Fig

A fig is the teardrop-shaped edible structure of the *Ficus carica* tree. While commonly called a fruit, it is technically an **inverted flower cluster** or *syconium*. Here is a brief description: * **Appearance:** Figs have a thin, edible, and leathery skin that varies in color depending on the variety—from dark purple and black (like the 'Black Mission' fig) to green, brown, or yellow. * **Interior:** When cut open, the interior is fleshy and pulpy, ranging in color from deep ruby red or pink to amber or light yellow. It is filled with hundreds of tiny, crunchy, edible seeds (which are the actual individual fruits of the fig plant). * **Taste and Texture:** Fresh figs are notably **sweet** with a deep, rich, often honey-like or jammy flavor, and sometimes hints of berry, nuttiness, or floral notes. They have a **soft, squishy, and pulpy** texture on the inside, contrasted by the slight *crunch* of the numerous seeds. * **Use:** Figs can be eaten whole (including the skin) when fresh, or they are often dried, which concentrates their sweetness and makes them available year-round. They are used in both sweet and savory dishes, like salads, desserts, with cheese, or in jams.