Are Figs Considered Meat? Debunking the Wasp Myth

January 12, 2026 •

4 min read

A common misconception, stemming from the fruit's unique pollination process, has led to a persistent rumor that figs are not plant-based. In reality, figs are scientifically classified as a fruit, specifically an inverted flower, and are not considered meat.

Quick Summary

An exploration of whether figs are meat addresses the viral wasp pollination myth, explaining the symbiotic relationship and why commercial varieties are often wasp-free.

Key Points

Figs are not meat: Botanically, figs are a type of inverted flower, not an animal product.
The wasp myth is often misunderstood: The pollination process involving a wasp dying inside a fig applies only to specific wild and non-commercial varieties.
Ficin digests the wasp: In figs that require wasp pollination, a naturally occurring enzyme called ficin completely breaks down the wasp.
Most commercial figs are wasp-free: Common fig varieties, like Black Mission and Brown Turkey, are self-pollinating and do not need wasps.
Figs are plant-based: The natural symbiosis with wasps is not considered human-led exploitation, and most vegans and vegetarians find figs acceptable.
The crunchy bits are seeds: The texture inside a fig comes from its numerous small seeds, not wasp remnants.

The Botanical Reality: Figs Are Not Meat

From a botanical and nutritional standpoint, there is no question: figs are a fruit and not a type of meat. The misunderstanding arises from the fruit's unusual and fascinating life cycle. While most fruits develop from external flowers, a fig is actually a 'syconium,' a fleshy, bulbous stem containing hundreds of tiny flowers that bloom internally. What we eat are the ripened ovaries of these tiny flowers, making a fig fundamentally a plant-based food. Meat, by contrast, is derived from animal flesh and muscle tissue, a category figs clearly do not belong to.

The Source of the Confusion: The Fig Wasp Myth

The myth that figs are not vegetarian or vegan comes from the symbiotic relationship between certain fig species and the fig wasp. This natural, co-evolved partnership is essential for the reproduction of many wild figs, though it is often misconstrued in the popular imagination. The fig's structure prevents wind or typical insects from pollinating its internal flowers, necessitating a special pollinator.

How Pollination Works in Certain Fig Species

For some fig varieties, a female fig wasp, carrying pollen from a male fig, must crawl through a tiny opening, known as the ostiole, into the female fig. In the process, she often loses her wings and antennae, trapping her inside. She lays her eggs in some of the flowers, and in doing so, she pollinates the fig. Having completed her life's purpose, she dies inside.

The Enzyme that Digests the Wasp

Crucially, the fig is equipped with a powerful enzyme called ficin. This proteolytic enzyme completely breaks down the wasp's body, absorbing it and converting it into a source of protein for the ripening fig. By the time the fig is ripe and ready for consumption, no traces of the wasp remain. The crunchy texture people feel when eating a fig comes from its numerous seeds, not the insect's exoskeleton.

Most Commercial Figs are Wasp-Free

For those still concerned, the vast majority of figs purchased in supermarkets today are entirely free of wasp remnants. This is because most commercially grown figs belong to varieties that are parthenocarpic, meaning they are self-pollinating and do not require wasps to develop into edible fruit.

Parthenocarpy and Common Fig Varieties

Common Figs: These are the most widely available figs and include varieties like 'Black Mission,' 'Brown Turkey,' 'Kadota,' and 'White Adriatic'. They produce fruit without any pollination, making them a safe choice for even the strictest vegans and vegetarians.
Smyrna Figs: These varieties do require wasp pollination to ripen. They are less common in the average grocery store but can sometimes be found, especially in regions like California, where the wasp is present.
San Pedro Figs: These varieties produce two crops. The first crop is parthenocarpic, but the second crop requires wasp pollination.

The Vegan and Vegetarian Debate

While vegetarians have no reason to avoid figs, some strict vegans may still feel uncomfortable due to the natural symbiotic relationship. However, most vegan organizations and proponents argue that the natural, non-exploitative relationship between the fig and the wasp is fundamentally different from animal agriculture. The wasps are not farmed or exploited for human consumption; they are simply part of a natural ecological cycle. Avoiding figs would not change this process in the wild, similar to how insects inevitably die during the harvesting of other plant crops.

Nutritional Comparison: Figs vs. Meat

To truly understand why figs are not meat, a nutritional comparison highlights the fundamental differences in their composition.


Nutritional Aspect	Figs	Meat (e.g., Beef)
Source	Plant-based (fruit)	Animal-based (muscle tissue)
Macronutrient Profile	High in carbohydrates, fiber; low in protein	High in protein, fats; no fiber
Key Vitamins	Vitamin B6, Vitamin K	Vitamin B12, Iron, Zinc
Minerals	Potassium, Manganese, Magnesium	Iron, Zinc, Phosphorus
Digestive Impact	High fiber aids digestion and gut health	Can be low in fiber, potentially impacting digestion
Role in Diet	Fruit, used in sweet or savory dishes	Main protein source in many cuisines

Conclusion: Figs are a Plant-Based Food

Ultimately, figs are a nutritious, plant-based food that is unequivocally not meat. The fascinating fig wasp pollination myth is a tale of a natural symbiotic relationship, not human exploitation. For most consumers, especially those buying commercial varieties, the issue is moot, as the figs are self-pollinating and contain no wasp remnants. Whether you are vegetarian, vegan, or simply curious, you can enjoy figs with confidence, knowing that you are eating a wholesome, ancient, and delicious fruit. For a deeper look into the intricate fig-wasp relationship, you can read more at The Open University.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, this is a common myth. Many commercial fig varieties, known as common figs, are self-pollinating and do not require wasps to ripen, so they contain no wasps.

In certain wild fig varieties, a female wasp enters to lay eggs and dies inside. The fig then uses an enzyme called ficin to digest the wasp's body, which is naturally broken down and absorbed into the fruit.

The fig's digestive process is a natural part of its life cycle, not a form of human-led animal consumption or exploitation. By the time a person eats the fig, no wasp remains are detectable.

Yes, for most vegans. While some may ethically object to the natural symbiosis, the vast majority of commercial figs are self-pollinating and universally considered vegan.

The crunchy texture comes from the edible seeds, not the remnants of a wasp. The wasp's body is fully digested by the fig's enzymes.

Smyrna and San Pedro varieties, as well as wild figs, require pollination by fig wasps to ripen their main crop. Common figs like Black Mission and Kadota do not.

Yes, figs are a nutritious fruit. They are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins (B6, K), and minerals (potassium, manganese, magnesium), which support digestive health and provide other benefits.

Yes, some experts note that figs pollinated by wasps can have a nuttier or more intense flavor compared to self-pollinating varieties.