Are Figs Really Vegetarian? The Real Science, Myths, And Facts Explained | Food News

Some claim that dead insects within figs make them non-vegetarian. (AI Generated/News18 Hindi)

A recent surge in viral videos on social media has sparked confusion regarding the vegetarian status of figs, a fruit enjoyed since childhood. This debate is particularly significant for strict vegetarians.

Misunderstandings about the fig’s inner structure, its tree’s pollination process, and the role of fig wasps have led to inaccurate conclusions. This article aims to demystify the issue, explaining the reality of figs in simple terms.

From the outside, figs appear to be just like any other fruit. However, their unique inner structure, replete with tiny seeds, sometimes leads people to believe an insect is trapped inside.

Some claim that dead insects within figs make them non-vegetarian, but this is not entirely true. The pollination process involving fig wasps is crucial for understanding this issue.

Fig trees house their flowers inside the fruit. Fig wasps enter through a small hole to pollinate these internal flowers, enabling proper fruit development. This symbiotic relationship between the fig tree and the wasp is a marvel of nature. Occasionally, a wasp may become trapped and die inside the fig, leading to misconceptions about the fruit being non-vegetarian.

However, the truth is that the wasp is broken down by a special enzyme in the fig called ficin. This process ensures that no trace of the insect remains by the time the fig is ready to be eaten. Scientifically, calling figs non-vegetarian is incorrect.

Figs are considered completely vegetarian. Global food agencies, scientists, and nutrition experts affirm that figs contain no animal substance. In India, figs have always been classified as vegetarian. The wasp’s involvement is merely a natural part of the fig’s lifecycle, with no remnants left in the fruit.

Figs are also deemed vegan. Despite the insect-assisted pollination process, this occurs naturally rather than through human intervention in farming or the food industry. Therefore, figs are accepted as plant-based food by vegans.

In addition to being vegetarian and vegan, figs offer numerous health benefits. They improve digestion, aid in weight control, enhance skin health, and are rich in iron, calcium, and fibre. Figs also support heart health, making them a nutritious addition to any diet. Figs are not only vegetarian but also a healthy superfood.

(Disclaimer: The information provided is based on general beliefs. Please consult an expert before following any dietary advice.)