These are two of my favorite fruits. I enjoyed picking figs from trees with my mom in what we called ‘the country’. While playing outside, we ate from the trees (our snacks) and drank water from the water hose. No going to the stores for candy for us, our natural store was Earth. My treat was picking dates from the trees and eating them. They were most delicious. For many years, I didn’t know they were dates. As children, we called them baboons; not really sure why, perhaps from the way they looked? All I know is I was so excited to see a ‘baboon’ tree to grab some ‘baboons’ and bring home with me. As an adult, my mom told me they were dates and I fell in love with them all over again.
Teeccino’s Mediterranean flavors contain dates, Phoenix dactylifera, and figs, Ficus carica, to create a slightly sweet flavor without adding significantly to the calories per serving. With only 1g of sugar per serving, the Mediterranean flavors often don’t need additional sweetening for people who want to lower their calories yet still desire something that satisfies their sweet tooth.
Both dates and figs contribute potassium and other nutrients that are water soluble and easily absorbable from a cup of Teeccino’s Mediterranean flavors. Potassium is a mineral that helps to control blood pressure. Many people do not eat enough fruits and vegetables. Instead, they consume foods and snacks high in sodium. As a result, they may be deficient in potassium. Low intake of potassium-rich foods, especially when coupled with a high intake of sodium, can lead to hypertension and other cardiovascular problems.
Dates and figs both contain high amounts of antioxidants. Dates contain antioxidants known as proanthocyanidins (OPCs) that are water-soluble and readily absorbable from a cup of Teeccino. Figs have been shown to increase antioxidant capacity in humans for four hours after consumption.
Both dates and figs are tree crops. Trees help prevent climate change by sequestering CO2 and creating oxygen through photosynthesis.
Dates come from tall trees that survive extreme heat in the desert. Grown throughout the Middle East, date palms are also commercially grown in California.
Teeccino’s figs are harvested from tree plantations in California.