1. FIGS

2. Figs may have been the first crop cultivated by man. Remnants of figs have been found in excavation sites traced to as early as 5000 B.C. They are mentioned in the Bible and in other ancient writings.

3. FIGS Figs were originally native to Western Asia, specifically Turkey to India & the Mediterranean countries.

4. FIGS Figs were brought to Florida by Spanish explorers in 1575. Figs were brought from the West Indies to California by Spanish missionaries in 1769. Figs were first sold commercially in a manufacturer cookie in 1892. Today California is the 3 rd largest fig producer behind Turkey and Greece.

5. FIGS Must ripen on the tree Hold only 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator Are available fresh in the US on a limited basis from July to September Are usually dried for preservation Are available year round dried

6. FIGS Figs are good sources of:  Fiber  The minerals calcium, copper, manganese, magnesium, iron, potassium and phosphorus  Vitamin K

7. FIGS References: www. fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/month/figs.html www.californiafigs.com www.whfoods.com/figs www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/fig.html www.nafex.org/figs.htm www.meccagold.com/history.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_fig