Are Figs Vegetarian-Friendly Or Not? Here’s All You Need To Know

We generally believe that all fruits fall under the “vegetarian” or “vegan” category. However, what if we tell you that this thumb rule is not true for all the fruits in the world? Figs are one of the most popular and debatable examples of this! You see, figs are pollinated by wasps, and while this process is beneficial for both species, it raises questions about whether the fruit can be considered vegetarian or not. Now, if you’re interested to know more about this, then keep scrolling!

Are Figs Non-Vegetarian Or Not?

Did you know that the sweet and delectable figs are considered to be a non-vegetarian fruit by many? The reason for this is its pollination process. According to The Times of India, figs rely on small wasps for pollination. These wasps enter the fruit through a small hole called the ostiole. The flower of the fig is inside the fruit and to pollinate, the wasp has to enter the fruit. Now, while it is inside the fruit, the female wasp lays her eggs and then transfers pollen to the fig flowers.

The wasp larvae develop inside the fruit until it hatches. Typically, male wasps mate with the females inside the fruit and then dig out and leave a space for the females to exit and carry pollen to new fruits. However, not all females are able to exit the fruit. So, if the wasp dies inside the fig, the ficin enzyme in the fig eats up the body and blends it with the fruit. This makes the dead wasp a part of the fruit which is distinguishable or even visible to us.

However, this process has caused many vegetarians and vegans to believe that eating figs can turn them into non-vegetarians. While the whole process is a part of a natural cycle, it raises ethical concerns for many people.

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Benefits Of Including This Fruit In Your Diet

Whether figs are vegetarian or non-vegetarian remains more of an ethical issue than anything else. If you can overlook the process of its pollination, then figs can be quite an amazing addition to your diet. Here are some benefits of this delicious fruit –

1. Consuming 3-4 figs daily can improve digestion.
2. Figs are low in calories and can help in weight loss.
3. Can improve your heart health.
4. Good for the immune system.
5. Rich in zinc and magnesium.
6. Help manage blood sugar levels.
7. Can improve skin health.

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So, what are your thoughts on this? Will you continue enjoying figs as always or has this new-found knowledge changed your mind? Let us know in the comments!

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva