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Fig

Low histamine

Fresh figs are low in histamine, but dried figs are much more likely to cause reactions due to microbial activity during handling and processing.

Figs in their fresh form are generally considered low-histamine, but their shelf life and preparation change the picture quickly.

  • Freshness is everything — figs ferment easily as they ripen, and microbial activity during handling or storage is one of the main ways histamine builds up in food

  • Dried figs are a different story — histamine accumulation in dried figs is more likely related to microbial activity during pre-drying handling and storage, making dried figs a much higher-histamine choice than fresh ones

Fresh, firm figs eaten soon after purchase tend to be the most comfortable option.

Track your reactions to fig in Histamine Tracker. Log meals and symptoms to spot the patterns that matter for your body.

For educational purposes only. Not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personal guidance.

References

  1. SIGHI Food Compatibility List — SIGHI (2026)
  2. Histamine and histamine intolerance — Maintz & Novak (2007)
  3. Histamine Intolerance: The Current State of the Art — Comas-Basté et al. (2020)
  4. Low-Histamine Diets: Is the Exclusion of Foods Justified by Their Histamine Content? — Sánchez-Pérez et al. (2021)
  5. Histamine Intolerance: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Beyond — Jochum (2024)
  6. Guideline on management of suspected adverse reactions to ingested histamine — Reese et al. (2021)