Figs, or figs, are a delicious fruit that is mostly consumed dried in India. Figs are known for their nutritional benefits such as boosting gut health, strengthening muscles and improving energy levels. However, some are worried that this ‘fruit’ may be carnivorous. Sounds weird, right? How can a fruit that grows on a tree be carnivorous? This illusion arises from the unique process behind the formation of the fig fruit. Are you curious? Read on to learn more about how figs are made and decide whether you call them vegetarian or non-vegetarian.
The role of wasps in fig fruit
Fig Begin as an upside down closed flower. This shape prevents common pollinators such as wind or bees from dispersing fig pollen. This is where pollinators help the fig tree turn flowers into fruit. A female wasp burrows into a small part of a fig flower to lay her eggs. In the process, her antennae and wings break off, and she is unable to escape, dying within the flower shortly afterwards.
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Figs digest the ash body using an enzyme called physin, which breaks the body down into proteins. Its eggs hatch, the larvae mate, and then hatch out of the fig.
For each fig consumed, a drop inside it may die to allow it to come to fruit. However, since the ash is absorbed by the body, you won’t be eating the insect corpse when you bite into the fruit.
According to consultant nutritionist Rupali Dutt, fruit production is a natural process that requires pollination and the role played by bees, wasps or insects does not produce fruit, in which case figs are a non-vegetarian product.
Do you think figs are vegetarian or non-vegetarian?
Many figs are self-pollinating and require no fertilization
Figs grown and sold commercially in India are mostly common or edible figs that are produced parthenocarpically—that is, without the aid of fig leaves or pollination, Beauty Without Cruelty—India, according to the International Educational Charitable Trust for Animal Rights. Fig varieties that fall under this category include Poona, Conadria, Mission, Kadota and Brown Turkey.
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Some vegetarians can still eat figs – here’s why!
While many people may have figs carnivorous Because of their formation process, some vegetarians argue that figs are still suitable for consumption. This is because veganism is a movement against animal exploitation, while wasp-fig pollination is a natural process that does not involve any human-led animal exploitation.
What is your opinion about figs? Do you consider them carnivores or vegetarians? Share your thoughts in the comments section.