The Great Fig Tree
- Kathy kathysfarmitaly@gmail.com
- Oct 18
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 23
The fig tree (Ficus carica) is as intertwined with the development of society as the olive tree. The fig has historical and mythical significance.
For thousands of years, fig trees have grown close to human settlements. They don't require a lot of care and the trees offer shade. The fruit's sweetness, long storage life when dried, and adaptability to dry climates made them an essential part of early agriculture and diet
Fig Tree in Ancient Civilizations
Like the olive tree, the fig tree was both a symbol and a resource in the development of civilization. The fig was around in ancient times in Northern Asia and the Mediterranean region. Sumerian records (the earliest known civilization) from around 2500 BC document fig consumption, and Egyptian pharaohs took dried figs into the afterlife, because apparently even the dead need a snack.
Just like olives, ancient Greeks cherished the fig. In addition to using it for food, the fig represented strength and athleticism. And because of its high sugar content, the athletes at Olympia ate figs to boost their performance.
Myth and Symbolism of the Fig Tree
Mythologically, the fig tree was a symbol of nourishment, fertility, and divine wisdom around the world. In Babylonian culture, the fig tree was associated with Ishtar as the sacred fig tree Xikum, symbolizing motherhood and protection for the savior Tammuz, while also connecting to female sexuality and enlightenment.
Sacred Fig in Eastern Traditions
In Buddhist tradition, the sacred fig (Ficus religiosa), known as the Bodhi tree, has the highest spiritual significance. Around 500 BCE, Gautama Buddha gained his famed enlightenment while sitting under the fig tree at Bodh Gaya. It wasn't until the mid-19th century that Asian immigrants, particularly Chinese workers during the Gold Rush around the 1850s, introduced Americans to Buddhism. Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism also revere this tree. The fig tree and its fruit were important across the Indian subcontinent.
Fig Leaves and Biblical References
And of course, there is the famous story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. There are countless paintings depicting Adam and Eve covering their private parts with fig leaves. Genesis 3:7 goes on about sin and modesty, and Adam and Eve covered their nakedness. No, they did not! Fig leaves are sticky and itchy and will leave a rash if you're not careful. Some people have to wear long sleeves and gloves to pick figs. So, it is hard to imagine anyone wearing the leaves on any part of their body.
The fig tree is mentioned over 50 times across the Old and New Testaments. It was one of the valuable products of the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 8:8). The phrase "under his own vine and fig tree" symbolizes safety and prosperity. And at least two times, it appears Jesus was quite angry at the barren fig tree (Luke 13:6-9) and even cursed the fruitless fig tree (Mark 11, Matthew 21). It seems cursing would have been out of character for Jesus.
The Modern Fig Tree
Today, fig trees are grown across temperate regions around the world and enjoyed both fresh and dried. Countries like Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, and the United States are major producers, with California leading in the cultivation of Smyrna-type figs. Italy is full of fig trees, and I have ten of them. When I was going to college, my friend had bought barren land. All it had was a lovely manufactured home. Today, Maywood Farms is the largest grower of organic figs in California. Even though he had no farming experience, he convinced relatives to invest in his dream. Their belief in him and his hard work paid off.
Health, Nutrition, and Uses of Figs
The fig tree is used in agroforestry for shade and erosion control. Additionally, figs are rich in minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber, while being fat and cholesterol-free. They're just a really good fruit ... unless you don't like the texture, then they aren't great.
The tree has been a natural medicine throughout history, too. (I make no recommendations.) The fruit, leaves, and roots are used to treat ailments ranging from gastrointestinal problems (indigestion, diarrhea) to respiratory and inflammatory conditions. Fig juice mixed with honey is traditionally applied for hemorrhage, and dried figs can serve as a mild laxative or aid for people with diabetes. (I like figs, but fig juice sounds awful.)From ancient mythologies and religious traditions to modern horticulture, the fig tree is a potent symbol and valuable resource for cultures around the world. Its enduring presence in human history highlights its importance as a source of nourishment, spiritual inspiration, and practical utility, just like the olive tree.
Ways to Use Figs
Figs can be eaten fresh, of course but it is far more versatile.
Pair fresh figs with cheese like goat cheese, feta, or ricotta, drizzled with honey or balsamic vinegar.
Grill or roast figs to intensify their sweetness and add a dollop of mascarpone or goat cheese.
Make fig jam or chutney to spread on toast or serve with cheese boards.
Bake figs with honey and serve with vanilla ice cream or crème fraîche for a dessert.
Use figs in sweet and savory tarts, pies, cakes, and breads.
Make fig leaf iced tea for a mild earthy flavor.
Make fig and Balsamic vinegar. (I always used dried fruit when making vinegar. Fresh fruit breaks down too fast.)
And I once made fig ice cream from my own recipe. It was pretty good.
My Fig Vinegar Story
When I lived in California, I had a small business making and selling flavored vinegars. The fig and balsamic blend won Best of Show at our county fair. It was just for fun—there were only a few entries, and it was many, many years ago—but I still hold onto my “bragging rights.”
To make the vinegar, I used dried Mission figs and high-quality balsamic. I covered the figs with twice their volume in vinegar, let the mixture age for six to eight months, then strained it.
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