Tag: Fig latex

The common fig, or *Ficus carica*, is one of the oldest cultivated fruit trees known to humankind, with evidence of cultivation dating back over 11,000 years. However, when a fig is picked or a leaf is broken, many people are surprised to see a milky white substance ooze from the stem, a fluid that has both fascinating botanical functions and important implications for humans. This white liquid is a natural latex, a complex chemical compound produced by the tree for protection and healing.

When a fig is picked or damaged, a white liquid often appears, leading many to ask, "Does a fig have milk?" This substance is not dairy milk, but a protective botanical latex secreted by the fig tree. The milky sap is an important defense mechanism for the plant, containing enzymes and other compounds to ward off pests.