Fig Paste

[linda040899]

I purchase human grade quality fig paste from a company in California, as figs are a dietary need of one of my species of lovebirds. I had been buy whole figs but my birds on eat the center portion of the fig so there was a lot of waste!

I buy in bulk (the only way the product is offered). The containers are 1 gallon and weigh 10 lbs. I'm giving consideration to selling it by the pound if anyone might be interested.

At the moment, my question is this. Is there any interest within the community?

[lemonypickett]

Could you tell us how it is fed, and what nutrients are in it? Also, how long does it keep?

[Gator]

I'd be interested. I am with lemony, I'd like to know the health benefits, but I'm always looking for something new for my birds. It sounds like all of my birds would like it, especially my conures since they are my big fruit eaters. You say paste, is it like jam or jelly? Could it be used for foraging?

[thebubbleking]

I use whole figs but i am lucky that my fids eat the whole thing.
hrmmm fig paste on rice crackers would make a good fid treat....

[bookworm0550]

i would be interested, but how do you feed it? let me know.

[linda040899]

This is about the best link on figs and their benefits that I found when I started looking around: http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1787/

The gallon container that I get contains paste which is similar in consistency to the inside of a fig newton cookie. I take chunks of it, cut it into small pieces and put it on top of either seed or fresh food. I also add the paste to my cornbread. Sierra can't eat it any other way and figs are part of his dietary requirement.

It can take me 2+ months to use up a gallon of the paste and it keeps very well in the frig.

[Gator]

It sounds like something all birds would love. Do your birds eat it readily and what do you mean when you say your bird can't eat it any other way than in cornbread. Is it hard to digest.........sorry for all the questions, but I like to try new things for my fids, and if it is good for them, then I'm all for it. Plus.....and I'm sure you will point me to a thread...........how do you make your cornbread?

[maya_exquisite]

Hmmmm... I wonder about the cost to ship to Hawaii... sounds expensive?

[bookworm0550]

is this different from the figs you buy at the grocery store? i mean, can i eat it too or not? haha, don't think i'm interested in ordering for myself, just asking...hehe

[Pips mom]

Ivy loves figs! I may be interested too!

[linda040899]

This is human grade fig paste. It's simply the figs without the skin covering. All that's in it is fig paste and fig concentrate to give it the consistency it has. Mine love it and it's available year round, where my fig tree only produces figs twice/yr. What I was going to look into is flat rate shipping, but to Hawaii I would have to do Priority.

[LauraO]

I would definately take a pound of it to see if the fids like it. I know they've nibbled on figs a few times over the years. I'm sure my Meyer's would LOVE it.

[bookworm0550]

What's the price?

[linda040899]

$5.75/lb plus shipping

[bookworm0550]

i'll try it.

[Gator]

I'll try it too. Sounds like something all my birds would love even the keets.

[FuzzyAga]

Sounds like a good community service you're doing, Linda. I don't need it because mine do not eat figs (grr!) and I have a fig tree. I'm still eating the fruits from last year. I made jam, froze some whole, and froze some in simple syrup. The simple syrup one is the yummiest, just thaw and serve with vanilla ice cream. Heavenly roll of the eyes! :)

I also have a Chardonnay grape vine and I'm also still eating the jam that I made from it. I gave plenty to my relatives but I'm still eating it! Yummy. I followed the canning directions on the Web.

[Gator]

Fuzzy, I am originally from Florida so we had fig trees. My mother used to make jam, using figs and strawberry jello, tasted exactly like strawberry jam........omg, I miss fig trees

[bookworm0550]

Just let me know what you need me to do on my part. How long will a pound last me? And what size would I feed the birds?

[lemonypickett]

What a deal!

Sign me and the fids up!

[linda040899]

omg, I miss fig trees
My fig tree currently has a bumper crop of small green figs all over it! It won't be too long before I will be harvesting them and my guys will have fresh figs. Delicious!

I ordered a new gallon of fig paste this morning, as I knew I would be running low shortly, and it will arrive sometime this coming week. Depending on how much I use, a 10 lb gallon can last me as long as 3 months and it stays fresh as long as I refrigerate it. I add about an eighth of a cup to a quadruple recipe of cornbread so everyone gets the benefit of it. I've got to be careful when Alex (BFA) is out and about. All I have to do is open the container and she's looking for ways to help herself! :lol

I just did a bit of experimenting to see the most economical way to ship and it's Priority Small Box Flat Rate. Within the U.S., it's $4.95 up to 70 lbs and I can fit 2 lbs of fig paste in one box. So you get an idea of volume, one pound of fig paste will just about fill up a plastic sandwich bag. The cost to Canada is $10.95.

What I charge/lb will be based on what I have to pay for it. The price I quoted was based on my last shipment and I will hold that through what I will be getting this week. My product cost did go up but not by much. Shipping stayed the same. I'm willing to do 1/2 lb shipments if a pound is too much. Costs are as follows:

$5.75/lb + shipping
$3.25 per half lb + shipping

[lemonypickett]

Sounds great Linda. Will a pound be good for my 4 birds? (Since the two tiels are BRATS about trying anything new. I will try though) Will it keep in the fridge for a long time? Do you take paypal or prefer a money order?

[linda040899]

I have a Paypal account but I have to set up a new page. The one I'm currently using is for donations.

Fig paste will keep in the frig for a long time. It can take me up to 3 months to use up 10 lbs and I use it for a LOT of birds. Picture a small sandwich bag full and that's about what you will be getting.

[maya_exquisite]

For $5 flat rate shipping (which thankfully Hawaii is included *lol*) I'm in!! Let me know when you've got your Paypal set up!!

I have a feeling Kano may try it but Mika is my super picky eater... but at least I can try!

[lemonypickett]

Ok, a small sandwich bag is much less volume than I was expecting. Sounds great. Let us know when the paypal is all set.

Thanks!

[michael]

Mmmmmm.......:nyah:.......I'm in for a pound. I can always share it with the birdwalk or the local birdy chef's..........Fig fortified seed balls? ........ Figtitiously fake fignewtons?...........:)