Montserrat Pons i Boscana to explore the richness and diversity of the Balearic Islands' fig trees in Ferreries

The Auditori de Ferreries will host a talk on Friday 23 October at 7 pm devoted to the fig trees of the Balearic Islands, presented by Montserrat Pons i Boscana, a pharmacist by profession who is recognised for his dedication to studying, conserving and recovering different varieties of fig trees.

The lecture, entitled “Figueres de les Balears”, will explore the importance of a tree deeply connected with the Mediterranean rural landscape, traditional food and the farming culture of the islands.

Montserrat Pons i Boscana has devoted a significant part of his life to researching and preserving fig tree diversity. At the Son Mut Nou estate in Mallorca, he has established a remarkable experimental plantation containing thousands of native fig trees and varieties originating from different parts of the world. The project aims to conserve a botanical heritage of extraordinary agricultural, scientific, cultural and natural value.

Fig trees have historically played an important role in Menorca, both in fields and orchards and around traditional rural farmsteads. Figs have been a valued food for generations, eaten fresh, dried or transformed into traditional preparations such as figat, a fig preserve that forms part of Menorca's sweet culinary heritage.

Recovering old varieties is also a way of preserving rural memory, knowledge passed down by farmers and agricultural biodiversity. At a time when many traditional varieties are at risk of disappearing, initiatives such as Montserrat Pons's work help keep this legacy alive.

The Ferreries event will offer Menorcan audiences an opportunity to learn from a specialist who has made fig tree conservation a lifelong project.

The event is free of charge and is supported by the Department of Economy of the Consell Insular de Menorca and Ferreries Town Council, as part of initiatives promoting and recognising agricultural heritage and local produce.

FOODIES ON MENORCA FACT SHEET

Event: talk entitled “Figueres de les Balears”

Speaker: Montserrat Pons i Boscana

Date: Friday 23 October 2026

Time: 7 pm

Venue: Auditori de Ferreries

Location: Ferreries, Menorca

Subject: fig tree diversity, conservation of traditional varieties and the agricultural heritage of the Balearic Islands

Admission: free

Institutional support: Department of Economy of the Consell Insular de Menorca and Ferreries Town Council

Institutional website: https://www.cime.es/

Instagram: @madeinmenorca_

Tip: particularly recommended for anyone interested in traditional fruit, Menorcan gastronomy, agriculture and biodiversity conservation.