Harvesting Memories at the Akouris Fruit Farm in the Peloponnese

Visiting a family-run farm offers a unique glimpse into the heart of rural life and local traditions. At the end of October, I had the chance to explore the Akouris Fruit Farm in the village of Steno, Arkadias, nestled in the Peloponnese region of Greece. This visit was more than just a tour; it was an immersion into the rhythms of apple harvesting, the warmth of family hospitality, and the beginnings of a small-scale winemaking venture.

Meeting the Akouris Family

The farm is owned and operated by Dimitri, Mary, and their son Konstantinos. From the moment I arrived, their welcoming nature made the experience feel personal and genuine. Dimitri and Mary have cultivated the land for years, passing down knowledge and passion to Konstantinos, who is eager to expand the farm’s offerings.

Konstantinos took the time to show me around the apple orchards, explaining the different varieties they grow and the care each tree requires. His enthusiasm for the farm and its produce was contagious, making it clear that this is more than a business—it’s a family legacy.

Exploring the Apple Orchards and Fields

The orchards stretched across the open fields, with rows of apple trees heavy with ripe fruit. The farm grows several apple varieties, each with distinct flavors and uses. Walking through the fields, I noticed the meticulous attention to detail in pruning, pest control, and soil management. These practices ensure the apples are healthy and flavorful.

Besides apples, the farm cultivates a range of other crops, creating a diverse agricultural environment that boosts the farm's sustainability by supplying produce and taking part in various local farmer's markets throughout the region.

Discovering the Wine Production

One of the highlights of the visit was seeing Konstantinos’s small-scale wine production. Though still in its early stages, the setup reflects a deep interest in winemaking and a desire to develop a local winery. The process was straightforward but educational, showing how grapes are transformed into wine through fermentation and aging.

Konstantinos shared his plans for expanding the winery, aiming to combine traditional methods with modern techniques. This blend of old and new promises to add another layer to the farm’s offerings and attract visitors interested in local wines.

Bringing Home the Harvest

Before leaving, I selected a case of various apples from the farm. Their freshness and variety inspired me to try another one of my classic recipes: apple crumble pie. Using the farm’s apples made the pie especially flavorful, with a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Here is the recipe I used to turn those apples into a delicious dessert:

Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

Ingredients

for the Apple Filling

5 - 7 (2lb) of mixed apples, cored, peeled and sliced or diced

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup -1 cup light brown sugar

2 tblsp corn flour

1tsp ground cinnamon

Ingredients

for the Crumble Topping

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 cup brown sugar (dark or light)

120g (8tblsp) cold butter, cubed

pinch of salt

Preparation Method:

• Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F)

• In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, corn flour and cinnamon. Set aside.

• In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, brown sugar and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

• Pour the apple mixture into a pie dish and spread the crumble topping evenly over the apples.

• Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.

• Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

  
  

  TIP!

  If there are any leftovers, store them in the fridge overnight and I suggest you enjoy them the next day mixed with strained Greek Yoghurt (as shown in the photo above).

Reflections on the Visit

The visit to Akouris Fruit Farm was a reminder of the value of family traditions and the connection between people and the land. Seeing the care that goes into growing apples and experimenting with winemaking gave me a new appreciation for the effort behind local produce.

The farm’s location in the Peloponnese adds to its charm, surrounded by natural beauty and steeped in Greek agricultural heritage. So, if you're seeking a genuine rural experience or want to purchase some top-notch produce, consider visiting the Akouris Fruit Farm, Steno Village, in Korythio in Arkadia ... in the Peloponnese Region of Greece.

I'm confident you'll be warmly welcomed, just as I was!

Until soon again.

Karitas