What is the difference between dates and figs

However, since dates are sweet, you should be careful not to consume too much since it contains The fig is a small fruit that comes from the Ficus tree.

Just like dates, figs come in multiple colors and sizes and are usually served dried. However, a lot of people still prefer eating figs fresh out of the ficus tree since eating it raw is deemed to give off more health benefits. Fresh figs originally came from Middle Eastern and Mediterranean regions, and soon made it out of European and American regions. Dried figs on the other hand, mostly come from northern regions.

Figs can easily be added to several meals. I personally prefer adding it to plain oatmeal to add a sense of sweetness. Aside from oatmeal, you can also try adding figs to yogurt and salads.

It also makes for a great addition to a cheese platter. Another similarity figs have with dates is that they are also pretty healthy. Ever since ancient Egyptian times, figs have been a source of energy since it contains plenty of fibers and anti-oxidants. Figs are very rich in fiber, making it a natural laxative that will easily help you regulate your bowel movements and improve your digestive system. There are two main types of fig fruits that are produced, one from long-styled flowers which are edible and another type that is produced from a different type of female flower, which is a short-styled flower.

In the latter case, the fruits are inedible and the tree is called a caprifig. Fig pollination is through wasps which are specialized for pollination of fig trees. Figs are a healthy food item that can be eaten either fresh or dried. The figs contain a lot of calcium, at 20 percent of recommended daily intake, and they contain magnesium, potassium and even 10 g of fiber.

The potassium and magnesium are important electrolytes that you need to stay healthy, and the fiber is also beneficial for good health, especially for the digestive system. The figs are also good sources of iron and phosphorous and may help to prevent disease through the presence of various phenolic compounds and other phytochemicals. A date is a fruit that is produced by the date palm tree, which has the scientific name Phoenix dactylifera.

The fruit can be eaten either fresh or dried, depending on where the fruit is harvested. Date palms naturally grow in areas of the world that have a dry and hot climate, such as the middle-eastern countries and northern parts of Africa. Countries of the Middle East have depended on date palms as a source of food and other products for many centuries. The date fruit is usually a brown to reddish-brown color with a wrinkled appearance. It is also oval in shape and has a sticky texture, and is classified as a drupe.

Unlike figs that contain multiple seeds, a date fruit contains only one seed, which means it does not have the crunchy texture that a fig has when eaten. The date fruits are produced in bunches on the palm tree, and they can weigh as much as 8 kg per bunch.

A single bunch may contain or more individual fruits. The date palm trees start to produce fruit at about 5 years old and they can continue to produce fruit for several years later but eventually, over time, they do produce less and less fruit. Peak production is at about 10 years, but date palm trees continue to form fruit for several decades. It also does contain some fiber and is considered a healthy food choice.

The sugar content though is higher than that of figs, with dates having 63 grams of sugar while figs have only 43 grams per grams.

Figs are fruits produced by the fig tree Ficus carica. Summary Dates have a lower glycemic index , richer in fibers, potassium, copper, magnesium, and vitamins B5, B6, and folate.

Vitamin Comparison Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" chart below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by grams of the food. Mineral Comparison Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. Author name: Jack Yacoubian. The summary score is calculated by summing up the daily values contained in grams of the product.

Obviously the more the food fulfills human daily needs, the more the summary score is. Macronutrient comparison charts compare the amount of protein, total fats, and total carbohydrates in grams of the food. The displayed values show how much of the daily needs can be covered by grams of food.

Comparison summary table Pay attention to the most right column. It shows the amounts side by side, making it easier to realize the amount of difference. Which food is preferable for your diet? Low Calories diet. Low Fats diet.

Low Carbs diet. Low glycemic index diet. Which food is lower in Saturated Fat? Dates is lower in Saturated Fat difference - 0. Which food is lower in glycemic index? Dates is lower in glycemic index difference - Which food is richer in minerals?

Dates is relatively richer in minerals. Which food is lower in Sugar? Common fig is lower in Sugar difference - While figs are a better source of zinc than dates, the difference is not as remarkable as calcium and iron.

You need zinc to help fight colds and heal wounds. Dates are a slightly better source of potassium than figs. Potassium is a mineral that helps your body maintain fluid balance. While they both resonate deeply with the middle-eastern and North-African cultures and even religious beliefs, to be entirely honest, dates contain more saturated sugar levels, making them the perfect sun-dying afternoon or sun-rising meals side-kicks.

On the other hand, figs, especially Iranian dried figs, have infinite grains, giving them a more crunchy taste. The date is the fruit of the date palm tree. Specifically, it is a drupe — the type of fruit in which the fleshy, edible part surrounds a hard pit. Figs are edible vessels encasing hundreds of tiny fruits — informally known as the seeds. Like dates, figs grow on trees or shrubs. The main difference between figs and dates rests in their beneficial properties and how they contribute to the human body, healthy diet, some nutritious levels, and how they are perceived in certain cultures.

Other than that, the differences lie in the shape, form, exterior feeling, grain count, and the final pricing methods. Your email address will not be published. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. What Are Iranian Figs?