National Fig Week - Dried Figs Are A Great Fruit To Eat

The first week of November is National Fig Week.  Most people are familiar with figs through the popular dried fig cookie Fig Newton.  In fact, dried figs first appeared in commercially made cookies way back in 1892.  There is a reason that fig cookies are very moist.  Figs contain a natural chemical that enhances freshness and moistness in baked goods. 

Figs are a great source of fiber with a single serving providing about 17% of the daily required fiber.  Figs are also good sources of calcium and potassium.

Use a  food dehydrator, like the Nesco FD 75 to dry figs for baking or trail mix needs.

How to Dry Figs
-Cut figs lengthwise into about 1/2 inch thick slices
-Place the figs skin side down on the food dehydrator's drying trays
-Dry at 130 degrees fahrenheit for 16 hours
-When done, the figs should feel dry and leathery but be flexible