Brevas vs. Figs: What's the Real Difference?

Hello! I'm Elena, your nutrition expert from Castelló, and today we'll look at a treasure the fig tree gives us: the brevas and figs.

This morning, while walking near the orchards, I found myself staring at a fig tree and thinking about how curious this tree is. Did you know that what we eat is not technically a fruit? It's an "infructescence" called a syconium, a fleshy receptacle that protects lots of tiny flowers inside. It's pure nature's engineering, and it's been with us since the time of the Greeks and Egyptians.

Brevas vs. Figs: What's the real difference?

Many people get confused, but the technical explanation is fascinating. "Bi-bearing" fig trees produce two harvests:

1. The Brevas (June-July): These are figs that did not finish ripening the previous autumn. They stay on the tree "sleeping" through the winter and, with the first warm weather in June, finish developing. They are usually larger and less sweet than figs.

2. The Figs (August-October): This is the harvest of the current season. They are smaller, but with a much more concentrated sweetness.

Nutritional Profile: Energy and Digestive Health

From a clinical point of view, these fruits are an exceptional tool for our diet, especially if we need an extra boost of vitality.

Key benefits:

• Heart-friendly allies: Their low sodium content and high potassium content make them ideal for people with hypertension. That said, if you suffer from kidney failure, consult me first because of that high potassium content.

• Satiating and laxative effect: Thanks to their fiber, they help combat constipation gently and minimize cholesterol absorption.

• Antioxidant power: Their vitamin A content helps our body fight free radicals.

• Ideal for athletes: They are an energy fruit that's easy to digest, perfect for recovery after an intense workout.

Adding Them to Your Healthy Pantry

There is a myth that "brevas are fattening," but nothing could be further from the truth. They are perfectly suitable for weight-control diets or for diabetics, always under the principle of moderation (a serving of a couple of pieces is ideal).

Elena's touch for your recipes

If you like making homemade jams with figs that are very ripe or want to sweeten yogurt with brevas without spiking insulin, I always use the Stevia 1:2.

• It's the one I choose because it preserves the fruit's natural flavor without adding calories.

• In my house I always keep the 1000 g Round Jar for autumn preserves.

And if you're tempted to make a fig salad with fresh cheese and want to bring out the contrast of flavors, Bonsalt 0% is my secret tool.

Elena's "Life Tip"

The pecking trick: If you're lucky enough to have fig trees nearby, watch the birds. When you see them peck at a fruit, it's the unmistakable sign that it's at its peak sweetness and nutrient content. If you're going to the market, look for ones with small cracks in the skin; it's the sign that they're ready to enjoy.

Are you more into the early breva, or do you eagerly wait for the sweet figs of August? Tell me your favorite ways to eat them!