Finish off a scrumptious seasonal meal with a selection of desserts made from deliciously moreish figs. Naturally sweet, their honeyed taste and a soft, squishy texture make them worth seeking out and add the perfect twist to a traditional British pudding.
These little green and purple fruits open up to reveal a treasure trove of amber seeds and have been a part of the diets of Mediterranean cultures since ancient times – often mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible and said to be highly prized by royalty.
Like other fruits, figs are eaten fresh or dried, but are mouthwatering once cooked and pop open at the slightest touch revealing their oozing juices. The easiest way to serve these baked treats is with a spoonful of cool yogurt like they would have done in ancient times.
But never fear about being over-indulgent because figs are, in fact, full of vitamins and nutrients. A large fresh fig has only about 50 calories, but 7% of recommended daily fibre, as well as plenty of calcium, potassium and magnesium.
As part of a charity collaboration with the Italian restaurant, Zizzi, food writer and chef Gizzi Erskine has shared her recipe for her luxurious, melt-in-the-mouth toffee figgy pudding. Heavenly when served with a dollop of clotted cream and a sprinkling of amaretti biscuit, this lovely little pud brings a Mediterranean flourish to a classic British dish.
And add a touch of goodness to a flapjack by swapping golden syrup for the natural sweetness and bite of figs and dates. These yummy oat bars are ideal as lunchbox fillers for all the family and are full of fibre which will help ward off hunger pains until the evening!
