, chewy, seed-filled flesh. If your only exposure to a fig is via a "newton," then you're missing out on one of the world's healthiest and tastiest fruits!

Cleopatra's favorite fruit, the fig, is thought to have originated in western Asia. Later, fig trees spread throughout the Mediterranean region ~ in Egypt, Greece and Italy. Figs are thought to have been introduced to the U.S. by a Spanish missionary in the late 1500s.

"The nutritional benefits of the fig are astounding. It contains more fiber per serving than any other fruit!"

In addition to being an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, figs provide potassium, calcium, phosphorous, manganese, iron, beta-carotene, vitamins B6 and K and are rich in disease fighting anti-oxidants (flavonoids and polyphenols).

Figs can be eaten both fresh and dried and are primarily grown in California (where they are known as 'mission' figs. There are over 100 varieties of figs that vary in texture, color, flavor (slightly) and size.

RECIPE

Fig Salad with Parmesan

Ingredients

• 2 Tbs minced shallots;
• 1 1/2 Tbs balsamic vinegar;
• 1 Tbs Enova(tm) brand cooking oil (or canola oil);
• 1/4 tsp salt;
• 16 fresh figs, each cut in half lengthwise;
• 3 cups trimmed arugula (about 3 ounces);
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach (about 3 ounces);
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper;
• 1/4 cup (1 ounce) shaved fresh Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Combine the first 4 ingredients in a large bowl; stir well with a whisk. Add figs; cover and let stand 20 minutes. Add arugula, spinach and pepper; toss well. Top with cheese. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Facts

(per serving): 153 calories; 32% calories from fat; 6g total fat; 5.5mg cholesterol; 253mg sodium; 372mg potassium; 24g carbohydrates; 4g fiber; 17g sugar; 4.4g protein.

www.aperfectplate.com
http://www.whfoods.com