Even within their sense of self (the woman), the people at this stage of the Most Ancient Church knew what was allowed. They were able to have knowledge about the Lord and love of the Lord that had been passed on to them by their elders, which is represented by the fruit of the trees of the garden.

One thing this verse makes clear is that the people of this stage are indeed less internal than their predecessors. Previously people ate "of the trees," which means they perceived what is true automatically, from their love to the Lord. Now people eat "of the fruit of the tree," meaning they can't perceive truth directly themselves.

(Reference: Arcana Coelestia 198, 199)