What is the white liquid that comes out of figs?
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4 min read
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.
