Figs have a long and storied history dating back to ancient times. Sumerian stone tablets dating back to 2500 B.C. record the culinary use of figs, and remains of fig trees were found during excavations of Neolithic sites from 5000 B.C. Some historians consider figs to be the first domesticated crop.
Figs originated in Western Asia and made their way to the Mediterranean in prehistoric times. They became one of the very first cultivated fruit trees, probably as early as 4,000 B.C. in Egypt or Arabia. They were worshipped wherever they went, it seemed, often playing symbolic roles relating to sensuality and fertility. The Indian fig tree, or banyan, is sacred in India, and interwoven with Indian mythology.
In ancient Greece, dried figs were a major part of the daily diet of rich and poor. Associated with Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture and fertility, the fig became a symbol of the fall harvest.
Figs in the bible
In the Book of Genesis, figs are mentioned in the story of the creation of the world. According to the story, God created plants and trees, including fig trees, on the third day of creation. The fig tree is mentioned specifically as one of the plants that God created. Also when Adam and Eve had to leave the Garden of Eden, they cover themselves with fig leaves.
In addition to being mentioned as one of the first plants that God created, figs are also mentioned as being a part of the diet of the ancient Israelites. In the Book of Leviticus, the Israelites are told that they are allowed to eat the fig tree\'s fruit, along with the fruit of other trees, as part of their diet.
Figs were an important part of the diet of the ancient Israelites and were used in many different ways. They could be eaten fresh, dried, or made into fig cakes or fig preserves. Figs were also used as a natural sweetener in recipes and were often used in baking.