Fig Newtons, those sweet and savory pastries filled with a delicious fig jam, have been a staple in many households for decades. But have you ever stopped to think about what’s really inside a Fig Newton? The answer might surprise you. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Fig Newtons, explore the ingredients that make up the filling, and examine the manufacturing process that brings these tasty treats to our tables.
A Brief History of Fig Newtons
Fig Newtons were first introduced by the National Biscuit Company (now known as Nabisco) in 1891. The original Fig Newton consisted of a rectangular-shaped pastry filled with a fig jam made from a combination of figs, sugar, and water. The pastry was made from a mixture of flour, water, and lard, and was baked until golden brown. The fig jam was made by cooking down fresh figs with sugar and water to create a thick, syrupy paste.
Over the years, the recipe for Fig Newtons has remained largely unchanged. However, the manufacturing process has undergone significant changes. Today, Fig Newtons are made using a combination of traditional baking techniques and modern machinery.
The Ingredients: What’s Really Inside a Fig Newton?
So, what’s really inside a Fig Newton? The ingredients list might surprise you. Here’s a breakdown of the main components:
- Enriched Flour: The pastry dough is made from enriched flour, which is a type of flour that has been fortified with iron, thiamin, niacin, and folic acid.
- Fig Jam: The fig jam is made from a combination of figs, sugar, and water. The figs are cooked down with sugar and water to create a thick, syrupy paste.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is added to the fig jam to give it a sweet flavor.
- High Fructose Corn Syrup: Some Fig Newtons contain high fructose corn syrup, which is a sweetener made from cornstarch.
- Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil: This ingredient is used to give the pastry a flaky texture.
- Leavening Agents: Baking soda and sodium acid pyrophosphate are used to help the pastry rise.
- Preservatives: Some Fig Newtons contain preservatives like potassium sorbate to extend the shelf life.
The Fig Jam: A Closer Look
The fig jam is the star of the show when it comes to Fig Newtons. But what exactly is fig jam? Fig jam is a type of jam made from cooked figs, sugar, and water. The figs are cooked down with sugar and water to create a thick, syrupy paste.
The figs used in Fig Newtons are typically a combination of two varieties: the Brown Turkey fig and the Mission fig. These varieties are chosen for their sweet flavor and soft texture.
How Fig Jam is Made
The process of making fig jam is relatively simple. Here’s an overview of how it’s done:
- Sorting and Cleaning: Fresh figs are sorted and cleaned to remove any stems or leaves.
- Cooking: The figs are cooked down with sugar and water in large vats to create a thick, syrupy paste.
- Straining: The fig jam is strained to remove any seeds or pulp.
- Packaging: The fig jam is packaged in airtight containers and shipped to manufacturers.
The Manufacturing Process: How Fig Newtons are Made
The manufacturing process for Fig Newtons is a complex one that involves several stages. Here’s an overview of how it’s done:
Stage 1: Mixing the Pastry Dough
The first stage of the manufacturing process involves mixing the pastry dough. The dough is made from a combination of enriched flour, water, and lard. The ingredients are mixed together in large batches to create a uniform dough.
Stage 2: Rolling Out the Pastry Dough
The pastry dough is then rolled out to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. The dough is rolled out in large sheets, which are then cut into rectangular shapes.
Stage 3: Filling the Pastry Dough
The fig jam is then filled into the pastry dough. The fig jam is pumped into the pastry dough through a machine that ensures a uniform filling.
Stage 4: Baking the Fig Newtons
The Fig Newtons are then baked in large ovens at a temperature of about 375°F. The Fig Newtons are baked for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Stage 5: Packaging the Fig Newtons
The final stage of the manufacturing process involves packaging the Fig Newtons. The Fig Newtons are packaged in airtight containers and shipped to stores.
Conclusion
Fig Newtons are a beloved snack that have been around for decades. But what’s really inside a Fig Newton? The answer is a combination of enriched flour, fig jam, sugar, and other ingredients. The manufacturing process involves several stages, from mixing the pastry dough to packaging the final product. Whether you’re a fan of Fig Newtons or just curious about what’s inside, we hope this article has provided you with a deeper understanding of this tasty treat.
| Ingredient | Percentage of Total Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Enriched Flour | 40% |
| Fig Jam | 30% |
| Sugar | 15% |
| High Fructose Corn Syrup | 5% |
| Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil | 5% |
| Leavening Agents | 2% |
| Preservatives | 1% |
| Other Ingredients | 2% |
Note: The percentages are approximate and may vary depending on the specific recipe and manufacturing process used.
What is a Fig Newton?
A Fig Newton is a type of pastry filled with fig jam, typically made from a mixture of figs, sugar, and pectin. The filling is encased in a rectangular-shaped cookie-like exterior, usually made from wheat flour, sugar, and vegetable oil. The combination of the sweet and savory flavors of the fig filling with the crunchy texture of the exterior has made Fig Newtons a beloved snack for many.
The origins of the Fig Newton date back to the early 20th century, when the National Biscuit Company (now known as Nabisco) developed the product as a response to the growing demand for packaged snacks. The name “Newton” is believed to have been inspired by the town of Newton, Massachusetts, where the company had a factory.
What is the mysterious filling made of?
The filling of a Fig Newton is made from a mixture of figs, sugar, and pectin. The figs are typically sourced from Turkey or Greece, where they are harvested and then cooked down to create a jam-like consistency. The sugar adds sweetness to the filling, while the pectin helps to thicken it and give it a gel-like texture.
The exact recipe for the Fig Newton filling is a trade secret, but it is believed to contain a combination of other ingredients, including citric acid, preservatives, and flavor enhancers. Some people have speculated that the filling may also contain other ingredients, such as high-fructose corn syrup or artificial flavorings, although these claims have not been confirmed by the manufacturer.
Why is the filling so sweet?
The filling of a Fig Newton is sweet because it contains a significant amount of sugar. The figs themselves are naturally sweet, but the addition of refined sugar takes the filling to a whole new level of sweetness. The sugar helps to balance out the tartness of the figs and creates a sweet and savory flavor profile that many people find appealing.
Some people have criticized the Fig Newton filling for being too sweet, arguing that it overpowers the natural flavor of the figs. However, others enjoy the sweet and indulgent taste of the filling, and it remains a key part of the Fig Newton’s appeal.
Is the filling made from real figs?
Yes, the filling of a Fig Newton is made from real figs. The figs are sourced from Turkey or Greece, where they are harvested and then cooked down to create a jam-like consistency. The figs are a key ingredient in the filling, and they provide the sweet and savory flavor that is characteristic of Fig Newtons.
However, it’s worth noting that the figs used in Fig Newtons are not always of the highest quality. Some people have reported finding seeds or other debris in the filling, which can be off-putting. Additionally, the figs may be mixed with other ingredients, such as sugar and pectin, to create the desired consistency and flavor.
Can I make my own Fig Newton filling at home?
Yes, it is possible to make your own Fig Newton filling at home. There are many recipes available online that use fresh or dried figs, sugar, and pectin to create a homemade version of the filling. Making your own filling can be a fun and rewarding project, and it allows you to control the ingredients and the level of sweetness.
To make your own Fig Newton filling, you will need to cook down the figs with sugar and pectin to create a jam-like consistency. You can then use this filling to make your own homemade Fig Newtons, or you can use it as a topping for yogurt or ice cream.
Is the Fig Newton filling healthy?
The Fig Newton filling is not particularly healthy, due to its high sugar content and the presence of refined ingredients like pectin and preservatives. While figs themselves are a nutritious fruit, the filling is highly processed and contains a significant amount of added sugar.
That being said, the Fig Newton filling is not entirely unhealthy either. Figs are a good source of fiber and antioxidants, and the filling does contain some of these nutrients. However, the negative effects of the added sugar and refined ingredients likely outweigh any potential health benefits.
Can I find Fig Newtons with alternative fillings?
Yes, it is possible to find Fig Newtons with alternative fillings. Over the years, Nabisco has released several limited-edition flavors of Fig Newtons, including raspberry, strawberry, and blueberry. These flavors use a similar filling to the original Fig Newton, but with a different type of fruit.
Additionally, some companies have released their own versions of Fig Newtons with alternative fillings, such as apricot or orange. These products may be available in health food stores or online.