Re-Discover Figs – the Food of Olympian Athletes

Jul 1, 2021 by Chef David

By Chef David

Ecofius’ dried figs are produced according to old-world traditions. They use a type of fig called Calabacita or Spanish Baby figs, which originates from Almoharin. They are cultivated utilizing “parthenocarpic” fertilization, that is, they are self-fertilized, which produces a smaller fruit with a delicate sweet taste, covered by a light-honey colored thin skin and contain an array of small seeds. Their unique flavor and texture differentiate them from their larger Turkish cousins that we are most familiar with, which are fertilized by insects and are larger in size with thicker skin. 

Ecofius organic dried figs are a delightful delicate parve snack, certified as kosher by the Kosher London Beth Din (K LBD), produced by the family-owned company since 2003.

Dried figs a favorite of Olympic athletes and philosophers

As far back as Ancient Greece, dried figs were regarded as a complete food. These delicacies are natural, sweet without a need for added sugar, and have no preservatives or colorings. 

Superfood filled with energy and nutrients

Dried figs are a superfood, providing natural energy and nutrition. Figs are rich in natural sugars, complex carbohydrates, and dietary fiber. They are a source of phenol, omega 3, and 6 fatty acids which helps reduce cholesterol. Figs also contain healthy probiotics bacteria that support digestive health.  They also have a wealth of minerals, including magnesium and potassium which are used to support muscles and nerves, as well as iron and calcium which are beneficial for bones. 

Figs contain small seeds, which produces a unique mouthfeel, a small pop-crunch, for some, including me this enhances the eating experience, although for others these seeds can get caught between their teeth. 

Environmentally conscious 

In a world looking for sustainability, and environmental preservations, Ecoficus’ figs hit the mark. Ecoficus is focused on producing products that are naturally healthy, and environmentally conscious. Their fig production was designed to emulate the old-world methods. Ecoficus figs are produced organically and ripened naturally which allows the formation of rich natural flavors.  Ecoficus even follows the principle of being environmentally friendly with their packaging by using natural boxes and recyclable cardboard trays.  

Other Fig Products

Ecoficus sells two dried figs products: au naturel (my preference) and a variety coated with gluten-free flour coating. The coating was an interesting modification providing a different texture and taste. Ecoficus’ figs were of consistently high quality in both taste and texture. They were perfect!

They make organic energy bars which contain only contain fruit and nuts. These bars are gluten-free, consisting of fig paste combined with orange, raisins, cinnamon, cranberry, pumpkin seeds, and lemon. 100% natural! I really enjoyed the fig bars. They don’t compare to anything typically seen on the American market.  

They also produce a fig bread, known as the poor man’s nougat, a Spanish gluten-free parve dessert made with almonds, cinnamon, oranges, and figs. Ecoficus products provide a fresh, tasty, nosh when you need something sweet but want to be healthier.  

I served fig bread as a healthy dessert course on Shabbos, it left me satiated, with a pleasant lingering orange flavor. Ecoficus also recommends serving it with salad or a charcuterie board with cheese for a light repast. A word of caution is that the texture and appearance are unusual, presenting more like a fruit bar than a traditional gluten-laden snack product, as they should be. After the first taste you will be addicted, I was!          

Available Online

If we have learned anything from COVID, is it the power of connecting over the internet, removing the logistical barriers of shopping local, and expanding our horizons to discover the best kosher products anywhere in the world!  Through online shopping, we can compensate for our inability to travel overseas while exploring exotic kosher brands. 

Ecoficus figs, a product of Spain, is a delight for the pallet – fresh, sweet, and dainty dried fruit (https://www.ecoficus.com/en/online-shop) with a sophisticated look, and delicious taste.