Are There Any Dead Insects In Figs?

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Figs are inverted flowers that require a specific kind of pollination that can only come from fig wasps. These tiny insects, which are small and female, lay their eggs inside the fig’s flowers. However, there are no dead wasps in figs, as they are not found in every fig. When a female wasp dies within an edible fig, an enzyme known as ficin is present in the fig, breaking down the dead wasps.

Edible figs do include at least one dead female wasp, but it is not the urban legend that fruits contain insect meat. Female fig wasps lay their eggs inside the fig’s flowers, but they do. The enzyme ficin in figs breaks down the dead wasps as it ripens, making them crunchy seeds. This is the Queen Tree, and figs usually have multiple teeny wasps in them dead after planting their eggs.

Figs grown in the USA do not have wasps at all, while those grown in Europe and the Middle East may or may not have wasps. Wasps pollinate the majority of commercially grown figs. Edible figs do include at least one dead female wasp, but it is not the same as the myth that fruits contain insect meat.

In conclusion, figs are inverted flowers that require a specific kind of pollination that can only come from fig wasps. Although some figs may contain dead wasps, they are not the main source of insect meat. The fig wasp is extremely tiny and does not play a significant role in the overall health of the fruit.

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What Do You Mean There Are Dead Wasps in My Figs?Many figs are pollinated by fig wasps, and that those tiny bugs die inside each fleshy pod. The bounty in my fridge suddenly took on a sinister quality.bonappetit.com
Fresh Figs, and Bugs?So yes, there are definitely dead bugs in figs. But the fig essentially digests the dead wasps as it ripens—ashes to ashes, dust to dust, fig to …smithsonianmag.com
Figs are flowers, not fruit. And they each contain a …This is the Queen Tree and the figs usually have multiple teeny wasps in them dead after planting their eggs. Upvote 2. Downvote Reply replyreddit.com

📹 Are There Dead Wasps In Figs? Gross Science

— Host, Writer, Animator, Editor Anna Rothschild Camera, Production Help Julia Davis Illustration of Fig Cross-Section Eliza …


How Do You Check Figs For Bugs
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How Do You Check Figs For Bugs?

To ensure figs are safe for consumption, follow these thorough inspection steps: Wash figs thoroughly, and perform a spot check on 1 in 3 or 4. Look for infestations on the peel—remove the opening at the bottom along with some surrounding flesh and halve the fig. Turn it inside out to inspect for infestations, including signs of insect damage or dark-colored worms. Both fresh and dried figs can be infested with insects, requiring different checking procedures.

For fresh figs, after washing, cut open the fruit, remove the bottom opening, and inspect the interior for fig worms or wasps. If any insects are found, discard the fig. Dried figs follow a slightly varied process; wash the exterior, then cut open and inspect similarly.

To check for insects effectively, place a thrip cloth over a lightbox. If insects are detected, repeat the washing and inspecting steps up to three times. If after three attempts insects are still found, discard the produce. This fruit and vegetable inspection guideline also applies to various items such as asparagus, lettuce, and raspberries.

It's essential to check figs due to the potential for infestation, with many fig varieties featuring a hole at the bottom, making it easy for insects to enter. Rigorous inspection is crucial, as discovered infestations, like those found in commercial packets, can be unpleasant. Always break open a fig and inspect thoroughly.

Do Fig Trees Have Bugs In Them
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Do Fig Trees Have Bugs In Them?

Common fig tree insect pests include the carpenter worm, darkling ground beetle, dried fruit beetle, earwig, freeman sap beetle, confused sap beetle, fig beetle, and fig mite. Certain fig varieties require both male and female trees and rely on fig wasps for pollination. The female wasp enters through a narrow opening, loses her wings, and either lays eggs in the male fig or becomes trapped in the fruit.

Most home-grown figs do not contain wasps, as the pollinating fig wasp (Blastophaga psenes) exists only in select California regions. Interestingly, figs are not classified as fruit; rather, they are inverted flowers necessitating specific pollination from these wasps, which die inside the fig during the process.

A common concern about figs is whether they harbor insects. The answer is negative; the wasps are completely digested, leaving no intact insects within the fruit when consumed. Fig wasps belong to the superfamily Chalcidoidea and are vital for pollinating the approximately 900 fig species globally. Although some fig varieties may require bugs for development, these are rare in the U. S.

Edible figs, particularly those sold in supermarkets, can ripen without pollination, and hormonal treatments can simulate wasp pollination effects. A misconception persists about accidental insect consumption, where myths abound regarding black dots in fruits. It's crucial to understand that figs and fig wasps share a unique interdependent relationship. While some edible figs do contain deceased female wasps, the overall idea that fruits harbor insect meat is an exaggeration. Many varieties thriving in commercial settings do not necessitate pollinating bugs.

Can Figs Digest Wasps Whole
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Can Figs Digest Wasps Whole?

According to Science Focus, the female figs that we consume have a fascinating symbiotic relationship with fig wasps. These figs facilitate the pollination process by accommodating female wasps, which enter the fig through a narrow opening. During this entry, the wasp loses its wings and becomes trapped inside the fig. If the fig is male, the wasp proceeds to lay its eggs within. Although it might seem alarming, figs do not contain live wasps when consumed. Instead, there is typically at least one dead wasp per fig; however, this wasp is entirely digested by the fig’s natural enzymes.

Figs produce an enzyme called ficin (also known as ficain), which plays a crucial role in breaking down the wasp’s body. This enzymatic action converts the wasp into plant protein, which is then absorbed by the fig. Consequently, when humans eat figs, they do not ingest whole wasps. The crunchy bits found within figs are merely seeds, not remnants of wasp parts. Experts like Ferguson reassure that by the time figs are ripe and ready for consumption, no fig wasps remain intact within them. The digestion process ensures that the wasp's exoskeleton is completely broken down before humans can consume the fruit.

The misconception that figs are filled with dead wasps is debunked by these natural processes. While it is true that some figs are pollinated by wasps that do die inside the figs, the enzymes within the fig efficiently dissolve the wasp, leaving no trace of the insect. This enzymatic digestion transforms the wasp into nutrients that the fig utilizes to develop its fruit and seeds. Consequently, ripe figs are free from any dead wasps, making them safe to eat.

Moreover, despite the unique pollination mechanism involving wasps, figs are considered vegan by many organizations. This is because the wasps are entirely digested, and no insect flesh remains in the fruit. The crunchy texture attributed to seeds is purely botanical and not related to any insect remnants. Thus, the relationship between figs and fig wasps, while intricate, does not result in the consumption of whole wasps by humans. The natural enzymatic processes within figs ensure that the fruit remains free from any undigested wasp parts, maintaining its safety and integrity for consumption.

Do Fig Wasps Sting Humans
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Do Fig Wasps Sting Humans?

Fig wasps pose no threat to humans, either alive or dead, and play a crucial role in the pollination of figs without contaminating the fruit. These tiny wasps, measuring no more than 2 mm, lack the ability to sting humans due to their specialized ovipositor, which is used solely for laying eggs. While fig wasps do hatch and die inside figs, it doesn't turn the fruit into an "insect graveyard." Instead, the wasps' exoskeletons disintegrate by the time the figs ripen, and any crunchiness in the figs is attributed to seeds, not wasp remains. If a wasp were to remain intact inside a fig, its small size makes it unlikely to be noticed by the consumer.

There is a common misconception that all figs require wasps for growth; however, some varieties, such as the Adriatic fig, do not need them at all. Although fig wasps belong to the superfamily Chalcidoidea and have a larval stage inside figs, their primary focus is reproduction. Non-pollinating wasps may exist alongside pollinators in this family, but they do not pose a danger to humans. If provoked, fig wasps can be territorial, but they are not generally considered aggressive.

In terms of human consumption, figs harvested from non-commercial sources may contain traces of digested wasps, as the female fig fruit produces enzymes that fully digest their exoskeletons before consumption. Thus, fig wasps are harmless and do not affect human food safety.

When Should You Not Eat Figs
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When Should You Not Eat Figs?

Figs can interfere with blood-thinning medications due to their vitamin K content, and dried figs should be consumed in moderation because of their high sugar levels. While figs are best enjoyed raw and straight from the tree, excessive consumption can lead to digestive issues like diarrhea, especially for those with bowel problems. This fruit is not ideal for individuals with low blood sugar or those on medication for blood sugar control, as figs may alter blood sugar levels and impact surgical procedures.

Fresh figs are delicate and typically don't ripen after being picked; they should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within a week. When selecting figs, avoid those that are overly firm or have an off smell. Allergies may also be a concern, particularly for individuals sensitive to mulberry, natural rubber latex, or weeping fig. Lastly, despite their health benefits, figs are higher in calories and sugar than many other fruits, making overeating less favorable for weight management. Overall, while figs have culinary versatility, they must be consumed with caution to avoid adverse effects on health, particularly regarding digestion and blood sugar levels.

Do All Figs Have Bugs Inside
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Do All Figs Have Bugs Inside?

Rest assured, consuming figs does not mean you're eating bugs. While some fig varieties possess more open "eyes" or ostioles that might allow insects to enter, the common figs you harvest won't contain dead wasps or their eggs. Although not all figs have insects, certain types do allow bugs in. A fig digests any dead wasps as it ripens, meaning that by the time you enjoy the fruit, no remnants of wasps will be found inside.

Figs are actually inverted flowers and require specific pollination from fig wasps. Male and female figs need pollination from a unique breed of wasp. Interestingly, female wasps, once they crawl inside the fig through a tiny opening, lose their wings and become trapped. It's important to note that fig wasps are not present in every fig. For those concerned about bugs, you can eat ripe figs without worry—there’s no dead wasp hiding inside.

While it’s true that in some cases, wasps hatch and die within figs, they don’t form an insect graveyard. As figs ripen, the bodies of the wasps break down. The gist of the matter is that edible figs do include at least one dead female wasp, but this isn't as alarming as it may seem; an enzyme known as ficin within the fig breaks down the wasp's body into protein.

Most commercially grown figs are pollinated by wasps, but not all varieties depend on them for development—many grown for supermarkets do not. They serve a symbiotic relationship where both fig and wasp rely on each other, but not all figs result in wasps being inside. So, while some figs might have dead bugs, they are digested within the fruit, leaving you to enjoy your figs worry-free.

Why Is Fig Not Vegan
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Why Is Fig Not Vegan?

Figs have a complex relationship with wasps, crucial for their lifecycle, where a wasp lays eggs inside the fig, leading to the larvae hatching and carrying pollen from the fig. This process results in the death of the wasp, raising vegan concerns. While some view figs as non-vegan due to this relationship, others argue that figs, being plant-based, are compatible with veganism. The issue arises from the fact that some fig varieties rely on wasps for pollination, making their consumption controversial for those who adhere strictly to vegan principles.

Despite the wasp involvement, commercial fig production often does not necessitate their pollination, as most figs cultivated today do not follow this natural process. Additionally, figs are cherished for their health benefits, being rich in calcium and potassium, and are commonly used as a natural sugar substitute in various recipes. As rumors spread that figs contain wasps, many now assert that consuming figs contradicts vegan ethics, as they entail the digestion of wasp bodies.

While some maintain that the death of the wasp during the fig's development makes it non-vegan, others adopt a broader interpretation of veganism, allowing for the consumption of figs. Ultimately, the decision on whether figs can be classified as vegan varies among individuals, reflecting differing beliefs about exploitation and mutualistic relationships in nature.

Are There Dead Wasps In Figs
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Are There Dead Wasps In Figs?

Figs and fig wasps share a unique symbiotic relationship essential for the pollination and reproduction of many fig species. Contrary to popular belief, edible figs do not contain intact dead wasps; instead, they only hold seeds. This misconception arises from the intricate process by which fig wasps pollinate the fruit.

Figs are considered inverted flowers and rely exclusively on fig wasps for their pollination and seed dispersal. The relationship is highly specialized: certain fig trees produce male and female figs, each requiring a specific breed of wasp for successful pollination. Female wasps seek out female figs and enter them through minuscule openings so narrow that they lose their wings in the process, effectively trapping them inside. In male figs, the female wasp lays her eggs, which hatch into larvae. These larvae mature into wasps that carry fig pollen to other figs, perpetuating the cycle.

Inside the female figs, the wasp pollinates the flowers but is unable to escape. Here, an enzyme known as ficin plays a crucial role. Ficin breaks down the dead wasp's body, absorbing its nutrients back into the fruit. This enzymatic digestion ensures that no intact wasp remains within the ripe fig—only seeds are present. Thus, while it is true that fig wasps die inside the figs, their decomposition is complete, leaving no trace of the insect in the edible fruit.

This natural process prevents the presence of live wasps in your kitchen and ensures that eating figs is free from any concern about consuming insects. Fig farmers also manage this relationship carefully to avoid overpollination, maintaining the balance necessary for fig tree survival. Without fig wasps, many fig-producing trees would face extinction, highlighting the importance of this mutualistic relationship.

In summary, while fig wasps are integral to the life cycle of figs, the fig's natural enzymes guarantee that the final product—the ripe fig—contains only seeds, with no remnants of the wasp. This elegant biological process ensures both the propagation of fig trees and the safety of the fruit for human consumption.


📹 Do Figs Really Have Dead Wasps In Them?

Some figs need fig wasps to pollinate their fruit. But are we eating dead wasps every time we bite into a fig? Learn more at …


29 comments

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  • Not all types of figs are pollinated this way. Some fig varieties are self pollinating. On the East coast we don’t have fig wasps and there are lots of varieties of figs what we grow successfully without the help of the fig wasp. California has the fig wasp as do some other countries. Checkout the figs4fun online forum for (possibly too much) info on self pollinating figs by lots of hobby fig growers.

  • My late grandparents in Mississippi had a fig tree in their backyard for many years. When I was a kid visiting them during the summer, I would eat some of the figs right off the tree. They were so yummy. I never once found a wasp in any of the figs. I’d rather have the fresh ones off the tree, than the ones you buy in the store all dehydrated and hard as a rock. I think grandma made homemade fig jam too. It was out of this world. Every thing she made was fresh and made from scratch and delicious. Best cook in the family.

  • Actually, common fig plants are capable of parthenogenesis (virgin birth) and in a majority of caseses they are not pollinated by any wasp. That’s because most of the times that specific type of wasp where fig plants originate from (Middle East) (Blastophaga psenes who pollinates Ficus carica-common fig) doesn’t live where most figs are being cultivated nowadays.

  • I love eating figs, and no, most figs do not have any wasps at all. This article got the life cycle wrong. The botany was a bit scrambled as well but don’t sweat it. There is only one variety of fig that farmers intentionally pollinate and that is the Calimyrna. Most of the rest are not pollinated.

  • My grandmother used to tell my mom to open figs before eating them, because they could have worms in them. My mom just did it as a habit when she was older, and didn’t really believe the “worm” thing, because she had never seen one in a fig before. And then “boom” there was a live larva of some sort inside one fig she was about to eat. D:

  • We have a one fig tree in our house and 3 in our hometown house so i love figs and i still do :D, from you article i now know that they are all female ones, we buy funny looking figs with those wasps in them and hang them next the fruits of our trees, we locally call them mosquitoes loooool, i didn’t know we were buying the male figs ! i enjoyed your article thank you for sharing .

  • Your presentation is great, however it is nasty knowing that I may bite into a seed or every seed for that matter, that contains dead wasp larva as well as mixed in seed juices. Can you please do more presentations telling of other foods I may be eating with other insects in them, I deserve to know, we all do!!! Thanks your awesome and I love your hair. – From My mom

  • I started loving eating figs this year (I am vegan) but enjoyed them so much that I thought to myself, “these things tastes so delicious that I feel guilty, are they even vegan” so I actually asked the internet (as a joke) if figs were vegan and this is hilarious. When it comes to honey and now figs, I do not mind eating “animal products” since bees and wasps fly around and live a full and happy life all day.

  • Some figs don’t require wasps. In the southeastern U.S., Brown Turkey and Celeste are common varieties. Celeste is often misidentified as the less tasty Brown Turkey. So, if you eat figs grown in that region, odds are good that you are NOT eating wasps. Then again you could be. I copied and pasted the following from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_fig Persistent (or common) figs have all female flowers that do not need pollination for fruiting; the fruit can develop through parthenocarpic means. This is a popular horticulture fig for home gardeners. Dottato (Kadota), Black Mission, Brown Turkey, Brunswick, and Celeste are some representative cultivars. Caducous (or Smyrna) figs require cross pollination by the fig wasp with pollen from caprifigs for the fruit to mature. If not pollinated the immature fruits drop. Some cultivars are Smyrne (Lob Incir in Turkey) – (Calimyrna in the Great Central Valley USA), Marabout, Inchàrio, and Zidi. Intermediate (or San Pedro) figs set an unpollinated breba crop, but need pollination for the later main crop. Examples are Lampeira, King, and San Pedro.

  • None of our figs ripened despite a very hot and sunny summer drought. I knew it had something to do with the lack of wasps! There were no wasps and no honeybees that usually are all over the oregano all summer. We have new 5g which began here September 2020 and has increased since, and it has killed these insect colonies.

  • This is a really great article. I don’t subscribe to websites often but if the other articles are as informative and entertaining as this one, I’m in. Looks like I’ve been eating a lot of insects. I have a fig tree and I noticed a bunch of little black bugs when I washed them. I opened one up to find a little black bug or two-four. Looks like that’s unavoidable.

  • If everyone is so afraid of figs, they should also be afraid of bread, rice, canned foods, chocolate…literally anything made for consumption. Processing plants aren’t squeaky clean, there’s bugs and vermin that fall in and get ground up as well. Weevils are common with rice storing facilities (they eat, poop, breed, and die in them). Hell, a dead critter could die and decompose next to a fruit tree and get absorbed into the tree, and you wouldn’t even know about it as you eat a piece of fruit. Might as well just get over that fact instead of crawling under a rock and starving yourself.

  • Animals, insects and basically anything living eventually dies. It then decomposes and becomes part of the soil which in turn ends up becoming something else like a plant bearing fruit which we eat. Everything you’ve ever eaten has been something else at some point. I don’t understand why the concept should be any more disturbing here due to a smaller time frame. Especially from non vegetarians. Cows, pigs and chickens eat insects occasionally too. Just to stir the pot a bit further, consider compost. Plants (that we eat) grow better in compost. This is because they absorb the rich nutrients in it created from the excretions of the creatures that eat and decompose the compost. Yes, plants absorb worm poo and we eat the plants, or the animals eat the plants and then people eat the animals. It’s all a big cycle. Figs digesting wasps shouldn’t freak people out if they think about it in enough depth.

  • Fig Bars with Thyme Ingredients makes twenty-five 1 1/2-inch squares, active time 1 hour, total time 2 hours For the pastry: 2 ounces (1/2 cup) walnuts 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 6 3/4 ounces (1 1/2 cups) unbleached all-purpose flour 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon table salt 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 4 ounces (1/2 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 1 large egg yolk 1 teaspoons pure vanilla extract For the jam: 2 pounds very ripe figs, stems removed, unpeeled 1/4 cup granulated sugar 7 to 8 large sprigs fresh thyme Finely grated zest of 1 lemon 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; more or less to taste Procedures Make the pastry: Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. In a food processor, grind the walnuts with 2 tablespoons of the granulated sugar until fine; remove and set aside. Put the flour, the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar, the brown sugar, salt, and baking powder in the food processor; process until blended. Add the butter; process until the mixture looks crumbly. Add the egg yolk and vanilla and pulse until the mixture is wet and clumping, about ?40 seconds (it won’t form a ball). Pack two-thirds of the dough into an ungreased 8×8-inch baking dish; set aside the other third. Bake until the dough is lightly browned and keeps a slight indentation when you press it lightly, about 30 minutes. Make the jam:While the crust is baking, coarsely chop the figs. Put them in a nonreactive skillet with the sugar and thyme and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the juices have reduced and the fruit is tender and thick, about 20 minutes.

  • Its literally impossible to NOT eat bugs on an weekly basis, as they are in/on just about every single type of fruit and vegetable on the planet. even the FDA allows up to 60 bugs per half cup in things like broccoli.. Even if you somehow magically find a way to eliminate bugs from food, they will still occasionally crawl into your mouth/ nose during sleep. Estimate is that the average human unintentionally eats around 7 spiders per year.

  • The figs we eat do not need wasps to be polinated . As long as you buy figs from the US you won’t be eating wasps. Figs in africa and like countries which need the wasp are totally different figs.I know all of this because o own and run a large fig nursery and have hundreds of varieties of fig plants.Dont buy into this uneducated article.

  • What about if you have allergies to bees, wasps and hornets?and I’m not just talking about small allergic reactions, I’m talking about anaphylactic shock! Where the person has to carry an epipen? My brother is allergic to them, but he was never informed that figs might carry a dead wasp by any of his doctors. Wouldn’t that be important enough to let him know not to eat certain fruits that contain wasps, bees or hornets? I’m glad I came across your website though❣🇨🇦

  • to make matters worse, the female fig wasps crawl inside this super tiny hole which not only breaks off their wings and antennae, but also while squirming through the ostiole the mother crushes their abdomen. they use all the strength they have left in them to plant their eggs in the male figs ovaries. once the mother is in, she can’t get out. she plants her babies and then dies of starvation, exhaustion etc. on the plus side, male figs are not supposed to be eaten. the female figs have wasps which enter accidentally and die, but since they are female they cannot plant their eggs, so all we’re eating is the fig which absorbs and breaks down the body of the female fig wasp once fully ripened. TLDR; figs break down all wasps once fully ripened. no wasps, crunch is seeds.

  • SO there is NO dead wasp in many figs, since it’s digested and broken down into protein. Digestion is a chemical change, and as such the wasp isn’t a wasp anymore. If by any chance you do eat a fig with a half-digested wasp in it, it’s about the same chance as having an insect in any other fruit you eat.

  • Here’s some truths out of ‘the INSECT World site ;Most fig varieties grown in the U.S. ( mission figs, kadota figs) do not require pollination for the figs to ripen,(YAAA! and thus contain no wasp parts at all. There is one exception: The calimyrna fig. Fig growers attach paper bags containing fig wasps gathered from wild fig trees to their calimyrna trees, and the female wasps pollinate the figs while attempting to lay their eggs. The flowers inside th

  • To be fair, the amount of rodent droppings and pest insect parts that are allowed to be intrroduced during the processing steps of figs we can get in North America far outweighs the single lonely wasp that the fig entirely digests. In one respect, a fig containing wasp protein is little different than a mushroom that grew on a pile of cow poop or.. gag tilapia.

  • what does the pregnancy thing you said at the beginning have to do with fig wasps? and why isn’t male figs edible? anyway, what’s the difference between a male and female fig anyway? and what if a female wasp accidently lays eggs in the female fig what happens? and I learned a lot. I mean it. and wasp bit me on the back of my hand, so I’ll think about eating figs. -Esther Pearl Man Ting (Joseph’s daughter)

  • So, the answer is nope. There aren’t dead wasps in figs. Just proteins derived from dead wasps’ bodies. Which is stuff we are eating anyway with basically any fruit or vegetable, since proteins from dead plants and animals are nutrients for other plants and animals. It’s how the food chain works. There are way more gross things. Honey, for example, is more or less literally vomit from bees. Honeydew is even better, it’s literally aphids’ shit that gets eaten and then vomited by bees. It’s the “2 girls 1 cup” of nature. It’s perfectly clean, tho. their secretions are completely edible for us. And nutritious, and delicious. Then again, if you ever drank any red colored juice or soft drink, chances are you ate crushed insects. Red edible color is made with some small insects. They get dried and crushed and they extract the pigmentation.

  • Here in the UK, we don’t have an “FDA” (although we have something similar for medicines). Despite this, our canned and packaged foods NEVER contain such defects that your FDA allows – insect parts, rodent hairs, larvae, rodent poop, mammal poop, rust, and cigarette butts – which would be unthinkable here, if not downright illegal. So our vegetarian-specific range of products, of which there are so many (we’re really spoiled for choice here), are 100% guaranteed vegetarian. As for eating figs, well I never liked them anyway and won’t give them another chance after seeing this, but thats just me.

  • I’ve actually happened to unintentionally lick a larva inside a fig fruit… Then I just start to think that figs are gross. And the fact that the dissection of a fig looks similar to the dissection of a human organ which only half of the population possess (this is a euphemism, I don’t want to say that word), just makes me feel even more uncomfortable… Evidence that it is possible for worms or wasps to be present: youtu.be/pCKpF0OKQU0 youtu.be/HU-XsmlB-r4 A documentary excerpt on the process of fig&wasp: youtu.be/JfkiYfrStrU

  • Interesting article. Well, I don’t eat figs very often, but yes I may give up eating them after perusal this article. Not because it is gross, but because I have wasp allergies and therefore just a tiny portion of wasp poison may be lethal. I know that the pretty girl explained how the wasp-corpse gets broken down to protein, but…..well, better safe than sorry, right? 🙂

  • I’ve always hated figs. I hate the name, I hate the look of them inside and out, I hate the texture, I hate the fact that they have very little flavour, and I especially hate the fact that they either eat wasps or house their babies. However I do and will still eat fig rolls. Sausage theory: mash it up fine enough and it doesn’t really matter what’s in it, it’s just cells. With tiny crunchy bits.

  • So then if the fig digests the wasp then technically it is not there anymore. Some people like to eat chicken, but will not eat worms. Now if you think about it the chicken eats the worm and you eat the chicken. I don’t think you can technically say that you ate a chickens life time of worms. No you just ate chicken, but the chicken did eat the worms and digested them. So if your sibling is eating some barbecue chicken are you going to go up to your sibling and say, Hey you are eating worms. No only if worms are coming out of the chickens flesh will you say that. So the fig digests the wasps and when you cut open the fig you don’t even see a wasp.

  • I thought this might be of interest to the brethren…a good place to begin looking at the Parable of the Fig Tree; or rather, the “fig wasp” of the story. Maybe this will give some of you a clue, just how deep is every parable, and word spoken in scripture. All these things were spoken for “our learning”, that is rather, those who are able to perceive what is being spoken. So many hear the words, but do not have any understanding of what is being spoken. EVERY WORD HAS MEANING…the parables were given not only to be heard (as in the telling of a story) as many have heard…but rather, through parables; is the things that are unseen, and unheard; made known. It is only through the purging of the carnal mind; that one is prepared and made ready and able to perceive, and fathom just what is being spoken. Yet, the carnal man when presented with a morsel of truth; never gives glory and thanks to the giver; but acts as if this thing he already knew. Lets see what these wise and self righteous ones can bring forth from this parable; and all that it expounds to us. Blessings to all who are of the Truthful…much Love.

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