Dried Whole Figs | No Sugar Added

Sold in 2 lb. and 4 lb. Options in Re-Sealable bags.

Ingredients: Whole Figs.

Ingredient Country of Origin: Turkey.

Allergen Declaration Statement: Free from; Gluten, Wheat, Legume Family {Peanuts, Soy beans, lentils, chickpeas, and lupin, beans (kidney, black, pinto, navy, string, fava), and peas (green, split, black-eyed), plus others like mung beans, adzuki, and tamarind}, Tree Nuts {almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, brazil nuts, pine nuts, & coconut}, Shellfish aquatic invertebrates (crab, lobster, shrimp, prawns, crayfish), Crustaceans mollusks (clams, mussels, oysters, scallops, squid, octopus, snails), Fish {vertebrates having a backbone} , Sesame, Milk/Dairy, Eggs, Mustard, Sulfur Dioxide, Potassium Sorbate.

Packaging Procedure: Hand Packaged on dedicated Gerbs equipment Johnston, RI.

Introducing Gerbs Pitted Whole Dates

Dried figs are naturally sweet, chewy fruits with concentrated sugars, fiber, and minerals like potassium, calcium, and iron, making them a compact energy source but high in calories and sugar, so moderation is key, especially for blood sugar management. They offer digestive benefits from fiber, support bone health with calcium, and contain beneficial antioxidants, often enjoyed as a healthy snack, in baking, or added to meals.

Key Characteristics & Benefits

• Intense Sweetness: Drying concentrates natural sugars (fructose, glucose), making them a “nature’s candy” or quick energy boost for active individuals.
• Nutrient-Rich: Good source of minerals (Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron) and vitamins (K, C) that remain after drying.
• High in Fiber: Prebiotic fiber aids digestion, promotes fullness, and can help relieve constipation.
• Antioxidants: Contain polyphenols and flavonoids (like lutolin) with potential anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, though more research is needed.
• Versatile: Eaten plain, in baked goods, salads, or entrees, and available as natural or processed (shiny, pressed).

Dried figs are a nutritious, energy-dense fruit, rich in fiber and minerals, that offer a sweet, chewy snack but must be eaten mindfully due to their high sugar content, making them a great addition to a balanced diet.

HOW ARE THEY MADE

Dried figs are made by removing moisture through sun drying or using a dehydrator, concentrating their sugars for preservation, with traditional methods involving field drying on trays in the sun or mechanical methods using controlled heat, all aiming to reduce humidity for long-term storage while retaining nutrients. The process typically involves selecting ripe figs, cleaning them, optionally halving them, and then drying them on racks or screens for days or hours until chewy and leathery.  Gerbs uses the sun dried method, but here are the common methods below.

Common Methods

• Sun Drying (Traditional): Ripe figs are placed on trays (sometimes in the field, sometimes indoors) and left in the sun for several days, often covered with netting to keep pests away. They are turned periodically, and brought inside at night to prevent dew, a process requiring hot, dry weather.
• Food Dehydrator (Home/Commercial): Figs are cleaned, stems removed, and placed in a single layer on racks in a dehydrator set to about 135°F (57°C). This concentrates sugars and takes 6-48 hours, depending on size and humidity.

KEY HEALTH BENEFITS

Dried figs are a nutrient-dense snack, packed with fiber for digestive and heart health, essential minerals like potassium, calcium, and iron for blood pressure, bone strength, and energy, plus antioxidants (flavonoids, polyphenols) that fight cell damage, potentially aiding blood sugar control and reducing chronic disease risk, making them great for overall well-being in moderation.

Nutritional Highlights

• Fiber: Excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, aiding digestion, preventing constipation, and increasing fullness.
• Minerals: Rich in potassium (blood pressure), calcium (bones), magnesium (nerve/muscle function), iron (energy), phosphorus, copper, and manganese.
• Vitamins: Contains Vitamin K, B Vitamins (B1, B2, B6), and Vitamin A.
• Antioxidants: High in polyphenols and flavonoids, which combat free radicals and inflammation.
• Sugars & Carbs: Naturally sweet with concentrated sugars and carbohydrates, providing quick energy.

Key Health Properties

• Digestive Health: Fiber promotes regular bowel movements and feeds good gut bacteria (prebiotic effect).
• Heart Health: Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, while fiber and antioxidants may lower bad cholesterol (LDL).
• Bone Health: Calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus support strong bones and may help prevent bone loss.
• Blood Sugar Management: Fiber helps slow sugar absorption, preventing spikes, making them suitable for diabetics in moderation.
• Weight Management: High fiber content increases satiety, helping curb hunger.
• Anti-inflammatory: Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.

Considerations

• Due to water loss, dried figs are more calorie-dense and concentrated in sugar and nutrients than fresh figs.
• Moderation is key, especially for those watching sugar or calorie intake.

HOW TO COOK & INCORPORATE DRIED FIGS INTO YOUR DIET

Enjoy dried figs by snacking on them with nuts or cheese, adding them to breakfast (oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies), baking them into muffins/cookies, or incorporating them into savory dishes like stews, tagines, and salads for a sweet counterpoint to rich flavors, often paired with prosciutto, goat cheese, or chicken. To refresh them or make them jammy, soak them in water overnight or simmer with sugar and citrus for jams, chutneys, or fillings.

Diet & Snacks

• Eat Alone: A simple, healthy snack with nuts (almonds, walnuts) or seeds.
• Breakfast Boost: Chop into oatmeal, yogurt, cereal, or blend into smoothies.
• Toast Topper: Slice onto toast with nut butter, honey, or savory ricotta and arugula.
• Trail Mix: Combine with other dried fruits, nuts, and seeds.
• Cheese Pairing: Classic with goat cheese, blue cheese, or aged cheddar.

Order now and Taste the Goodness of Gerbs!

Storage Recommendations

For the best flavor and freshness, we recommend storing your Gerbs in an airtight container in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet, away from sunlight and heat sources like the oven.

Each time the container is opened, oxygen sneaks in and can speed up rancidity, so try to keep only about one pound of product accessible at a time.

While Gerbs can be frozen, we don’t recommend it. Freezing and thawing can change the natural cell structure, which may affect texture and taste. Keep them cool, dry, and sealed tight for the best experience!