Figs and Squirrels

In Oakland California when it comes to figs and squirrels we've got them in spades. Most of the homes in our neighborhood were built between 1923 and 1925. Many of these homes have fruit trees of one kind or another. Our two neighbors directly to the west of us have fig trees, and they produce fruit like crazy.

These are some of the healthiest squirrels I have ever seen. We would have very bored dogs if it wasn't for these squirrels. They run on top of the fences, and in the trees betweens in our yards, and they provide plenty of excitement for the canines. It's interactive doggie TV.

I think the squirrels are so healthy because of the figs. Squirrels are smart too. They only eat the fruit on the trees, not the ones that have fallen on the ground.  Figs are low in calories and rich in phyto-nutrients, as well as anti-oxidents and vitamins. Dried figs are full of calcium, copper, iron, manganese, selenium, and zinc. 100 grams of figs contains 640 mg. of potasium, 162 mg. of calcium, 2.03 grams of iron and 232 mg. of copper. Iron is required for red blood cell formation as well as cellular oxidation.

Figs contain good levels of B-complex group of vitamins including niacin, pyridoxin, folates, and pantothenic acid. Figs with their anti-oxidant phyto-chemical compounds help scavenge the harmful oxygen derived free radical from the body to protect us from cancer, diabetes and degenerative disease and infections.

With all these great benefits to eating figs it seems that a hundred grams of figs a day might help keep the doctor away better than an apple. Figs are indeed a super food.

Fresh Figs

So, a simply appetizer recipe that I served last week at a charity event is my recipe of the week, baked figs with blue cheese and pancetta.

Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes. you can see how it's done right here. It's like candy.

Peace,

Make Food/Not War

Figs, Pt. Reys Blue  

Figs, Pancetta and Pt. Reyes Blue Cheese

Before the oven