Figs and Quinces: Traditional Farming Wisdom at the End of Summer

The end of summer and the beginning of autumn were also the season for figs. Among the traditional knowledge associated with this fruit was the custom of rubbing olive oil onto figs that were still on the tree to encourage them to ripen. It was one of those practices born from direct experience and the continuous observation of trees, in a society where making the most of every harvest was of considerable importance.

Quince trees also required attention. To combat flies, farmers placed rudimentary fly traps containing a mixture of water, vinegar and honey or sugar. The sweet smell attracted the insects, which became trapped inside the container. Long before modern treatments appeared, farmers relied on the products they had at hand to protect their fruit.