With the healthy eating trends in recent years, people have started to move away from junk food consumption and look for healthier snacks. This is where fig chips, which are a natural energy source and have very high nutritional values, come into play.
Fig chips consist of completely naturally dried fig slices. It does not contain any preservatives, sweeteners or coloring substances. Therefore, it stands out as a healthy snack option.
Healthy Nutritional Values
Fig chips contain high amounts of fiber, antioxidants and vitamins. It also helps control weight with its low calorie and fat content. Thanks to the natural sugars it contains, it gives energy and suppresses hunger.
In addition, fig chips facilitate digestion, protect intestinal health, reduce the risk of cancer, benefit bone health and help regulate blood sugar.
Benefits of Fig Chips
1. Benefits Heart Health: Fig chips help protect heart health thanks to their low fat and high fiber content. It also helps regulate blood pressure thanks to the potassium it contains.
2. Helps Weight Control: Fig chips help control weight with its low calorie content. At the same time, it gives a feeling of fullness and prevents hunger crises thanks to the fiber it contains.
3. Protects Intestinal Health: Fig chips protect intestinal health thanks to the high fiber it contains. Fiber increases mobility in the digestive system and prevents constipation.
4. Antioxidant Effect: Fig chips protect cells by eliminating free radicals in the body, thanks to the antioxidants it contains. In this way, the risk of cancer is reduced.
5. Benefits Bone Health: Fig chips benefit bone health thanks to the calcium it contains. At the same time, it ensures healthy functioning of the muscles thanks to the magnesium it contains.
Preparation of Fig Chips
Fig chips are also very easy to make, and they are a healthy snack that anyone can make at home, provided they have the appropriate ingredients.
All we need to make fig chips is delicious fresh figs that are not too soft. First of all, let’s clean our fresh figs by washing them well. Then cut off the stem parts. After this process, start slicing your fresh figs. Your slices should be neither extremely thick nor thin. When the thickness of fig chips is too high, it becomes difficult for them to dry; even if you make them thinner, they cannot maintain their integrity and shape. You should adjust it yourself according to the softness of the fresh figs in your hands.
After cutting your fresh figs, the drying phase can be done in two different ways: in the oven or in the sun.
To dry in the oven. Place the sliced figs on a baking tray and dry them in a preheated oven at 50-60 degrees for about 8-10 hours. Check the figs from time to time during the drying process and change the baking tray if you wish. After the figs are dried, you can store them in a jar.
Arrange your sliced figs on a clean cloth or tray to dry in the sun. Then leave it to dry in a sunny, airy environment. You need to turn your figs twice a day. Otherwise, it will stick to the tray or the cloth you put under it. Dry the figs by turning them in sunlight for approximately 3 days. If the dryness is not sufficient, you can wait a few more days. After it dries, be sure to store it in a closed jar.
How to Consume Fig Chips?
Fig chips can be consumed as a stand-alone snack or combined with other snacks such as granola or yoghurt. Also use it in dessert recipes. It can be done. For example, you can create a healthier dessert alternative by using it in cheesecake recipes or cake recipes.
In Conclusion
Fig chips stand out as a healthy snack option. It provides many health benefits thanks to the natural sugars, fibers, antioxidants and vitamins it contains. It also helps control weight thanks to its low calorie and fat content. Fig chips are very easy to make and can be consumed in a variety of ways. You can consider fig chips as your snack option for a healthy nutrition program.
