What's Unusual about the Insides of Figs?

Eaten any dead insects lately? Well, if you've eaten figs, then the surprising answer would be "yes!" The insides of figs actually contain remnants of dead wasps. The fruit of the fig tree is fertilized by female fig wasps that crawl inside the fruit to lay their eggs, carrying pollen from the male fig flowers to the female flowers in the process. However, only male fig flowers have receptacles in which female wasps can lay their eggs. Therefore, if a female fig wasp mistakenly enters a female flower, the insect is trapped inside and dies after laying her eggs. Since only female fig flowers grow fruit, the figs that we consume technically contain dead wasps, but the remains are essentially digested by the flower.

More about figs:

• Figs have a natural sugar content of 55%, making them one of the world's sweetest fruits.
• The first commercial use of figs dates back to 1892, with the introduction of Fig Newtons -- pastries filled with fig paste.
• Figs were considered a symbol of honor in ancient Greece. They were even utilized during the ancient Olympic Games – both as a training food for the athletes and as part of the awards for the winners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the inside of a fig unusual compared to other fruits?

The interior of a fig is unique because it actually contains its flowers and seeds internally, unlike most fruits where flowers are external. This enclosed environment is called a syconium, which provides a specialized habitat for certain species of wasps to pollinate the fig's flowers from the inside.

How do figs get pollinated if their flowers are inside?

Figs are pollinated by a symbiotic relationship with fig wasps. The female wasps enter the fig through a tiny opening called an ostiole, carrying pollen from another fig. Inside, they lay their eggs and pollinate the flowers. The larvae hatch, and male offspring mate with the females before dying, while mated females exit to pollinate other figs.

Are there really dead wasps inside figs?

Yes, it's possible for figs to contain the remains of dead wasps. However, the fig tree produces an enzyme called ficin that breaks down the wasp's body into protein, which is then absorbed by the plant. This natural process ensures that the fig remains edible and nutritious for consumption.

Do all figs require wasps for pollination?

Not all figs require wasps for pollination. The common fig, Ficus carica, is typically cultivated in a way that does not require pollination to produce fruit (a process known as parthenocarpy). However, wild figs and certain cultivated varieties do rely on the intricate fig-wasp mutualism for fruit development.

What is the ecological significance of the fig-wasp relationship?

The fig-wasp mutualism is ecologically significant as it represents a highly evolved symbiotic relationship crucial for the reproductive success of both species. Figs provide a habitat and food source for the wasps, while the wasps ensure the figs' pollination. This interaction is a key component in tropical ecosystems, supporting a wide range of wildlife that feeds on figs.

Can you eat figs if you're vegan, considering they may contain wasps?

This is a personal choice for vegans, as the presence of wasps in figs is a natural part of the fruit's life cycle rather than a result of human exploitation. Most vegans consider figs acceptable to eat because the fig-wasp relationship is mutually beneficial and essential for the fig's reproduction, rather than intentional harm to animals.