Just as Mallorca is preparing itself for the arrival of a first wintery spell of snow, albeit only in the highest of our Tramuntana peaks, the countryside is still bristling with a full crop of late Autumn produce. Now is the time when membrillos (quince), nisplers (medlars), noguers (walnuts), clementinas (tangerines) and castanyas (chestnuts) are reaching their final state of ripeness. There may also still be some kakis (persimmons), some late figs, some madroños (strawberry tree fruit) and some magraners (pomegranates) in the markets.

Grapes should have been harvested a few weeks ago. Oranges, lemons and grapefruits will be ripe nearer Christmas time. November is also the month for the harvest of olives, an all-important crop for the local agricultural sector. There are said to be about one million olive trees in Mallorca. The best Mallorcan olive oil now has a Denominación de Origen Oli de Mallorca seal of quality control attached.

Mallorca is not really in the habit of celebrating Thanksgiving as such, as far as I know. No turkeys for us on November 26th, I am afraid.

The photo was taken near Felanitx, Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: October 2nd, 2009. The time was 18:40:28.