The Fig Tree Beyond the Fruit

Written By Steven Biggs

Herbal Uses of Figs

Most fig growers are focused on the fruit. Fair enough.

But in this episode, we look at the rest of the fig tree: the leaves, sap, dried leaves, infused vinegars, tinctures, pantry blends, and even prunings.

Steven talks with Penelope Beaudrow, a registered herbalist at Richters Herbs, about figs from an herbalist’s point of view. They talk about fig leaf tea, the coconut-vanilla-green flavour of fig leaves, traditional uses of fig sap, figs as a fibre-rich food, and ways to dry and preserve fig leaves for later use.

For cold-climate fig growers, there’s also a useful shift in perspective: even if a fig dies back in winter, it can still be valuable as a leaf crop. Not every fig-growing story needs to end with a basket of ripe figs. Sometimes the leaves are the harvest.

In this episode:

  • Fig leaf tea and what it tastes like

  • How herbalists think about leaves, tinctures, and vinegars

  • Using fig leaves in the kitchen

  • Drying fig leaves for winter

  • Fig leaf salts, sugars, and spice blends

  • Traditional uses of fig sap and why caution matters

  • Fresh and dried figs as food

  • Thinking of figs as a cold-climate leaf crop

  • A short visit to the fig benches at Richters Herbs

Fig sap can irritate the skin in some people. And before using figs, fig leaves, or any plant medicinally, it’s always wise to consult a qualified health professional.

Steven Biggs

Recognized by Garden Making magazine as one of the "green gang" of Canadians making a difference in horticulture, Steven Biggs is a horticulturist, former college instructor, and award-winning broadcaster and author. His passion is helping home gardeners grow food in creative and attractive ways.


He’s the author of eight gardening books, including the Canadian bestseller No Guff Vegetable Gardening. His articles have appeared in Canada’s Local Gardener, Mother Earth News, Fine Gardening, Garden Making, Country Guide, Edible Toronto, and other magazines.


Along with over 30 years working in the horticultural sector and a horticultural-science major at the University of Guelph, Steven’s experience includes hands-on projects in his own garden including wicking beds, driveway strawbale gardens, and a rooftop tomato plantation—to the ongoing amusement of neighbours.


When not in the garden, you might catch him recording his award-winning Food Garden Life podcast or canoeing in Algonquin Park.

Next

A Collector’s Mindset: Figs, Family, and 250-Plus Varieties with Bobby Ghaheri