Quck answer
No, figs are not full of baby wasps. Figs are pollinated by a species of wasp, but the wasp does not lay eggs in the fig fruit that we eat. The fig actually produces an enzyme that digests the wasp’s body, leaving behind only the wasp’s exoskeleton. So, while figs may contain traces of wasp exoskeleton, they are not filled with baby wasps.
Wild Animals
The Relationship Between Figs and Fig Wasps
A female fig wasp (family Agaonidae) uses her ovipositor to lay eggs into a fig. There are around 900 species of parasitic fig wasps, and each species pollinates only one species of fig. Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
In order to truly comprehend the issue of wasp consumption associated with figs, one must first examine the closely linked life cycles of both the plant and the insect. The current mutual relationship between the two did not occur overnight; it is the result of millions of years of evolution.
Both the fig plant and the fig wasp share the same objective: reproduction. For this to happen, a fig plant must share its genetic material (in the form of pollen) with another fig plant, and the fig wasp requires a place to raise and feed its larvae. Think of the fig wasp as a tenant and the fig plant as a landlord who accepts payment in the form of pollen.
The fig fruit, also known as a syconium, is more like an inverted flower than a fruit, with all of its reproductive parts located inside. After a female fig wasp flies over from the fig plant she emerged from, she must travel to the center of the syconium to lay her eggs. To get there, she must climb down a narrow passage called the ostiole. The passage is so narrow that the tiny fig wasp loses her wings and antenna during her claustrophobic journey. Once inside, there is no way out and no way to fly to another plant — but is she in the right place?
Fig plants have two types of figs: male caprifigs and female edible figs.
If a female wasp enters a caprifig, she will find male flower parts that are perfectly shaped to hold the eggs she will eventually lay. The eggs will develop into larvae, which will become male and female wasps. After hatching, the blind, wingless male wasps spend the rest of their lives digging tunnels through the fig. The female wasps then emerge through these tunnels and fly off to locate a new fig — carrying precious pollen with them.
If a female fig wasp enters an edible fig, she will eventually die from exhaustion or starvation. The female flower parts include a long stylus that hinders her attempts to lay her eggs. She may die, but she succeeds in delivering the much-needed pollen first. So a fig farmer winds up with caprifigs full of wasp eggs and edible figs full of seeds.
Although edible figs may not be infested with baby wasps, does this mean that these figs contain a lot of female wasps who died of loneliness?
FAQ
1. Are figs really full of baby wasps?
No, figs are not full of baby wasps. However, it is true that some species of figs are pollinated by wasps, which lay their eggs inside the fruit. When the wasp dies inside the fig, it is broken down by enzymes and absorbed by the fruit. So technically, there may be some traces of wasp remains in some figs, but they are not “full” of baby wasps.
2. Can you eat figs if you’re a vegetarian?
Yes, you can eat figs if you’re a vegetarian. The presence of a wasp inside the fruit is considered incidental and not intentional, and figs are generally considered a vegetarian food.
3. Do all figs contain wasps?
No, not all figs contain wasps. There are more than 700 species of figs, and not all of them are pollinated by wasps. Some species are pollinated by other types of insects, while others are self-pollinating.
4. Are there any health risks associated with eating figs?
No, there are no significant health risks associated with eating figs. They are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and are generally considered a healthy food. However, some people may be allergic to figs, and they can cause digestive issues in some individuals if consumed in excess.
5. Should you wash figs before eating them?
Yes, you should wash figs before eating them. Like all fruits and vegetables, figs can contain bacteria or pesticides on their surface, and washing them can help remove any potential contaminants.
6. How do you know if a fig is ripe?
A ripe fig will be soft to the touch and may have some cracks or splits on the surface. The skin may also appear slightly wrinkled. If a fig is unripe, it will be firm and may not have much flavor.
7. Can figs be used in cooking?
Yes, figs are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes. They can be grilled, roasted, or baked, and are often used in desserts, salads, and meat dishes. Fresh figs are also delicious when paired with cheese or served as a snack on their own.
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