THE SERVICE TREE

Sorbus domestica L.
Rosaceae

🌳 THE SERVICE TREE, THE TREE OF TIME AND WISDOM

The service tree (Sorbus domestica) is typical of the Mediterranean region, and it is known for its ornamental and productive value. It has been cultivated since ancient times, and its fruits – in Italian “sorbole” or “sorbe” – were appreciated by the Romans. Pliny the Elder mentions them in his Naturalis Historia, praising both its fruits and wood.

🍃BOTANICAL FEATURES

  • Resistance and adaptability: This is a long-lasting, hardy tree, capable of thriving in full sun and adapting to different climates and soils, as long as they are well-drained.
  • Foliage and flowering: Its bipinnate leaves give it an elegant appearance. In April, its white, hermaphroditic, five-petaled flowers bloom.
  • Fruits: its pomes ripe in September-October, but they are not immediately edible. They need to undergo an over-ripening process to become softer and sweeter.

🍏 THE FRUIT THAT RIPENS OVER TIME

Its fruits, initially sour, become sweeter only after being left to over-ripen on a straw bed in a cool, dry place.

 This peculiarity has inspired popular proverbs and sayings about patience and slow ripening.

📜 Italian proverb:
🗣️ ““The service tree fruits ripen with time and straw.”
🔹 Literal meaning: the service tree fruits have to stand for a while to become sweet and edible.
🔹 Metaphorical meaning: some things in life require time, care and patience to bear fruits.

 

🔮 SYMBOLISM AND POPULAR BELIEFS

The service tree has always been considered a lucky, protective tree.

  • In many rural traditions, this tree was believed to drive evil spirits away.
  • It symbolized fertility and wisdom and it was associated with patience and perseverance
  •  According to a proverb, the service takes its time. This refers to the slow ripening of its fruits

🍯 TRADITIONAL USES

  • Jams and liqueurs: These fruits are ideal for jams and fermented products.
  • Precious wood: Its hard, durable wood was used to make tools and furniture.
  • Folk medicine: It was believed to have astringent and digestive properties.

 

These contents were written and researched by the owners of the SiGi Agricultural Company in collaboration with the students of the Agricultural Technical Institute of Macerata.

If you would like to contribute to expanding the descriptions of these varieties, you can send an e-mail to info@agricolasigi.it 

We launched the e-museum of ancient fruits thanks to a social farming project of the Marche region.  The translation is by komalingua

This project enabled five young people with cognitive impairments, aged 20 to 25, to work on the farm. They were selected by psychologists and Anffas social workers, supported by the professional educator Il Faro and supervised by UniMc researchers. Coldiretti Marche handled communication and distribution.

This unique and challenging project led to the creation of both a physical and virtual museum of ancient fruits in SiGi’s garden. This is not only a great honor but also a significant commitment that we are willing to continue with everyone’s support. You can contribute to our projects by choosing our products, or you can do so directly here:

 

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