17 March 2012

Figs are unique...

http://img4.southernaccents.com/i/2008/07/figs-m.jpg?300:300

The fig fruit is unique. Unlike most fruit in which the edible structure is matured ovary tissue, the fig's edible structure is actually stem tissue. The fig fruit is an inverted flower with both the male and female flower parts enclosed in stem tissue. This structure is known botanically as a syconium. At maturity the interior of the fig contains only the remains of these flower structures, including the small gritty structures commonly called seeds. Actually, these so-called seeds usually are nothing more than unfertilized ovaries that failed to develop. They impart the resin-like flavor associated with figs.

I love them. They are one of my favourite fruits...
http://theshiksa.com/images/2010/10/Fig-Tree.jpg

No comments: