After reading from several sources on the Internet along with other forum members, I decided to eat my first Fig leaf. Long have fig leaves been a delicacy for my two dogs. I would always yell at them to stop eating the leaves because I figured they were just trying to choke something down in order to vomit. Not to mention I value my figs and prefer they have leaves. Alas, my dogs had something right. Most people liken the smell of fig leaves to cat Pee. I personally think they have more of a fruity scent, almost like the fig fruit. That being said, you might not be able to trust my description of what the fig leaves actually tastes like.
I picked a leaf that has been growing in my little fig propagation area. It was the second leaf in so it was rather small and new. I collected it from a brown turkey (I don't care if they get stressed out). To me, it tasted like the rind of the fruit if all the center had been scraped out. It is sweet and a little bit nutty and the aftertaste is a slight bitter floral taste. I actually really liked it, and will probably be adding it to my salad once I have some fresh leaves growing regularly. Bon appétit!

The very young ones have a kind of celery taste along with the features you describe. Not unpleasant, and I can see them mixed in with other greens to add a unique dimension to a salad.

I think other varieties may taste different. I ate a green ischia and it was sweeter. I agree with the celery taste though, I think it was more noticeable in the brown turkey.

I wonder if you can cook them down like mustard & collard greens. I have a huge green ischia that is waking up. I will try it fresh and see. Then maybe coojed down.

I'll be interested to hear your opinion on both fresh and cooked.

Search on here for fig leaf tea.  I may try some day.  I have allergies and local honey is good for that, so maybe local grown fig leaf tea would be also.  I know they use them to wrap and BBQ seafood.

Suzi

.I dont find that fig leaves stink. But i never balled up a leaf,and then smelled it. ,,cant wait to ate the green ischia. Will let yall know what i think. I think cooked down may bring out some good flavor. Soybeans cant be eaten raw because they are very bitter but steamed they are awsome.

For those with less experience, fig leaves and branches have a milky fluid that is very irritating.  Very young leaves may not have enough to do any harm but as the leaf matures it has increasing amounts of this fluid.  It would not be wise to eat a fresh leaf.  Fig tea from dried leaves is consumed by many around the world but no one really knows if it's safe.

i will limit myself to the fruit

I'm finding several studies that are showing that it lowers cholesterol and is showing promise in increasing insulin sensitivity for diabetics. But, you're right, if you have a latex allergy and/or are sensitive to the sap, it would not be wise to eat it. The new leaves that I ate did not have any sap. I guess the same caution could be used for under-ripe fruit.

So feasting on my green ischia is off the table. pun intended !!!