Oh bring us some figgy pudding...

During this time of year, we indulge ourselves with many Holiday treats. But the fig is actually a traditional sweet treat that also falls on Santa's Nice list. The Mission fig (also known as Black Mission or the Franciscan Fig) is the most well-known type of fig. It was first brought to the United States in 1768 when Franciscan Spanish missionaries carried them and planted a tree in Southern California.

Mission figs are teardrop in shape with a thin black skin and a reddish glossy flesh. Sweeter than honey these larger figs are considered the cream of the crop. The skin of the fruit often cracks when it is ripe. The tree, known as the ficus, is long lived and grows to be quite large. It is still considered one of the highest quality figs that can be grown in USDA zones 9 or higher and makes it the perfect healthy snack tree to grow here in Florida. Just take caution and cover well with a risk of frost.

The health benefits of figs include promoting healthy bowel function due to the high levels of fiber. As they pass through the digestive system they work as a gentle, yet extremely effective, "rotor rooter". Figs are amongst the most highly alkaline foods, making them useful in balancing our body's pH level. They contain properties that are anti-diabetic and have been proven to lower the insulin level needed in diabetics. Mission Figs are a good source of potassium, important in helping to regulate blood pressure and heart health.

Dried figs are good. Fresh, ripe, juicy, fresh figs are better. But mix either one with homemade vanilla bean pudding and they are great!