What tools are traditionally used by Mallorcan farmers to harvest olives by hand?

Mallorcan farmers have a long tradition of harvesting olives by hand, a practice that underscores the island's dedication to quality and artisanal methods. The primary tools used during this process are simple yet effective, designed to gently extract the olives without damaging the trees or the fruit. Foremost among these tools is the long wooden stick or pole, often handcrafted from sturdy local wood. Farmers use this stick to rhythmically tap the branches, causing the ripe olives to fall naturally onto nets or tarps spread beneath the trees.

In addition to the tapping pole, small, specialized hand rakes or comb-like tools are commonly employed. These rakes allow farmers to carefully gather olives that might be harder to dislodge by tapping alone, especially in dense or tangled branches. The motion is deliberate and measured, ensuring that the precious fruit is not bruised. Alongside these tools, wide nets or fabric sheets are crucial components of the harvest. They are laid out under the trees before the shaking or tapping begins, catching the olives as they fall, thereby preventing damage and making collection easier.

Occasionally, farmers may use ladders to reach higher branches, a necessity given the height of some olive trees. The use of ladders requires skill and caution, balancing the need to reach fruit with the desire to maintain the tree’s structure and avoid injury. Throughout the harvesting season, which typically occurs in late autumn, these traditionally simple tools enable Mallorcan farmers to efficiently and respectfully gather their olives, preserving centuries-old techniques that contribute to the island’s renowned olive oil quality and agricultural heritage.