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- AMONG CITRUS TREES AND MOUNTAIN PEAKS: THE SOUL OF NORTHERN MALLORCA
Among Citrus Trees and Mountain Peaks: The Soul of Northern Mallorca
LANDSCAPE
LANDSCAPE
LANDSCAPE
LANDSCAPE
LANDSCAPE
LANDSCAPE
A place where nature and flavour go hand in hand.
Nestled between mountains and bathed by a generous microclimate, Sóller Valley has been Mallorca's great citrus garden for centuries. Its history, linked to the export of oranges and the efforts of generations of farmers, has shaped not only the landscape, but also a deep-rooted culinary identity.
Surrounded by peaks and looking out to the open sea over a natural harbour, this fruitful beauty spot was an almost isolated land for centuries. The terrain and microclimate of the valley made it the perfect place for growing citrus trees, an activity that would mark its culinary and economic identity.
The Arabs introduced the bitter orange tree to the island in the 10th century. It was the sweet orange, brought from Asia along the silk route, that would eventually take root. From the 16th century onwards, the orange has dominated the Sóller Valley orchards, cementing its role in the local economy. In the 19th century, mass exports to France from Port de Sóller led to an unprecedented bonanza. Many Sóller locals emigrated and returned years later with funds and ideas, leaving their mark on the modernist architecture of the town.
The history of its orange trees has also been a story of struggle. Pests, global competition and neglect have threatened this landscape, but there are still farmers who sustain it. Each fruit holds the memory of generations gone by. Today's much smaller-scale production focuses on the local market and ensures a direct link between land and table.
In terms of food, the oranges are found in sweets, juices, jams, liqueurs and typical desserts such as artisanal ice cream. Since 2007, the ‘Fira de la Taronja’ (Orange Fair) has celebrated the citrus fruit that has given flavour and character to this part of the Tramuntana. Beyond seasonal produce, the valley remains a living pantry where citrus, avocados, lemons and vegetables still grow alongside each other.
Interestingly, Sóller was the first area of the island to have an electric train, launched in 1912, which streamlined the fruit trade towards Palma. It also pioneered the use of the electric tram in 1913. Both are still in operation, bearing witness to the central role that citrus fruits played in the modernisation of the valley. Although the economic glory of that era is a thing of the past, today various initiatives, such as the making of artisanal jams, ice cream and other by-products, have restored visibility and value to the traditional crop.
Sóller (Mallorca)
