Figs and dates are two fruits that have been enjoyed for centuries. Both are sweet, sticky, and packed with nutrients. But do these two fruits pair well together? Let’s take a closer look at the flavors, textures, and potential health benefits of eating figs and dates.
The Flavors of Figs and Dates
Figs and dates have their own distinct flavors that complement each other nicely. Figs are often described as having a sweet, honey-like taste. Their flavor is complex with notes of wood, nuttiness, and berry. The skin of Black Mission and Brown Turkey figs adds earthy, rustic notes as well. Dates are extremely sweet with caramel, maple, and brown sugar flavors. Medjool dates in particular have an almost candy-like sweetness.
Bringing figs and dates together allows their flavors to mingle in pleasant ways. The fig’s honeyed sweetness pairs perfectly with the caramel notes of dates. The rustic earthiness of fig skins prevents the combination from becoming overly cloying. Instead, the fruits balance each other out. Overall, the tandem creates a complex sweetness with depth.
The Textures of Figs and Dates
In addition to complementary flavors, figs and dates combine two pleasing textures. Figs have a soft, smooth, and tender flesh that readily yields to the bite. They are juicy with tiny edible seeds that provide pleasant pops of crunch. Dates are equally soft and smooth, but their flesh is thicker and stickier than figs. Their texture clings to the palate for a longer, drawn-out sweetness.
Together, the thin juice and tiny seeds of figs provide contrasts to the thick, sticky flesh of dates. Every bite offers variety in texture. The stickier dates cling to the seeds and flesh of figs as well. This allows the flavors to really meld.
Potential Health Benefits
Individually, figs and dates offer many potential health benefits. As two antioxidant-rich fruits, they may be even better together.
Nutrients
Figs and dates are both high in fiber, which aids digestion. Dates provide potassium, magnesium, copper, and manganese. Figs contain calcium, iron, and vitamin K. Eaten together, they can provide a greater breadth of nutrients.
Antioxidants
The antioxidants in figs and dates may help combat free radicals and reduce inflammation. Figs contain polyphenols that may help prevent degenerative diseases. Dates are rich in carotenoids like beta-carotene with anti-inflammatory properties. Combined, these fruits become an antioxidant powerhouse.
Blood Sugar Control
Despite being sweet, figs and dates may help control blood sugar when eaten in moderation. The fiber content in both can slow the absorption of sugars into the bloodstream. Dates contain chromium that assists with blood glucose regulation as well.
Complementary Food and Drink Pairings
Figs and dates pair deliciously with several ingredients and beverages that complement their flavors.
Cheeses
The saltiness and savoriness of cheeses offset the sweetness of figs and dates beautifully. Pair them with goat cheeses, blue cheeses, Parmesan, Manchego, and aged Gouda.
Nuts and Seeds
Add crunch and toasty flavor with nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pistachios or seeds like sesame seeds. They add nice accent flavors.
Meats
Salty prosciutto and savory bacon or pancetta enhance the sweet fruits. Grilled pork tenderloin also pairs well.
Wine and Beer
For beverages, choose sweet and dessert wines like port, Madeira, or Sauternes. Dry rosé balances the sweetness nicely too. Dark beers like stout and brown ale work as palate cleansers.
Simple Recipes with Figs and Dates
Here are a few easy ways to enjoy figs and dates together:
Cheese board
Arrange fresh and dried figs and dates alongside cheeses, nuts, olives, and crackers for an appetizer.
Salads
Toss chopped fresh or dried figs and dates into green, grain, or spinach salads for added flavor and nutrients.
Wraps
Spread nut butter inside a tortilla or lettuce leaf. Add figs, dates, and dash of cinnamon. Roll up for a simple wrap.
Kabobs
Thread cubed figs, dates, grapes, melons, and cheese onto skewers for a fruit kabob.
Baked goods
Add chopped figs and dates to muffin, cake, cookie, bread, or oatmeal recipes for natural sweetness.
Conclusion
Thanks to their complementary flavors, textures, and nutrients, figs and dates make a delicious, healthy pairing. Their sweetness balances while their antioxidants provide a boosted nutritional profile. Both fresh and dried combinations work in everything from cheese boards to salads to baked goods. Next time you enjoy one of these fruits, consider pairing it with the other for a sweet treat.