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| - Last Updated on December 2, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A viral post claims figs are non-vegetarian due to wasp pollination. Our fact check finds this mostly false.
The Claim
According to a viral Instagram video, “figs are non-vegetarian because wasps are involved in their pollination process.” Actress Shenaz Treasurywala states that female wasps enter figs to pollinate the flowers inside, where they die, and the wasp remains decompose inside the fruit. This leads to the belief that figs contain wasp remains and are therefore non-vegetarian.
Fact Check
Do figs depend on wasps for pollination?
Yes, some species of figs rely on a special relationship with fig wasps for pollination. When the fig’s flowers are ready, they emit a scent that attracts female wasps. The wasp enters the fig through a small opening, losing its wings and antennae in the process. Inside, it lays eggs in some flowers while spreading pollen, helping all the seeds to grow. Once it has completed its role, the wasp dies inside the fig. The eggs hatch into grubs, and after maturing, the male wasps mate with the females before dying inside the fig. The fertilized females then leave the fig, carrying pollen to pollinate the next one. This fascinating process is a prime example of coevolution between the fig and the wasp.
Interestingly, figs produce an enzyme (ficin or ficain) that digests any wasps inside, so the crunchy bits in figs are seeds, not wasp remains (as claimed in the viral video). However, not all figs depend on this process—commercially grown varieties, like the common fig (Ficus carica), can develop fruit without pollination.
Are the remains of wasps a concern inside figs?
While it’s true that wasps die inside the fig, there’s no reason to label figs as non-vegetarian. After the wasp dies, the fig produces an enzyme called ficin that breaks down the wasp’s body. This process absorbs and decomposes the remains into proteins, leaving no visible or significant traces by the time the fig ripens. So, the fig stays primarily plant-based, made up of plant tissue, seeds, and sugars. This natural decomposition does not affect the taste or edibility of the fruit.
Does the presence of wasps in the pollination process make figs non-vegetarian?
No, the involvement of wasps in pollination does not make figs non-vegetarian. Vegetarianism excludes animal flesh and direct animal products, but figs do not contain any animal tissue in their final form. The fig’s lifecycle is part of nature’s complex systems, where both the fig tree and the wasp benefit from the relationship. While the wasp dies as part of this process, its body is absorbed and becomes part of the fig’s natural cycle. From a dietary standpoint, figs are plant-based and suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
We connected with Dr Swati Dave, PhD in Food and Nutrition, to understand whether figs are non-vegetarian. She says, “This is completely misleading! The reel is referring to the wild cluster fig, which is a different variety altogether. It’s important to know that not all figs are the same, and their nutritional benefits can vary. Commercial figs, like Anjeer, do not contain any wasp remains because they are mostly pollinated without wasps. Therefore, these figs contain no maggots or wasps. On the other hand, wild figs do contain maggots.”
Shruti K Bhardwaj, Chief Clinical Nutritionist at Zydus Hospital, Ahmedabad, clarifies, “Figs come in many varieties, and not all rely on wasps for pollination. Instead, many farmers use plant hormones as a more vegetarian-friendly alternative. In fact, most commercially available figs found in stores are grown without any involvement of wasps, ensuring they are suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.”
Deepalakshmi Sriram, Registered Dietitian at The Cleft & Craniofacial Centre and Sree Balaji Medical College & Hospital, Chennai, explains, “Figs are sometimes mistakenly considered non-vegetarian due to the role of wasps in their pollination process. However, they are classified as vegetarian because this process is entirely natural and essential for their growth. The involvement of wasps is part of nature’s cycle, making figs a plant-based food suitable for vegetarians. Moreover, most commercial figs available in the market are grown without pollination.”
Environmental Specialist and Botanist Nidhi Singh explains, “Wild varieties of figs depend on wasps for pollination, and any remnants of the wasps left inside the fig are naturally broken down and digested by the plant. This process ensures that the fig remains plant-based. On the other hand, commercially grown figs are artificially pollinated to maximise yields, with no involvement of wasps in the process. As a result, these figs are entirely vegetarian.”
Are all figs pollinated by wasps?
No, not all figs require wasp pollination. Although many wild fig species rely on wasps for fertilisation, the majority of commercially grown figs, like Ficus carica, are parthenocarpic (fruits are produced without fertilization) and do not require wasps for fruit development. This means these figs are entirely free from any wasp involvement. And hence, this fact eliminates concerns about the pollination process altogether.
What about ethical concerns regarding figs for vegetarians and vegans?
Ethical vegetarians and vegans who avoid any form of animal interaction, even indirectly, may be concerned about wasps being involved in fig pollination. However, most vegetarians would not consider figs non-vegetarian because the final fruit contains no animal tissue. For those strictly opposed to any insect involvement, choosing commercially grown parthenocarpic figs ensures a wasp-free fruit. It’s important to remember that many plants rely on insects for pollination, and this natural process doesn’t necessarily conflict with vegetarian or vegan diets. It’s more of a personal choice.
People with diabetes and pregnant women often wonder if figs are suitable for them. The answer is yes – figs offer nutritional benefits, supporting a healthy pregnancy and helping regulate blood sugar, despite the myths surrounding their pollination process. Figs can also be a part of mindful weight loss plan.
THIP Media Take
The claim that figs are non-vegetarian due to wasp pollination is mostly false. While some fig species rely on wasps for pollination, the final fruit remains plant-based. The wasp remains are broken down and do not affect the fig’s taste or edibility. Most commercially grown figs are parthenocarpic, meaning they don’t need wasps for pollination. So, figs are generally considered vegetarian and vegan-friendly. While some may have ethical concerns about insect involvement, figs are still fundamentally plant-based and safe for most vegetarians and vegans.
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