In the first week of June, we were able to harvest our fioroni, also known as early figs or fig blossoms. After a year of caring for the fig trees, we are grateful to finally be able to harvest the delicious, juicy early figs. Last autumn, all of our fig trees were pruned to protect them from disease and ensure their health for years to come. This pruning was an important measure to promote the vitality of the trees and ensure a rich, high-quality harvest.
What are pre-figs?
Pre-figs, also known as fioroni, are the first fruits of fig trees, which ripen in early summer. They grow on the tree’s annual shoots and younger branches. Fioroni are characterised by their juicy consistency and intense aroma.
The challenge
One of the biggest challenges in harvesting early figs is finding harvest workers. In Apulia, as in many other regions of Europe, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find people willing to work in agriculture. Harvesting requires patience, care and a great deal of tact, which is why qualified workers are hard to find. In addition, it is difficult to plan the harvest far in advance, as nature determines when the delicate fruits are ripe.
The harvest itself is done exclusively by hand, as the delicate fruits are extremely sensitive to pressure. Each individual fig is picked carefully so as not to damage it and to preserve its quality. This loving and careful work makes harvesting the early figs a special challenge, but also a precious moment in the annual cycle of our care and passion for nature.
