The orange mystery in Spain

One of the biggest mysteries since I went to Spain for the very first time 10 years ago: all the beautiful streets and country lanes are always lined with orange and lemon trees - and no-one seems to care and pick the delicious looking fruits.

What is the reason? I always thought, that the colorful little gems aren't any good anymore or not ripe yet. Maybe they are sour, even moldy inside?

Or aren't you supposed to eat them because they belong to someone?

It took me almost 10 years until a local explained me the reason for the orange mystery. The oranges and lemons are totally fine and enjoyable - but in Spain (and Italy and Portugal) the locals don't want to pick them from the trees, as the neighbors might see them and assume, that they can't afford buying them in the supermarkets.

It's all about what other people think, isn't it?

Conclusion: more delicious oranges for me and all the other people, who give a damn shit about what people think of them. ;-) So if you are in a Southern European country: pick them, eat them (but don't go to far and pick them from some-ones garden) and make sure, that they aren't going to waste. :-)

Stay safe out there and happy travels.

Hugs and love, Sabrina