Figs are used to manufacture fig paste, canned figs, jam, alcoholic drinks, coffee substitute and liqueur. They are consumed fresh or dried. As a mild purgative, figs are also used in medicine. The enclose package insert of these products should be read carefully before buying.
Cross reactions: Figs have common allergenic structures with latex. If one is allergenic or sensitised to latex, a cross reaction with figs is possible. You can absolutely react to figs without ever having eaten one. The indoor plant Benjamin’s fig is another possible source for this allergen. If you are sensitised to the plant, you shouldn’t have it in your rooms. Furthermore, figs have a common allergenic structure with birch pollen, with the so called Bet V1-allergen. If one reacts to birch pollen or is sensitised to it, allergic reactions after the consumptions of figs are possible.
