Along the so-called German Wine Route - in the heart of the Palatinate - the fig harvest has already begun. For about two months, the approximately 50,000 plants are being picked and processed at regular intervals. According to unofficial estimates a total of 80,000 kg is produced by local farmers.
In contrast to today's stone fruits, the figs are harvested over a period of several weeks. However, the originally Mediterranean products are hardly ever commercially marketed because no 'trade-relevant' quantities are ever available continuously. In addition to this, the figs are also very sensitive, which is why spring frosts can always lead to large losses quickly. For this year, however, a big yield is announced. The fruits are available both conventional and organic, according to trading platform Pfälzer Feigenbörse.
Two crops
Fig cultivation has not yet been registered as a commercial cultivation, and it primarily serves local tourism, confirms a spokesman for the Service Center Rural Area. In addition to the current 'summer harvest', there will be a second picking season in September or October, depending on the weather. As a full-grown tree gives 100 to 200 fruits, the Palatine harvest can therefore be estimated at some 80,000 kilos. Because the fruits spoil quickly, they must be freshly processed. Depending on size and appearance, a fresh fig is currently being sold for about 30 cents.
