Are figs vegan? Debunking common myths about wasps and figs

It might not be something you’ve ever considered before, but do vegans eat figs? And if not, why are figs not vegan? We explore this hotly debated topic to find out if figs are vegan…

Figs are just an innocent fruit, that are equally delicious eaten raw or used in vegan recipes, right? Nothing controversial about that. Well, that’s not quite the case.

Just as some oranges and lemons have a question mark over them, the matter of whether or not figs are vegan isn’t an entirely straightforward one either.

In this article, we explore the unusual pollination process of figs and explore both sides of the debate as we ask real vegans to explain why some vegans choose to avoid eating figs.

Jump to section:

• Are figs vegan?
• Do figs contain wasps?
• Are there any figs without wasps?
• Should vegans eat figs?
• Debate: Opinion 1 – Yes, figs are vegan
• Debate: Opinion 2 – No, of course figs aren’t vegan

Are figs vegan?

Some vegans choose to avoid certain types of figs due to their unique pollination process that involves a mutualistic relationship with specific types of wasps.

During the pollination process, the body of the pollinating wasp is broken down by a protein-digesting enzyme inside the fig.

As a wasp has died in this process, some people argue that figs are not vegan. Others counter that it is just a part of nature, and doesn’t really constitute exploitation of the wasp.

While the idea of consuming wasps may be off-putting to some, it’s important to recognise that the fig fruit itself does not inherently involve the exploitation or harm of animals.

Figs grow naturally on trees, and their consumption does not require the direct use or involvement of animals in the process. Furthermore, the female wasp will lay eggs inside the fruit which will leave the fig as larvae, bringing new life into the world through her sacrifice.

As their consumption does not directly exploit animals, figs themselves are considered vegan. However, some vegans may choose to avoid specific types or figs based on personal preferences.

According to the Vegan Society: “Veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.”

For many vegans, the important part is ‘as far as practicable’. There is a world of difference between factory farming, the daily slaughter of animals, and the animal testing that goes on in labs on one side, and the incidental consumption of insects on the other.

The pollination of figs is an entirely natural – and mutually beneficial – process that takes place in some, but not all, varieties of figs.

Do figs contain wasps?

Certain varieties of figs such as “caprifigs” rely on wasps to pollinate them, a symbiotic relationship which kills the wasp and absorbs its body into the fruit itself.

There are several different species of fig wasps that have a symbiotic relationship with different species of fig trees including:

• Common Fig Wasp
• Caprifig Wasp
• Egyptian Fig Wasp
• Gall-Wasps

Because figs start off as an inverted flower, the wasp must crawl inside in order to pollinate them. The wasp then becomes trapped in the fig and dies, and enzymes called ficin within the fig digest the body of the wasp.

This powerful enzyme works to break down the body of the wasp into protein, meaning no part of the wasp remains. So, you can rest assured you won’t be eating the body of the wasp next time you bite into a juicy fig.

Plus, in contrast to what some people think, the crunchy bits in figs are seeds, and not the remains of wasps.

Are there any figs without wasps?

Most commercially available figs do not require wasps for pollination. Instead, they use more modern, vegan-friendly cultivation methods to ripen the fruits.

In colder climates like the United Kingdom for example, farmers spray plant hormones onto the skin of the unripened female fruit to induce ripening.

The most common type of figs available in supermarkets are know, as “common figs” (Ficus carica) and are not pollinated by wasps.

Instead, this variety of fig yields fruit through a process known as “parthenocarpy,” where the fruit matures without pollen fertilisation.

There are several varieties of self-pollinating common figs widely available, including Black Mission, Brown Turkey, Calimyrna, and Kadota.

Should vegans eat figs?

Confused about whether or not to include figs as part of your vegan diet? Here we explore both sides of the argument so that you can make up your own mind.

Opinion 1: Yes, figs are vegan

The pollination of figs is an entirely natural – and mutually beneficial – process that takes place in some, but not all, varieties of figs. Plus in contrast to what some people think, the crunchy bits in figs are seeds, and not the remains of wasps.

Nutrition student Jamie Kennedy says: “Some commercial fig varieties are grown without wasp pollination – so first of all a blanket ban on all figs is completely unnecessary.

“I eat them because they are very healthy – figs are a good source of fibre and a number of minerals.

“I think some people should bear arable farming methods in mind – every time you eat bread, mice will have been accidentally harvested by the machines, for example. If you’re going to eliminate figs from your diet, you are going to have a hard time justifying eating wheat or other harvested crops where the collateral damage is equal or even worse.

“Because this is a natural process, I am satisfied I am not contributing to the exploitation or suffering of animals by eating this fruit.”

Opinion 2: No, of course figs aren’t vegan

Vegans, as far as practicable, should avoid eating any animals or animal products. The way some varieties of fig are pollinated means every edible fruit of some fig varieties contain at least one dead wasp – so by eating a fig, you are eating a dead insect. So far, so not vegan.

According to online natural history textbook Waynes Word, the wasp will enter the fig, passing into a part of the plant – known as the calimyrna –which she can’t lay her eggs in. Out of frustration, she wanders around, pollinating the flowers as she goes.

Eventually she dies from sheer exhaustion, and is broken down by a protein-digesting enzyme inside the fig.

Jess Mann, who has been vegan for 22 years, says: “While there are always going to be trace amounts of insects in food – and even animals like mice being accidentally killed during the harvesting process – I see that as different to eating figs.

“You are not guaranteed to be eating these insects when you’re eating other veggies or fruits, but you are with figs, so it seems like an easy and practicable step to take to avoid them.

“I personally have a revulsion to eating meat because I find it disgusting. Just look at the ‘controlled rotting process’ hung beef goes through – it’s gross. I feel the same about eating a decomposed wasp’s body. It’s just horrible to think about a living creature decomposing – and then eating it.”

You’ve heard both sides of the argument, now it’s over to you to decide whether or not you continue to consume figs.

While you’re in a reflective mood, why not ask yourself the question ‘Is beer vegan?‘

Featured image © Vladislav Nosick via Getty Images