When you were young was there always a satsuma or clementine at the bottom of your Christmas stocking? Did you ever wonder why or just put it down to some strange whim of Father Christmas?

When Devon ports became seriously involved in the cod fishery off Newfoundland in the 1600s there was no permanent European population there and so the fishery was itinerant. 

The vessels left in spring, with the men and materials needed for the fishing season. Nails for building cabins, small fishing boats or dories for going out to the fishing grounds, tools for heading and gutting fish before drying, salt for preservation and barrels for storage. The crews fished, dried, salted and stored cod all through the summer and at the end of the season departed with their catch – not to England and home but to the Mediterranean. The Catholic countries of Spain and Portugal, following the customs and practices of the Catholic faith, had many feast days when eating meat was forbidden. Consequently, there was a good market for fish and, in the days before refrigeration, the only fish that could be stored and transported was dried and salted. 

Once their fish catch was sold, the ships would be loaded with local produce, including olive oil, wine, and oranges, to be brought back for sale in England. With fair winds and a bit of luck, the ships would return to their home ports in time for Christmas. No doubt when the cargo was offloaded an orange or two made its way ashore in a sailor’s pocket or bag. What an exotic gift that would have been, along with the stories of far away places. 

So, when you’re buying your Christmas clementines or satsumas, remember it’s part of a long history associated with Yule time fruit, all tied into an important economic cycle involving ships and salt and cod that took men away from home nine months of year, returning in time for Christmas.

If you are looking for a more imaginative gift than socks, then why not something heritage related? A gift that lasts the whole year is membership to a local heritage group. Or what about a book that supports a local charity? We are biased but ‘A History of East the Water, Bideford’ is available from Walter Henry’s or The Burton and helps local groups do more and bring enjoyment to everyone. Seasons Greetings!