Understanding Why is fig called non-vegetarian: The Fig-Wasp Symbiosis Explained

Over 90% of figs sold in the United States are self-pollinating and do not require wasps for ripening. This fact is crucial for understanding the common misconception and answering the question of why is fig called non-vegetarian, which stems from the natural, interdependent life cycle of some wild fig species and the tiny fig wasp.

Quick Summary

The reputation of figs as non-vegetarian comes from the unique pollination cycle of some wild species, where a female wasp dies inside the fruit. Fig enzymes fully break down and absorb the wasp's body, and most commercially grown figs do not use this pollination method. The crunchy bits are seeds, not wasp remains.

Key Points

• Inverted Flower: Figs are technically inverted flowers, called syconiums, with tiny blossoms hidden inside, requiring a special pollinator.

• Wasp's Role: The mutualistic fig-wasp relationship is an ancient evolutionary partnership where the wasp pollinates wild figs and lays its eggs inside.

• Enzymatic Digestion: The fig produces an enzyme, ficin, which completely digests the dead female wasp, leaving no trace of insect remains by the time the fruit ripens.

• Commercial vs. Wild: Most figs found in stores are commercially grown, self-pollinating varieties (parthenocarpic) that do not require wasps for ripening.

• Ethical Debate: The 'non-vegetarian' label for figs primarily applies to certain wild varieties and is an ethical consideration for some vegans, while others accept it as a natural process.

• Seeds are the Crunch: The crunchy bits in a fig are its many tiny seeds, not wasp body parts.

The central mystery surrounding the fig's supposedly non-vegetarian status lies in an astonishing biological relationship known as obligate mutualism, which has evolved over 60 million years between the fig plant and the fig wasp. Unlike most fruits, the fig is not an external flower but rather a syconium—an inverted flower with hundreds of tiny blossoms hidden inside a fleshy, bulbous structure. This unique architecture necessitates a highly specialized pollination method that, for many wild species, involves a cooperative yet sacrificial act by a tiny wasp.

The Journey of the Fig Wasp

The symbiotic cycle begins when a pregnant female fig wasp, carrying pollen from a male fig tree, searches for a suitable home to lay her eggs. She enters the fig through a tiny opening at the bottom called the ostiole. The passage is so narrow that it often rips off her wings and antennae, making escape impossible. Once inside, she pollinates some of the fig's female flowers and lays her eggs in the ovaries of others. Having completed her life's mission, the female wasp dies inside the fig.

As her eggs hatch, the new generation of wasps develops inside the fig. The wingless male wasps emerge first. Their sole purpose is to mate with the female larvae and then chew an exit tunnel through the fig's wall before dying inside. The fertilized female wasps then follow the tunnel out, gathering pollen on their way, and fly off to find a new fig to continue the ancient cycle.

The Fig's Role: Digesting the Deceased

For those concerned about eating the dead wasp, nature has a surprising answer: the fig digests it. The fig produces a powerful protein-digesting enzyme called ficin. This enzyme completely breaks down the dead wasp's body into a protein that the fig absorbs, leaving no discernible trace behind. By the time the fig ripens and reaches consumers, the wasp's body has been entirely assimilated into the fruit. The crunchy parts that people sometimes mistake for insect remains are actually the fruit's numerous seeds.

This process is the primary reason for the 'non-vegetarian' label. For strict vegans and certain religious groups, the involvement of an animal—even in this natural, symbiotic way—is enough to classify the fruit as unsuitable for consumption. However, the vast majority of commercially produced figs, like the Common Fig, are cultivated specifically to avoid this process.

Wild vs. Commercial Figs

The 'wasp-in-fig' phenomenon is not universal across all fig varieties, which is a crucial point often lost in discussion. Here is a comparison of wild figs and the commercially cultivated varieties found in most grocery stores:

Feature	Wild Figs (e.g., Caprifig, some Smyrna)	Commercially Cultivated Figs (e.g., Common Figs)
Pollination Method	Primarily relies on the fig wasp for cross-pollination.	Often parthenocarpic (self-pollinating) or grown from cuttings.
Wasp Presence	A dead female wasp is typically present and digested in the fruit.	No wasps are involved in the pollination or ripening process.
Flavor Profile	Often nuttier and more complex due to cross-pollination.	Generally sweeter and more consistent in flavor profile.
Seed Viability	Produces viable seeds, necessary for propagation in nature.	Produces sterile seeds, as no pollination is required.
Suitability for Vegans	Debatable for strict vegans due to the animal life cycle involvement.	Considered vegan-friendly as no animal is involved in ripening.

Most supermarket figs, including popular varieties like 'Brown Turkey,' 'Black Mission,' and 'Kadota,' are common figs that do not need wasp pollination to produce fruit, a process called parthenocarpy. For those concerned, these options provide a way to enjoy figs without the complex ethical considerations of the fig-wasp mutualism.

The Vegan Debate and Human Ethics

The ethical debate within the vegan and vegetarian communities revolves around how to interpret this natural process. One perspective acknowledges the natural, symbiotic relationship, arguing that it's a part of the ecosystem and not animal exploitation orchestrated by humans. This view aligns with the Vegan Society's principle of excluding exploitation 'as far as is possible and practicable'. It's widely accepted that it's impossible to avoid all incidental insect consumption in crop harvesting, and the fig-wasp process is viewed by many as a natural, unavoidable event.

Conversely, a stricter interpretation suggests that since a wasp dies within the fig, consuming the fruit means consuming an animal product, regardless of human intent. Individuals holding this view may choose to avoid all figs, opting for more readily verifiable, wasp-free fruits. The key takeaway for anyone exploring this issue is that the ethical decision depends on one's personal interpretation of veganism and their comfort level with naturally occurring animal life cycles.

Conclusion: The Truth is Nuanced

In conclusion, the story behind why is fig called non-vegetarian is a fascinating, yet often misunderstood, biological tale. The claim is based on the unique and intricate pollination process of certain wild fig varieties, which involves the death of a fig wasp inside the fruit. However, the presence of the powerful digestive enzyme ficin ensures that by the time humans consume the fruit, no wasp remnants are left. Furthermore, the majority of figs available for purchase today are commercially cultivated varieties that do not rely on this method of pollination, making them suitable for most vegetarians and vegans. The 'non-vegetarian' label is a testament to the complexities of nature, but for most people, the figs on their plate are entirely plant-based. For an in-depth look at fig species and their intricate pollination methods, consider referencing the excellent work on FigWeb by F. Kjellberg.

Here is a summary of the facts surrounding the fig-wasp mutualism:

• The Fig's Structure: The fig is botanically an inverted flower (syconium), requiring special pollination.
• The Wasp's Sacrifice: Female fig wasps enter the fig to lay eggs and die inside, ensuring pollination.
• The Digestive Enzyme: The fig's ficin enzyme breaks down the wasp's body completely.
• The Seeds: The crunchy texture comes from the fig's numerous small seeds, not wasp parts.
• Commercial Cultivation: Most supermarket figs are parthenocarpic (self-pollinating) and wasp-free.
• Ethical Viewpoints: The interpretation of the fig's status as vegan or vegetarian varies depending on personal ethical standards regarding natural animal interactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it true that there are dead wasps in every fig?

No, it is a common misconception that all figs contain dead wasps. This unique pollination process occurs primarily with wild fig species. Most commercially grown figs, such as the 'Brown Turkey' and 'Black Mission' varieties, are parthenocarpic, meaning they self-pollinate and ripen without any wasp involvement.

What happens to the wasp that pollinates the fig?

A female fig wasp, after entering a wild fig to lay eggs and pollinate it, dies inside. The fig then produces an enzyme called ficin, which completely digests the wasp's body, turning it into protein that the fig absorbs. By the time the fruit is ripe, there are no recognizable wasp parts left.

Are the crunchy bits in a fig dead wasp remains?

No, the crunchy texture in a fig comes from its numerous small seeds. These are a result of the pollinated flowers inside the syconium. Any dead wasp body would have been fully digested by the ficin enzyme long before the fig ripens.

Why do some vegans or vegetarians avoid eating figs?

Some vegans and strict vegetarians choose to avoid certain figs because the pollination process involves the death of an animal. For them, consuming a product from a process that relies on a dead insect, even incidentally and naturally, is a violation of their ethical standards.

Is the fig-wasp relationship a cruel process?

The fig-wasp relationship is an obligate mutualism, a natural biological process that is not a result of human-led exploitation. The fig provides a nursery for the wasp's offspring, and the wasp ensures the fig's reproduction. The female wasp's death is a necessary part of this natural cycle, different from cruelty in an agricultural setting.

Can I eat figs and still be vegan or vegetarian?

Yes, for the vast majority of people, figs are perfectly acceptable for a vegan or vegetarian diet. The decision often comes down to personal ethical interpretation. Many vegans consider the fig-wasp relationship a natural ecological event and consume commercially grown figs, which are typically wasp-free.

Which fig varieties are safe for vegans to eat without concern?

The most common varieties of figs sold commercially, such as 'Brown Turkey,' 'Black Mission,' 'Conadria,' and 'Kadota,' are self-pollinating (parthenocarpic) and do not require wasps. These are considered safe for even the most stringent vegan diets.

Is the fig a fruit or a flower?

Botanically speaking, a fig is not a fruit but a syconium—an inverted flower or, more precisely, an infructescence. The fleshy part is an enlarged stem tissue that contains the numerous tiny flowers and seeds inside.