Figs

The fig tree is one of the most characteristic trees in the island’s rural landscape. You can see it alone or in fig tree groves, in the middle of a crop field or near trails, harbouring under its branches a stray sheep or goat looking for shade in the hot, humid summer afternoons. 

Fig tree in the Hotel fields

 

The edible fig is one of the first plants that was cultivated by humans. The fig tree (Ficus carica) originated in the southeast zone of Europe, was introduced into Western Mediterranean lands at some unknown time in the past.

Yellow Figs, Paretjals

The Book of Deuteronomy specifies the fig as one of The Seven Species This is a set of seven plants indigenous to the Middle East that together can provide food all year round.

 Purple fig. Negrete.

The traditional gastronomy of Minorca has used the succulent fruits of this tree by incorporating it Mediterranean as a local ingredient many dishes, salads and soups.

 The fleshy pulp of an open fruit. 

The vast variety of names for figs proves the islanders’ love for a fruit that has nourished generations. However, the cultivation of figs started to wane as labour got more expensive and tourism arrived to the islands, the problem being that figs have to be harvested in the summertime. Even today the island landscape and culture evince the influence of this old benefactor tree.