How Many Calories: Dried Figs

Many of us dabble in an array of dried fruits, but ignore the plump, dark figs in the grocery aisle. The only dried fig you may have seen lately was pressed into a Fig Newton. If you're more likely to grab raisins and cranberries for your oatmeal, think again. A nutritional winner with staying power, figs have been around since ancient times, arriving to fertile California in the more recent 18th century.

Let's take a closer look at their calorie count. How many calories in one-quarter cup of Sun Maid's California Mission dried figs (about four)?

One-quarter cup of Sun-Maid's California Mission Figs has 120 calories. That same serving will satisfy 20 percent of your recommended daily fiber with a combined 5 grams of insoluble and soluble fiber. The California Fig Advisory Board says you'll also reap more calcium, potassium and even iron than many other fruits. But with 28 grams of sugary carbohydrates, eat in moderation.

Next time you're wheeling down the dried fruits aisle, toss a pack of dried figs in the cart. Beyond enjoying one-by-one or diced in your breakfast cereal, turn up your creative cooking flame and add figs to your favorite rice, cous cous and baked goods.

If fresh figs sound more appealing, stay away from mushy ones.