Toninu Bżaru and the Farmers
Toninu, widely known by his nickname “Bżaru” (meaning “pepper”), was one of many at the time who were better recognized by their nicknames rather than their given names. He was a slender and energetic young man, clever and a bit mischievous. It is said that he originally came from the northern part of Malta.
Toninu was known for his cunning nature and for using his wits to get what he wanted, often through subtle or underhanded ways. He was also well-acquainted with the local authorities of the time, which made him feel more important than the local farmers.
Toninu set his sights on a small abandoned room located in a field in Wied Għollieqa. Today, nothing remains of this little structure. Near the room stood a large oak tree, which at the time was called a ballut tree—what we now commonly refer to as a pine tree or sigra tal-prinjol in Maltese.
Toninu quietly took over the abandoned room for himself and began to think of ways he could make a little money from it. One cold winter day, he had an idea. He picked some pine needles from the nearby tree—long, thin leaves that looked like little spears—and threw them into a clay pot he owned. He filled it with water and added some mint leaves as well, since he had grown tired of only taking honey in hot water.
He let the mixture boil well, then set it aside to cool…
Toninu and the Pine Tree Tea
Toninu Bżaru was skinny and quick,
With clever ideas and a mind that could trick.
He found a small room in a field so wide,
With a big pine tree standing right by its side.
The room was old, with stone and dust,
But Toninu liked it — “Take it, I must!”
He looked at the tree with a curious eye,
Then picked its needles, reaching up high.
He boiled some water in a pot made of clay,
Added mint leaves in a tasty way.
“No more honey, I want something new,
Pine needle tea — let’s see how it’ll do!”
He sipped the tea and made a funny face,
“It’s not so sweet… but it has a nice taste!”
He smiled and laughed in the winter breeze,
Toninu felt proud — a tea made with trees!
