History of fig in ancient Egypt

Fruit farming started around 6000 BC with crops such as figs, plums and grapes in the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt.

Two species of fig were known to the ancient Egyptians, the sycomore fig (Ficus sycomorus) and the common fig (Ficus carica).

Sycomore fig trees were personified as goddesses in Egyptian art, and were perceived as dispensers of nourishment. The tree goddess is often shown in paintings and reliefs as a small figure crouched in the top of a tree or as a standing figure from whose head grows a small sycomore tree.

In ancient Egypt the sycomore fig was highly value for its fruit or syconia. Fig also can be fermented in to a fig wine. The species was widely use in Pharaonic medicine and is still use in folk medicine.

At that time, a special tool was used for the purpose of gashing sycomore fruits. Theophrastus (372-287 BC) witnessed this practice and correctly notes that after gashing.

The sycamore fig is referred to frequently in ancient Egyptian texts, thus in the Eighteenth Dynasty and in 251 BC sycamore wood to be used for building a boat is mentioned, and in the Twentieth Dynasty statues of the wood and sycamore gardens are also mentioned.
History of fig in ancient Egypt

Folklore of Apricot

The apricot flower is symbolic of doubt in the “language of flower.” Also, the apricot has been used to symbolize female genitalia, similar to the peach and other stone fruits.

In ancient times, the Persian called apricot “seed of the sun.”

Chinese legends ascribed prophetic powers to the Confucius is said to have worked out his philosophy under an apricot tree.

In Hunza, a small kingdom on he Himalayas, the long life and the robust health of the people to be due to apricots.

Throughout the world apricot is considered to be among the most delectable of all fruits, with flowers, fruit and tree playing parts in various traditions of diverse human culture. Fruits are used in both fresh and dry form, canned or otherwise preserved as jam and marmalade or pulp.

Wines and distillates made from both cultivated and non-domesticated apricot are traditional beverages in parts of both Europe and Asia.

As with all stone fruits, apricot leaves, flowers, and especially seeds and bark contain toxic compounds that generate cyanide, which is of course toxic or lethal in large doses.

However, in the plant tissues, the cyanide concentration is low enough to be considered therapeutic, particularly for cancer (tumor) treatment has been used for this purpose since at least 25 BC.

Apricot oil was used against tumors and ulcers in England in the 1600s. Apricot seeds contain the highest amounts of these cyanide-generating compounds and the controversial cancer drug laetrile is derived from this source.

Treatment is based on the theory that the apricot pit extract breaks down to release cyanide but only when in contact with beta-glucuronidase, an enzyme active in tumor cells.

The cyanide is released preferentially at tumor sites, killing cancerous cells.

The apricot tree was called by the Romans ‘Armeniaca’, the tree of Armenia, where it originated. And the Latin also named the apricot ‘praecocia’. It was because it ripens at the beginning of summer before other fruits.
Folklore of Apricot

Apple Folklore

Apple Folklore Many myths and legends are associated with the apple. Apples were frequently used in Greek, Roman, Norse and other mythologies as symbols of immortality or reincarnation. They are the food of the gods/goddess or are given to humans by deities as rewards for various acts. The apple tree is also symbolic: King Arthur was taken by a goddess to Avalon, the “apple-land” of eternal life. Apple tress have often marked the “axis of the world” or the “center of life” in various tales, as in the Romanian folktale of the fairy Magdalena, who appeared sitting in a cosmic apple tree, “those branches touched the sky and whose roots reached into the bottom of the ocean.” As the apple fruit is five-locular, when cut in transverse section, it reveals the pentacle a sacred sign in some cults and pagan beliefs. Apples were cut in this way at Gypsy weddings,, each half eaten by the bride and groom. Because of connections with deities and magic, apples are said to confer some healing or telepathic powers. Fever could be cured if a holy name was written on an apple and eaten on three consecutive days. Abortion would occur if the words sator arepo tenet opera rotas were inscribe on an apple before eating it. One’s future spouse would be revealed in one’s dream of an apple was eaten on Halloween, according to legend which is the origin of bobbing for apples. Apple Folklore

The story of almond (Prunus dulcis)

The story of almond (Prunus dulcis)
Almonds are native of Middle East and were probably abundant in ancient times, since they are mentioned several times in the bible.

The Hebrew name for the almond, shakud, means “hasty awakening,” which probably derives from its prolific and fragrant bloom in late winter, ahead of most other orchard species.

Aaron’s rod was made of almond wood, and Jewish people often carry blooming almond branches to synagogues for festivals.

Ancient pagans thought almonds symbolized virginity. Some even used almonds as an emblem of the Virgin Mary.

While symbolizing virginity, almonds were also used as fertility charms and marriage blessings.

Italians used to distribute almonds at wedding as tokens of fruitfulness.

The almond was referred to as the “womb of the world,” suggestive of its supposed both birth-bringing powers.

Reference to the flowering almond in older poetry often meant “hope” according to “the language of flowers.”

However, almond trees have a somewhat conflicting symbolism: giddiness, heedlessness, stupidity, indiscretion, and thoughtlessness.

Almonds were left in King Tutankhamen’s tomb to provide nourishment in his afterlife.

Almonds branches were used as divining rods in Tuscany, Italy.

Almonds have been used as a folk remedy for cancers, tumors, ulcers, corns and calluses. Almonds were thought to prevent intoxication from drinking too much alcohol.

As with other members of Prunus, bitter almonds contain cyanogenic glycosides in seeds, bark and leaves; of eaten in large quantities, they can cease convulsions and death. About 50 to 70 bitter almonds cause death in adults; seven to ten can cause death in children, while three can cause severe poisoning. The sweet almonds of commerce do not contain these compounds.

Phloretin is an antibiotic-like compound found in bark and root extracts; in concentrate form, phloretin can kill certain bacteria.

The major nonfood usage of almond is for oil. Almond oil is highly valued for used in cosmetics and creams, and bitter almond oil is used as an essential oil. The oil is sued to treat various forms of dermatitis.
The story of almond (Prunus dulcis)