Figs Non-Vegetarian fruit: Figs are often classified as fruits and are also known as anjeer.There are many plant-based foods that are vegan-friendly but figs contain a unique enzyme produced by fig wasps that makes them inappropriate for vegans and are classified in the category of non-vegetarian. Heres everything you need to know about the process.Where does Figs comes from Fruits and vegetables are known to be the foundation of a vegetarian diet and logically its a need to include a lot of fruit especially when you are choosing a safe vegetarian diet. But in the case of figs, the question rises with, are figs suitable for vegans As due to the method of pollination for figs, this debate continues even in the case of vegetarians.Figs are grown in Western Asia, North Africa, and Europe, thriving in regions with hot summers. Figs are inverted flowers with unique tear-shaped edibles,with their blossoms hidden inside their pods. The outer are mostly purple or green, while the flesh inside is red. Fresh figs contain water and carbohydrate due to which it can be preserved. It can be eaten raw as they are dry. In India, dried figs are eaten as they offer extended storage life.What Makes Figs Non VegetarianThe main issue comes from how figs are pollinated, which involves a special partnership with fig wasps. This is called obligate mutualism, meaning both the figs and the wasps rely on each other to survive. In the process of fig plant pollination, a female wasp loses her wings while entering a fig through a small opening. She lays her eggs and while in the process of escaping, the female wasp tends to die inside.When the eggs hatch, male wasps mate with females and create escape tunnels. The males die inside, while the fertilized females fly to new figs, continuing the cycle. This process logically means every fig contains dead wasps, but that doesnt mean youre eating insects whenever you are having figs. The fruits enzymes that are present in figs breaks down the remaining wasps and also dissolves their skeleton completely. This natural pollination process has become a topic of debate in the vegan community, although some vegans are still eating figs as they consider it a natural process rather than human interference. While others consider fig as non-vegan due to the presence of animal remains and avoids it completely. Are All Figs Non VegetarianWhile there are many fig species that are pollinated by this natural method, not all varieties of fig contain wasps. Fig trees show four distinct types of diversity in their pollination patterns and floral biology by defining how they reproduce and develop fruit. Common figs that are mostly produced in the U.S. are female and they possess the remarkable ability to self-pollinate.Hundreds of common fig varieties exist, all sharing this self-sufficient characteristic.San Pedro figs present an interesting middle ground, producing two crops yearly. While their first crop might develop independently, the second typically relies on wasp pollination to reach maturity. Modern agriculture has found an alternative method for fig cultivation, especially in cooler regions like the United Kingdom. By applying plant hormones directly to the unripe female fruits exterior, circumventing the need for wasp pollination, farmers have successfully moved ripening in some fig varieties.This approach offers a vegan-friendly alternative while expanding fig cultivation to non-traditional growing regions.While not all figs are a product of wasp pollination, still pure Jains avoid figs because its hard to tell whether its a veg or non-veg. Due to its inconsistency this simple fruit is a matter of controversy. So keep these things in mind whenever you are going to have a fig.
