What is really in the fig newton?

Question

I was in class today and my teacher asked us what is really in the fig newton? We know that wasps lay there eggs in the fig to fertilize it. But what happens to the eggs? Do they stay in the fig? Where do they go when they make the fig newton? So I guess my question is really what is in the fig newton? Seeds of eggs?

Answer 1

Ha ha, got the assignment on that one.

Found this page looking for the answer.

From what I've researched, the male figs are the ones that have wasp parts, but not necessarily eggs. Those figs aren't eaten.

Answer 2

Common figs are capable of fruit development without fertilization by wasps.  There are varieties that require cross pollination but due to the structure of the flower, pollination occurs without depositing the eggs of the wasp where they will develop.  Check this link for complete information:  http://biology.about.com/od/biologydicti...

So what you are eating in fig bars is most likely fig seeds although there could be wasp larva or two present.  If there are any larvae present, they will have been well baked!  They should crunch just like a seed and with all the sugar, taste sweet as well.

Answer 3

A cookie is just a cookie, but Newton's are fruit and cake. The figs they use have seeds, not eggs, in them. The seeds are easily digested by humans.

Answer 4

this  is an interesting question. but i'm not sure if the FDA would allow people to unknowingly eat wasp eggs, so i think the ingredients are all on the label