If you have been reading Tasty Yummies for sometime, you know since moving to California 3 years ago, my infatuation love of figs runs very deep. The beautiful, big fig tree that we were blessed with, when we moved into this home, is one of the most magical gifts mother nature has ever given to me. The fig tree is a actually a long-standing symbol of abundance, fertility and sweetness, which is obviously quite fitting. Boy, does this tree produce in abundance! The only bad thing however, is just how short the season is. It’s over in a flash. Middle of the summer and that’s it.

While we are still a month or so off from fresh figs, it doesn’t mean that I don’t crave those lusciously sweet fruits. Which is why California dried figs are the very next best thing. Available year round, from Valley Fig Growers, you can stay stocked up on your California dried figs throughout the off-seasons and continue to reap all of the many benefits of this super fruit.

Beyond being another of nature’s candies, figs are also an incredible source of calcium, a 3 ounce portion of California dried figs has 100 mg of calcium, very comparable to a same size serving of milk. California dried figs in general are fairly rich in potassium, a great mineral for controlling blood pressure. As most people consume far too much sodium by way of processed foods, often times potassium is deficient as a result, that coupled with high sodium can lead to hypertension. Figs are also a great source of dietary fiber, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, copper and manganese. They are also good energy foods, support blood formation and, when soaked and rehydrated, California dried figs are helpful to intestinal function.

For me, there are endless tantalizing flavor combinations that bring out the beautiful and inherent sweetness of figs, but one of my absolute favorites is spicy, warming chai spices paired with the fig  along with creamy coconut. These three flavors together are magical! This particular smoothie is the perfect way to start a day, but I will tell you, the sweetness from the California dried figs makes this smoothie almost more reminiscent of a dessert shake. It’s sinfully perfect – thick, luscious, creamy, spicy and sweet.

[print_this]Coconut Chai Fig Smoothie {gluten-free, vegan, paleo}
Serves 1-2

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
• 1/2 cup strongly brewed chai tea, chilled (homemade chai concentrate works great)
• 1 frozen banana, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4-6 California Dried Mission Figs, stems removed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• pinch sea salt
• unsweetened shredded or flaked coconut, for serving

Optional boosts: collagen peptides or other protein source, coconut oil, ground flaxseed, greens or green powder.

Add all of the ingredients to a high speed blender. Blend until thick and creamy. Adjust seasonings and sweetness as necessary. Top with shredded coconut and a pinch of ground cinnamon.

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RECIPE NOTES: I suggest starting with four California dried figs and adjusting and adding more to reach your desired level of sweetness.

 

Sources:

Staying Healthy with Nutrition, The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine by Elson M. Haas, Buck Levin

The World’s Healthiest Foods 

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Valley Fig Growers.  All content, ideas and words are my own. Thanks for supporting the sponsors that allow me to create new and special content like this for Tasty Yummies.