The Secret Symbolism Of Figs + A Recipe

The last day of summer may still be far off, but a new season is upon us. It’s fig season: That short but sweet couple of weeks in late July when fresh figs can be easily found in markets, grocery stores, and for those of us lucky enough to see them grow locally, farmer’s markets. While figs may officially have two seasons — one short, mid-summer season, and one a bit later that runs longer into fall — this time of year is when I enjoy them most, sun-ripened and full of flavor, bursting with freshness.

Figs are an ancient fruit, cultivated for centuries and celebrated for their intense nourishment (they’re full of fiber, copper, vitamin B6, and potassium) and regarded as a sacred symbol by many, an emblem even older than that of the fig tree. Let’s start with the seeds: Delicate, abundant, and edible, fig seeds signify universal understanding, unity, and truth. Think about all those tiny, jewel-toned specks, unified in their purpose of creating more life, a mass of purpose. Then, to the fruit itself, the tear-drop silhouette that fills your hand with slightly yielding softness. Figs are plentiful, their trees sprouting bi-yearly crop, so it seems only natural that the fig should connote just that: Abundance.

Considering their context, figs are the perfect thing to serve for gatherings when they are in season. I love to eat them plain, but the delicate flavor of this age-old fruit lends itself easily to all kinds of dishes, from sweet to savory. Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite ways to serve them: Fresh and topped with honey, goat cheese, and walnuts. Make a batch for your next summertime get-together to promote unity and understanding among your guests.