Porreres is one of my favourite pueblos on the island. Around this time of the year Porreres is in the news because of its apricot harvest. In the past, the cultivation of apricots has brought wealth and affluence to this little market town. Nowadays apricots take a lesser role in the village’s fortunes but even today, no other community in Mallorca produces more apricots than Porreres, be that in its fresh shape or in its dried state. This year some 100 tons of the fruit are expected to be harvested, here.
The day before yesterday I went by bus from Palma to Felanitx. Just as we were about to pass through Porreres I spotted from the corner of my eye a motive for a very nice photograph of masses of bright golden apricots being dried under the Mediterranean sun.
With much anticipation for a nice photo and for an interesting story, I went back there yesterday around lunchtime. Needless to say that the moment had gone and that the photograph that I had perceived was not there any longer. I had missed my chance. In the photo (above) you see a poor substitute of what I had envisaged. Oh well.
Anyway, a Mostra d’Albercoc was celebrated in Porreres on occasion of Sant Joan a week ago. Mari Carmén Mesquida won First Prize in the category of Apricot jam, whilst Maria Miró won First Prize in the category of Apricot icecream. Enhorabuena.
I have heard that years ago Porreres was also known to distill apricots and other fruits into clear spirits. This practice seems to be outlawed now, but I wonder. I do know though that Can Parrí in Porreres sells excellent dried apricots covered in dark chocolate. Divine. You should try some.
The photo was taken near Porreres, Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: July 4th, 2009. The time was 13:28:12. Thanks are due to Juana Maria Cerdà, the owner of the finca where I took my photo. Moltes gràcies.
