The Figs of Suryalila

As summer gently transitions into autumn at Suryalila Retreat Centre, the lush gardens come alive with the bounty of the season. Among the most celebrated fruits in our gardens are the figs, now ripening under the warm Andalusian sun. As our guests savor fig jam or indulge in the various fig-based dishes prepared by our talented kitchen team, we invite you to explore the fascinating world of figs and their deep-rooted connection to this beautiful region.

Figs are one of the oldest cultivated fruits in Andalucía, with their history stretching back to ancient times. The Phoenicians and Romans were among the first to grow figs extensively in this region, recognising the fruit’s value not only as a food source but also for its medicinal properties.

Andalucía is home to a wide variety of figs, each with its unique flavor and characteristics. Among the most popular are the "higuera de la miel" (honey fig), known for its exceptional sweetness, and the "higuera negra" (black fig), which boasts a rich, deep flavor. These varieties can be found growing in abundance at Suryalila, where the trees are currently heavy with fruit, ready to be transformed into delectable dishes or enjoyed fresh from the branch.

Our kitchen team at Suryalila has been turning the season’s fig harvest into a variety of mouthwatering treats for our guests. Fig jam, a beloved Andalusian preserve, is being spread generously on the breakfast table, and our chefs are also incorporating figs into both sweet and savory dishes, from tarta de higos (fig tart) to ensalada de higos y queso (fig and cheese salad).

Figs grown at Suryalila, like those throughout Andalucía, are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any diet. Moreover, fig farming is often practiced sustainably in this region. Fig trees require minimal water compared to other crops, making them well-suited to Andalucía’s arid climate and contributing to the long-term viability of fig cultivation.

Interesting Facts About Figs

1. Figs Are Not Actually Fruits: Technically, figs are not fruits but inverted flowers. The fig "fruit" is a syconium—a hollow structure lined with tiny flowers on the inside. This unique structure is where the fig wasp comes into play, entering the syconium to pollinate these internal flowers.

2. Ancient Symbolism: Figs have been symbols of fertility, peace, and prosperity since ancient times. In many cultures, they were also seen as a symbol of enlightenment, as the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment under a fig tree.

3. Longest Cultivated Crop: Figs are believed to be one of the first domesticated crops, with evidence of fig cultivation dating back to 9,400 BC, long before the domestication of wheat, barley, or legumes.

4. Natural Sweetener: Figs are one of the sweetest fruits available, and in ancient times, they were often used as a natural sweetener before the widespread use of sugar.

5. Figs and Human Health: In traditional medicine, figs have been used as a remedy for various ailments, including digestive issues, respiratory problems, and inflammation. Modern science supports these uses, recognizing the high fiber content and antioxidant properties of figs.

6. No Need for Pollination in All Types: While many fig varieties require fig wasps for pollination, some, known as parthenocarpic figs, can develop without any pollination at all. These figs are often grown commercially since they don’t require the wasp’s presence.

7. Figs in Space: Figs were among the first plants to be considered for cultivation in space. Their ability to grow in confined environments and their nutritional value made them an ideal candidate for sustaining astronauts on long missions.

So, come and experience the sweetness of the season with us—you’ll find that figs are just one more reason to fall in love with Suryalila.