7 - Fig (Ficus carica L.)

Abstract

The fig (Ficus carica L.), one of the first cultivated trees in the world, is grown in many parts of the world with moderate climates. Figs are eaten dry and fresh; however, as fresh figs are highly perishable they are largely consumed near production areas. Figs are nutritious fruits rich in fiber, potassium, calcium, and iron. Fresh figs are highly sensitive to physical damage, and susceptible to postharvest decay infections. Preharvest and postharvest conditions are very important to improve fruit quality and postharvest life. At this point, reducing postharvest losses and developing global fresh fig marketing is a big challenge for plant breeders, physiologists and postharvest technologists.