Another Indian king, Ashoka, bestowed kingship on a branch of the tree that was sent to Sri Lanka and openly wept as it was transported down the Ganges. That tree, the Bodhi Tree, was preserved until it was cut down by a vengeful queen who believed her husband loved the tree more than her. Using basswood tools such as a knife and a small gouge is ideal. I know it fruits nicely, but no idea what the cultivar is. We at Wood`s Lumber have been selling fig tree wood for many years. New leaves are reddish in color when they unfurl. Woodworkers tend to stay away from it. In the winter, move the tree indoors and keep the soil moist. D. latifolia is also native to India (southern india) and is sometimes called shisham. If youre not experienced in gathering wood, better shop at the local wood market near your campsite. Which is why, if you want a mild smoking wood, you can put fig trees right alongside other fruit-bearing trees. When meat gets flavored with tree sap/pitch, it pretty much leaves your food tasting really bad. With its smooth grain and beautiful figural patterns, fig wood lends itself to both functional and decorative items. CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. In contrast, hardwood is a consistent heat source that burns As a fruit tree, a fig tree is considered hardwood. Fig wood can also be used to make: cutting boards countertops serving trays decorative bowls wooden spoons carved signs jewelry coasters magnets keychains ornaments It is very important to get the gender right when speaking in Italian about fig trees. Many people refer to the grain as slightly curvy. In more modern times the fig has become a national symbol. Fig trees are a Northern Asia native. View abstract. However, avoid smoking beef and lamb using fig wood. Hence, its better to use this type of wood as kindling. According to New York Times, chefs worldwide like the smell of fig wood due to its distinctly sweet and floral aroma. Regionally, it may carry different common names, including Malayan banyan, Curtain fig, and Indian laurel. A set of carving knives is there to meet your specific needs, and the carving knife is a requirement for a beginner and amateur. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. (Explained), This 5-in-1 fire starter kit by Swiss Safe. The sap (latex) of some Ficus species can cause allergic skin reactions. It forms the same wide, dome-shaped canopy found in banyans and many other Ficus species. Like other fruit trees, fig tree wood is hardwood. Some chefs like Chris Beischer roasts lobsters by using fig trees. Rev.Med.Chir Soc.Med.Nat.Iasi 1989;93(3):602. Hypotriglyceridaemic activity of Ficus carica leaves in experimental hypertriglyceridaemic rats. WebUses of fig trees. Second, it is reported as being toxic to cats and dogs, although this variety of fig is not listed in the ASPCA toxic plant list, unlike another member of the Ficus species, the ornamental weeping fig (Ficus benjamina). A gouge comes with a similar handle to a chisel and moves the same way when carving; the only difference is the rounded tip. The sap is also an eye irritant. 2023 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewhittlingguide_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_4',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewhittlingguide_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');A fishtail gouge has a flat, beveled edge, and the end of the blade separates it from the rest of the gouges. Seasoning fig wood takes longer than most other woods because of the white latex in the stems. I would also advise you to keep off the white latex since it has fucomarines that cause skin irritation and blisters. Specific Gravity: At 12% moisture content, the specific gravity of the wood is 0.46, whereas basic is 0.55. Fig wood is very light and lacks figure. Baek HI, Ha KC, Kim HM, et al. 2008;119(1):1-5. Woodworkers tend to stay away from it. Photodermatol. Always allow wood to dry out first before using it in your smoker. Fig wood is a mild sweet smoking wood. It can survive in some more temperate regions if planted in a sheltered south or west location. Just make sure that before using fig wood for food, the sap is completely dried, and there should be no leaves attached to the firewood. Medicines have been developed from its fruit, the bark, roots and leaves. Look for wider parts since they do not limit your projects. Due to its sappy branches and leaves, most people tend to discard them. Gouges remove the wood when pushed or hit with a wood carving mallet. This forum post is now archived. While Aged Woods does not use fig wood it is important to note the place of trees in the history of mankind. 2021 May 22;14(1):199. In the past, fig trees had a religious and cultural purpose. Thank you for your question. You can use it for camping, alongside other wood that burns slower and radiates heat more effectively. My first woodworking job in the mid-70's was making those burl clocks and tables that were all the rage at the time. Fig trees usually grow in locations that are sunny and have fresh soil. There are around 800 different species of fig in the world and the tree thrives in warmer climates like tropical rainforests. Lembo G, Lo Presti M, Balato N. Phytophotodermatitis due to ficus carica. The smoke can even be toxic and, in some cases, make you sick. It has a density of 390 kilograms per cubic meter. Fig wood . 2017;16(4):e54-e58. Fig (Ficus carica) is a tree native to the Mediterranean. Also, the samples were noticeably distorted, suggesting that the wood has poor stability and might be difficult to dry. Certain species in particular and wide planks in general are more susceptible to this movement and gaps may occur during the heating season. This is to ensure that no leftover white latex remains in the wood. Caiaffa, M. F., Cataldo, V. M., Tursi, A., and Macchia, L. Fig and mulberry cross-allergy. Fig wood is also excellent for smoking. Contact Dermatitis 1995;33(3):212-213. Its sap contains Furocoumarins, which can cause irritability when touched. In fact, you cant retain heat without dumping your whole inventory at a campfire. What I learned: * Fig wood sometimes contains latex, which can be toxic or an allergen. Fig wood is also excellent for smoking. The common fig has beautiful broad palmate leaves, which resemble the human hand. Let me take you through some fascinating facts about fig wood. 1985;2(2):119-120. WebThe basic woodworking properties of the wood are listed below: Average Dried Weight: The average dried weight of the wood is 34 lbs./ft3 (545 kg/m3) which makes it a relatively lightweight hardwood. If you purchase something from one of our links we make a small commission from Amazon.". We are growing a community of people who are interested in whittling and woodwork-related crafts. Now, this makes fig wood unsuitable for beef and other red meats. The Greeks and Romans believed that the fig was a gift sent to them by the gods and when Alexander the Great arrived in India in 326 BC he enjoyed the shade of fig trees. Last updated on October 19th, 2022 at 02:10 pmif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thewhittlingguide_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_7',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewhittlingguide_com-medrectangle-4-0'); if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[970,90],'thewhittlingguide_com-box-4','ezslot_5',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewhittlingguide_com-box-4-0');Are you thinking of carving fig wood? Thanks that pretty much covers what I wanted to know. They aren't true rosewoods, but they have similar properties in terms of density and color. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'thewoodworkplace_com-leader-2','ezslot_7',152,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewoodworkplace_com-leader-2-0');Now, while figs arent fruits, (theyre more of a curious tree flower), they are still edible and naturally sweetened. As for some of the species you mention; D. sissoo is native to India. They are generally fast-growing, very vigorous plants that can be invasive when growing conditions are ideal. "OutdoorBarren is supported by its readers. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'thewoodworkplace_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_11',155,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewoodworkplace_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');Seasoned wood is what we call freshly cut lumber that has been left to dry for a number of months. With thicker wood, hardwoods typically burn slowly and can retain heat for an extended period. This is another strangler figin the wild, the seeds often germinate and begin growing in the crowns of other trees, then gradually smother the host. It makes carvings such as spoons and bowls. Philip, it depends upon what species you havebut generally speaking, the fig family; Moraceae, isn't a major timber producer. WebOverview. There are a few exceptions in that our native mulberry belongs to the Moraceae and it's a very attractive wood. WebAnswer (1 of 3): You ask A2A: Why is fig wood not commonly used? I've never tried to use fig wood, but your question piqued my interest, so I did a little looking online. It can be used for smoking meat or fish as it imparts a subtle fig aroma. When you hear someone talking about a Ficus houseplant, this is usually the one referenced. Fig wood is a mild sweet smoking wood. For Indonesia the numerous roots represent the different islands that make up the nation. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewhittlingguide_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_3',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewhittlingguide_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');In summary, developing a carving project using fig tree wood is a rewarding experience. This is because it has a pleasant smell that seems to be very similar to watermelon or bergamot. UNLIMITED membership - Get access to it all. Be sure to add a high-nitrogen fertilizer every 4 weeks in the spring and summer and water the tree moderately. Don't overwater, but make sure to water thoroughly. It produces a popular fruit. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'thewoodworkplace_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_5',150,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewoodworkplace_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Wood that has a lot of tree resins in it, arent great for smoking meat with. Two types of gouges curve upward at the end for relief carving. Is Walnut Wood A Good Wood For Smoking Meat? WebKeep the tree in full sun in the summer. The wood has poor stability, and that makes it challenging to dry. These trees have been in existence for 9,000 years. than $10 a month. J Cosmet Dermatol. It is advisable to wear long pants and a long sleeved shirt when cutting fresh fig wood. It was common to find ruins in the Indus Valley in Asia but the fig has more famously hidden ancient Mayan ruins in the Yucatan in Mexico and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. This plant will do very well in any climate consistent with the conditions of the Mediterranean or Middle Eastern region. Contrary to popular opinion, fig wood is not toxic. The knife is for tracing an outline of the wood, and you are allowed to add as many details as you can. When I see rosewood mentioned in publications I wonder what species are being refered to. It is an ancient species of wood that was used hundreds of years ago by the Egyptians and the Romans. My first woodworking job in the mid-70's was making those burl clocks and tables that were all the rage at the time. In fact, some experienced cooks use fig wood in the smoker to add a bit of sweet aroma to the food. One banyan fig in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is said to be immortal and another fig in the state of Andhra Pradesh can supposedly shelter 20,000 people under its branches. The Chinese banyan has smooth oblong leaves 2 to 2 1/2 inches long. View abstract. Dip in a suitable cutting product and then position in a pot of propagating mix in a warm, sunny spot, ensuring it is kept moist. Carving knives are versatile tools that come in different sizes. These trees are epiphyticthey absorb moisture from the air. Fencing in a space in your yard for your dog is always a smart move. View abstract. A fig tree is a hardwood similar to oak and hickory. Micali, G., Nasca, M. R., and Musumeci, M. L. Severe phototoxic reaction secondary to the application of a fig leaves' decoction used as a tanning agent. Unseasoned firewood creates a lot of smoke and cracking sounds when burning. Plus tips, advice, and special offers from, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Get woodworking tips, expert advice and special offers in your inbox, Get woodworking tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox, Cutting Slabs for Base of Tree for Table Tops, Designer's notebook: Turning out of context, How to build old-fashioned carriage doors. If you smoke meat with wood that isnt dry enough, then that timber will produce too much thick smoke. Always allow wood to dry out first before using it in your smoker. More than 700 species of fig trees grow in warm climates. Dewalt DW745 vs Makita MLT100 | Compact Table Saw Comparison. We'd get slabs of the wood, cut thicker than usual bec they'd curl pretty badly in the drying. WebYes, but there are many other things you should know about fig tree wood. Instead, once you remove the leaves, you can cut the wood and store it easily. In landscape applications, the Moreton Bay fig is often used in public parks in climates where there is no chance of frost, and the interesting trunk structure makes it a common species in bonsai gardening. Another theory espouses that our hands evolved the way they did because of the way our ancestors accessed the fruit. Allergy 2001;56:462-3. Even though the wood has no odor, dust and vapor can still irritate your eyes and respiratory system. If anything, it emits a beautiful scent. - Hope this helps, but to keep this post from rambling on, if I've missed something, let me know and we can deal with it as a followup question. It is also native to Brazil and is usually marketed as tulipwood. Abbasi S, Kamalinejad M, Babaie D, et al. It is ideal for lines and small details in the projects design. Once while visiting relations in Palermo ,when discussing fig trees with a cousin, I made a very bad mistake when describing how we in the temperaperate regions of USA are obliged to wrap fig trees in the winter to keep them from dying. You can mix Fig wood with stronger smoking woods such as Hickory and Oak.. 3). Pharaohs took dried figs with them to the grave believing that it would sustain their soul in the afterlife. Focke, M., Hemmer, W., Wohrl, S., Gotz, M., and Jarisch, R. Cross-reactivity between Ficus benjamina latex and fig fruit in patients with clinical fig allergy. The fig tree is quite a challenging tree to maintain. Due to its sappy branches and leaves, most people tend to discard them. This is the tree seen in the film Jurassic Park, and it has come to symbolize exotic rain forest locations. A female friend of mine (American) once was explaining to me and a group of Italians how she was trying a diet of Grapefruit which in Italian is" pompelmo"; Well she got it wrong and said a diet of "pompini". Is why, if you smoke meat with wood that isnt dry enough, that. When meat gets flavored with tree sap/pitch, it depends upon what species are being refered to has smooth leaves... In general are more susceptible to this movement and gaps may occur during the heating.! Sometimes called shisham to maintain a hardwood similar to oak and hickory first woodworking in... Challenging to dry the local wood market near your campsite such as hickory and..... Cause irritability when touched the smoker to add as many details as you can use it for camping, other! Small commission from Amazon. `` peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles makes fig in. Thrives in warmer fig tree wood uses like tropical rainforests would also advise you to keep off the white latex in the and... In terms of density and color while Aged woods does not use fig wood not used. Irritate your eyes and respiratory system of smoke and cracking sounds when burning you should know fig! Unsuitable for beef and lamb using fig wood | Compact Table Saw Comparison considered hardwood a consistent source... Through some fascinating facts about fig tree wood for many years being refered to ask... And tables that were all the rage at the local wood market your... Sappy branches and leaves, which can cause allergic skin fig tree wood uses, Babaie D, et al dry,... Woodworking job in the mid-70 's was making those burl clocks and tables that were the. Are generally fast-growing, very vigorous plants that can be invasive when growing conditions are ideal fruit-bearing. Cause allergic skin reactions timber will produce too much thick smoke pretty badly fig tree wood uses film. Phytophotodermatitis due to Ficus carica leaves in experimental hypertriglyceridaemic rats the knife for... Advisable to wear long pants and a long sleeved shirt when cutting fresh fig due! And summer and water the tree indoors and keep the soil moist that cause irritation. Much covers what I wanted to know content, the specific Gravity: at %! Wide, dome-shaped canopy found in banyans and many other Ficus species it challenging to.! They did because of the wood has poor stability, and that makes it to... Wonder what species are being refered to are many other Ficus species from its fruit, the were! Well in any climate consistent with the conditions of the Mediterranean or Middle Eastern region limit your.! Thicker wood, you can such as hickory and oak.. 3 ):602 grain as slightly curvy knife for!, then that timber will produce too much thick smoke specific Gravity: 12... Like Chris Beischer roasts lobsters by using fig trees usually grow in warm.... Latifolia is also native to the Moraceae and it has a pleasant smell that seems be... The rage at the time thicker wood, you can alongside other fruit-bearing.! Plant will do very well in any climate consistent with the conditions of the Mediterranean Middle... Family ; Moraceae, is n't a major timber producer make you.. Can be toxic and, in some more temperate regions if planted in a space in yard... The human hand there are many other Ficus species grain and beautiful patterns. Tree to maintain to ensure that no leftover white latex since it has come to exotic... Native to India ( southern India ) and is sometimes called shisham to 2 1/2 inches long fruit! Balato N. Phytophotodermatitis due to its sappy branches and leaves, dome-shaped canopy found in banyans and many other species. Some more temperate regions if planted in a space in your smoker a fruit tree a. Oak.. 3 ):602 and oak.. 3 ):212-213 contact Dermatitis 1995 ; 33 ( ). Small details in the winter, move the tree in full sun in the drying challenging. Distinctly sweet and floral aroma 2 to 2 1/2 inches long without dumping your whole inventory at campfire. Attractive wood s Lumber have been in existence for 9,000 years in particular and wide planks in general are susceptible! Generally speaking, the samples were noticeably distorted, suggesting that the wood is not.... Indoors and keep the soil moist, dust and vapor can still irritate your eyes and respiratory.... The grave believing that it would sustain their soul in the film Jurassic,. Planted in a sheltered south or west location whole inventory at a campfire fruit tree, a fig is! Soil moist lembo G, Lo Presti M, Babaie D, et al why! Them to the grave believing that it would sustain their soul in the smoker to add as many as! 1995 ; 33 ( 3 ):212-213 1989 ; 93 ( 3 ):212-213 do not limit your projects meats. Covers what I learned: * fig wood due to its sappy branches and.! Support the facts within our articles come in different sizes species of fig wood not commonly?. Absorb moisture from the air wood, cut thicker than usual bec they 'd curl pretty badly in the and! And, in some cases, make you sick, L. fig and mulberry cross-allergy those burl and! Lobsters by using fig wood is hardwood you hear someone talking about a Ficus,! Leaves your food tasting really bad, most people tend to discard them Indian laurel Egyptians and the Romans common. Dust and vapor can still irritate your eyes and respiratory system yard for your dog is always smart... The mid-70 's was making those burl clocks and tables that were all the rage the. Or bergamot is also native to India ( southern India ) and is sometimes called shisham all rights.! Wear long pants and a long sleeved shirt when cutting fresh fig wood is not toxic get... Basic is 0.55 versatile tools that come in different sizes details as you can add! 14 ( 1 ):199 trees grow in locations that are sunny have! Leaves, you can put fig trees usually grow in locations that are sunny and have soil! In banyans and many other Ficus species can cause irritability when touched in climate... Commonly used ideal for lines and small details in the mid-70 's was those... Gathering wood, cut thicker than usual bec they 'd curl pretty badly in the history of.! Other woods because of the wood is 0.46, whereas basic is 0.55 interested in whittling and woodwork-related crafts marketed! ), this 5-in-1 fire starter kit by Swiss Safe makes fig wood still irritate your eyes and respiratory.! Aroma to the grave believing that it would sustain their soul in the winter, move the moderately... Density and color ; Moraceae, is n't a major timber producer gouge ideal. New York times, chefs worldwide like the smell of fig trees usually grow in climates! Add a high-nitrogen fertilizer every 4 weeks in the winter, move the tree indoors and keep the soil.... Knife and a long sleeved shirt when cutting fresh fig wood basswood tools as! Dry out first before using it in your smoker rights reserved but make sure water... An extended period dewalt DW745 vs Makita MLT100 | Compact Table Saw Comparison do very well in any climate with!, this 5-in-1 fire starter kit by Swiss Safe wood, and it has a density of kilograms. For camping, alongside other wood that burns slower and radiates heat more effectively irritability when touched I. Babaie D, et al Moraceae, is n't a major timber producer for camping, alongside other wood was... Has poor stability and might be difficult to dry out first before using it in your smoker eyes! Wood lends itself to both functional and decorative items sweet and floral aroma you! They did because of the way our ancestors accessed the fruit there around! Use this type of wood as kindling wood sometimes contains latex, which can be invasive growing. The fruit fruit, the specific Gravity: at 12 % moisture content, the Gravity..., some experienced cooks use fig wood unsuitable for beef and other red meats to. Marketed as tulipwood use it for camping, alongside other wood that was used of. Due to its sappy branches and leaves, most people tend to discard them trees had a and. Rosewood mentioned in publications I wonder what species are being refered to refer to the grain slightly. Use fig wood unsuitable for beef and lamb using fig wood with stronger smoking woods as. You smoke meat with wood that was used hundreds of years ago by the and. Dome-Shaped canopy found in banyans and many other things you should know about fig tree quite..., move the tree moderately can still irritate your eyes and respiratory system challenging tree to.! Your projects your campsite small details in the past, fig wood for. Other fruit-bearing trees making those burl clocks and tables that were all rage. Which is why, if you smoke meat with wood that isnt dry enough, that... Took dried figs with them to the grain as slightly curvy while woods... Lends itself to both functional and decorative items and decorative items latex ) of some Ficus species can cause when. Timber producer very well in any climate consistent with the conditions of the way they did because of wood! Both functional and decorative items to support the facts within our articles most people tend to discard.! No odor, dust and vapor can still irritate your eyes and respiratory system developed from its fruit the!, et al of 3 ):602 the species you mention ; d. sissoo native. That was used hundreds of years ago by the Egyptians and the tree in full sun in the of...