Were there foods you hated as a kid, that you love now? I have a few!
First, were avocados. Growing up, our neighbors had a huge tree that grew between their house and ours. That tree sprawled it’s branches over both rooftops and dropped what seemed like hundreds of green bombs of slimy egg shaped fruit every year. It was my job to pick them up so they wouldn’t rot. I hated them! Now, we have an avocado tree in our backyard and I pray for large harvests every year! Funny how times change.
Second, were figs. They were wrinkled old lady fruits. At least, that is how I remember them. My great-grandmother served them all the time. She loved to dice them up and serve them with a little honey. As a kid, I was ok with the honey, but the figs were just not appealing. They were mushy and had weird seeds in them. Kinda gross to an eight year old. Over the past several years though, I’ve had many positive fig experiences. Last summer, I completely cleaned out a friends tree because she was giving them away! Never pass up free figs! They are definitely NOT old lady fruits. These glorious gems have become one of my favorite ingredients!
Did you know although figs are considered a fruit, it’s actually a flower that is inverted into itself! The seeds inside are the real fruit! Crazy, right?
Recently, I was blessed with the opportunity to try Valley Fig Growers four new sassy fig spreads! Organic Mission Fig Spread, Balsamic Pepper Fig Spread, California Orange Fig Spread and Port Wine Fig Spread! All the figs come from family farms and are grown right here in the Central Valley of California. Hooray for local goodness! Since they arrived, I’ve been using these spreads non-stop. Is it terrible to admit, I like them best on a spoon, straight out of the jar? When I’m not dipping my spoon into these spreads, I’ve been mixing them into yogurt for a mid-morning snack, baking them into muffins and cookies, and making grilled cheese sandwiches with gorgonzola and and the Organic Mission Fig spread. It makes a darn tasty lunch! The Port Wine spread over Brie with crackers and a nice glass of wine is the perfect party appetizer too! There are so many ways to use these spreads! As they say on their website and on the labels, “The possibilities are endless and delightfully delicious!”
As a self-proclaimed fig convert, I think you should try them ALL! You won’t be disappointed! Now, before you start thinking these sweet spreads are going to ruin your summer bikini body, let me assure you, figs have zero fat, zero cholesterol and zero sodium! They are an excellent source of fiber and contain essential minerals like as potassium, iron, calcium and complex carbohydrates.
Valley Fig Growers would love for you to try their spreads too, but even more, they’d love to stay in touch with you through their exclusive newsletter. Get a little figgy fun in your mailbox! Plus, if you sign up for the Valley Fig Growers newsletter, you could win an exclusive trip for two to tour America’s Test Kitchen in Boston this July! How cool would that be? Well, okay, maybe not “cool” because it’s Boston in July, but you know what I mean! The prize also includes hotel, airfare and $500 in spending money!
Here’s a link to the Valley Fig Facebook Page where you can sign up and get all the details on this amazing giveaway!
https://www.facebook.com/ValleyFig/app_515720611858523
Hurry though, the contests end the end of June!! While you’re waiting, pick up a few of their new spreads. Your breakfast and your waistline will thank me!
Disclosure: I was given product to try from Valley Fig Growers, but was not compensated in any other way. All opinions are strictly my own.
