The answer is: Consider it forbidden fruit

Lev 19:23 - The fruit was considered forbidden for the first three years to ensure healthy growth.

In Leviticus 19:23, the Israelites were instructed to consider the first fruits from newly planted trees as forbidden for three years. This interesting command wasn’t just about a practical agricultural rule; it symbolized respect for the land and cautious stewardship of their resources. The first three years of a tree’s growth are crucial. Refraining from eating the fruit allows the tree to develop a strong root system and produce healthier fruit later on.

Do you think of trees laying idle? Well, in some ancient cultures, particularly among certain agricultural societies, there were practices around "taboo" harvesting that could influence crop yield. Interesting, right? The number three often represents a period of preparation and maturation in the Bible. Consider Jonah spending three days and nights in the whale or Jesus' three days in the tomb. Important transitions often take this three-fold journey.

Moreover, the tradition of waiting to harvest new fruit echoes many cultures around the world who see rites of passage in their growing cycles. The act of "feeding" the earth during those years was “giving thanks” and nurturing, teaching the Israelites a profound lesson in patience and respect for God’s creation. This evolves the narrative of the fruit tree into a metaphor for spiritual growth—reminding us that true success often requires time, care, and restraint before seeing the fruits of our labor.

By giving the soil a time of rest before diving into the bounty, perhaps the faithfulness exercised also enriched their relationship not only with God but with the community enjoying the fruits later!