Grilled fig recipes

Come summertime in the Mediterranean, fresh figs can be found growing wild almost everywhere. Huge fig trees with a large folly of leaves shelter the succulent purple fruit away from the searing summer sun, creating the perfect growing temperature for this delicious treat. 

Our daily morning hike takes us past one such tree, and it’s hard not to stop for a nibble each time we pass by.

By the end of summer, branches droop with the weight of the fresh figs glistening in the sun. On these occasions, we often accept the gift of nature and pick a punnet of fresh figs to take home and enjoy. 

Grilled figs

Our favorite way to serve our bounty of fresh figs is a classic Mediterranean recipe, grilled figs with goat cheese. It often feels like this recipe is forgotten, only to be reinvigorated in any number of chefs’ cookbooks and online come the beginning of each summer. 

I’m sure that people have been grilling figs since before the Mediterranean region even had a name. Perhaps it is a testament to such a fantastic flavor that makes this recipe so unforgettable.

Grilled figs are quick to make, and more importantly, taste incredible on their own, or even better, when paired with goat’s cheese, honey, nuts, and basil.

Figs in Spain

No matter where you venture in Spain, you’ll find figs growing wild. The warm climate is idealic for cultivating figs and Spain is the largest fig grower in Western Europe.

Within Spain, the warm internal region of Extremadura has the largest fig plantations, with a strong focus on the cultivation of the Calabacita variety of figs.

Grilled figs with goat cheese and honey

Drizzle a couple of tablespoons of honey over the fruits. This is one of the best flavor combinations for a dessert as the honey really adds to the sweetness of the figs. 

Best nuts to use with your grilled figs

For this recipe, we used some lightly toasted walnut pieces, however, you could easily use any nut. Pine nuts also work well and give a subtle texture to the dessert. Flaked almonds also work great, as do cashew nuts. When it comes to choosing the best nuts for this recipe, use what you have on hand or your personal favorite.

Fresh figs nutrition facts

Good news folks! Those with a sweet tooth searching for a healthy snack, look no further. The humble fig is a nutrition superstar. Here are the nutrition facts for one fig (around 2 inches/5 cm in diameter).  

• Calories: 37
• Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Protein: 0 g

Fig Health benefits

It’s no surprise that figs are highly regarded in the Mediterranean diet. They are a perfect substitute for sugar and were used as a natural sweetener in food long before refined sugar. 

Besides being a great sugar swerve, here are some other health benefits offered by consuming figs;

• Figs are high in potassium and can help reduce high blood pressure, the risk of stroke, and prevent other serious health issues such as heart disease. 
• Figs are high in prebiotics that helps maintain a healthy gut, and reduce constipation and other bowel issues. 
• Figs are an excellent source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, and Iron.

Cooking Tips and FAQs

Should figs be cooked? 

Fresh ripened figs are completely healthy to eat raw, but cooking them elevates their flavor to another level! 

What can I do with my fresh figs?

Fresh figs are a great snack all on their own, or of course, grilled with some goat’s cheese like in this recipe. If you’re looking to make something that’ll last longer than a few days, consider making a jam or chutney from your fresh figs. 

Another great option is to dehydrate or dry your figs. Dried figs make a tasty and healthy snack. 

Is there a wasp in every fig?

In the wild, female wasps pollinate figs while attempting to lay their eggs inside of the fig, but sadly the female often dies inside of the fig. Don’t worry, figs have a powerful enzyme that can easily break down the wasp long before they are ripened and eaten. 

Propagated figs like the ones you buy in supermarkets do not use wasps to pollinate the figs, instead using a hormone spray that allows the fig to ripen without pollination. 

Are figs vegan?

Figs that are grown commercially are often vegan and do not require pollination by any wasps. Some varieties of figs in the wild are pollinated by the female wasp who later dies inside of the fig, so technically, a dead wasp is inside of figs grown in the wild. 

However, this is a natural process, and for many, not considered as exploitation of animals or insects. It’s ultimately up to each vegan how they decide.  

Do figs make you poop?

Figs are an excellent source of fiber, which in turn promotes regular bowel movements. Excessive consumption of figs (much like any fruit) may cause digestive upset or diarrhea in some people. Typically, consuming figs is a great way to stay regular. 

Are figs high in sugar?

For centuries figs were known for their sweet taste and used as a sugar supplement, and for good reason. Figs are one of the most sugar-dense fruits out there! A fig approximately 2-inches/ 5 cm in diameter has around 8 grams of sugar per fruit. 

Are figs anti-inflammatory?

Figs are packed with immune-boosting vitamins, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. They’re also an excellent anti-inflammatory fruit that can help aid digestion, and maintain balanced glucose levels in the blood.

Should I store fresh figs in the fridge?

Fresh figs will last a couple of days at or below room temperature (below 25°C/ 77°F). Figs that are refrigerated will last around 4-5 days when placed in the crisper drawer with plenty of room. If you refrigerate your figs, do not overcrowd them in a container as this may damage the fruit and lead to them deteriorating faster.