Figs are also great to grow in pots and can be stored in a cool garage or basement where the temperatures stay between 20 and 50 degrees F. One tree produces many figs, but they have to ripen on the tree to achieve their delicious flavor, so be patient and give them time. are often recommended to nourish the intestines and act as a natural laxative (so don't get carried away with eating too many of the luscious fruits at once). Highfiber foods produce a feeling of fullness, reduce hunger, and help with weight management. Figs are also a good fruit source of calcium, important in bone density and in combating osteoporosis. There is even evidence that fruits such as figs offer protection against macular degeneration. The leaves of the fig have been shown to have anti-diabetic properties and can actually reduce the amount of insulin needed by diabetics who require insulin injections. So this fall, for lots of reasons, plant a fig. In no time, its big exotic leaves will make your patch of land seem like a paradise. Those leaves have always provided great cover. It could be downright embarrassing to be caught without them. www.co-opliving.com October 2016 | Cooperative Living | 29http://www.co-opliving.com