Excursion S.a.l.t the heart and soul of greek cooking: a cretan culinary adventure at an exceptional organic farm tour at Aghios Nikolaos

The food of Crete has been called "the heart and soul of all Greek cooking." The food of the largest of the Greek isles stands dramatically apart from its neighbors. It benefits from access to both mountains and sea, the livestock grazing on fresh wild herbs and grasses, plus incredible seafood. In Crete, old traditions like open-fire cooking methods once prevalent around the country but now vanishingly rare elsewhere are kept alive. It's been said that the staples of the Cretan table - local olive oil, barley, broad beans and wild fennel, goat's cheeses and honey - would be familiar in the dining habits of their Minoan ancestors from 3000 BC. Set on a beautiful hillside, with stunning views of the mountainous area of Herasso, the remote and private organic farm Peskesi is the ideal place to explore and enjoy the unique landscape and cuisine of this most delicious Greek island and experience the pleasures of the Cretan table on this full-day immersive S.A.L.T. experience. Learn about sustainable farming practices, pick and taste some of the ancient varieties of products grown in the fields here, taste and appreciate a variety of local olive oils and wine and join together around the wood-fired hearth to learn to cook some staples of the Cretan diet.

Peskesi Organic Active Farm

Truly a special place cultivated with care and real passion for the land and dedicated to the revival, preservation and promotion of the wealth of the Cretan Diet and sharing the rich history and culture of the wild and beautiful island. In addition to olive groves and nearly forgotten varieties of produce including local nutrient-rich greens like papoules, the fragrant gardens are planted with zucchini, tomatoes, eggpalants, melons, wildflowers and many others. This special way of cultivation and breeding, based on the long-standing experience of traditional farming, enables them to produce healthy, seasonal products and top quality ingredients on a daily basis. There is a small open-air museum of ancient olive making vessels. At the center of the site and the experience is a huge and amazing stone fireplace under the shade of a pergola, where the bounty of the land is cooked slowly in old clay vessels on the embers of wood fires. Lamb antikristo (cooked for many hours in front of the flames) and stuffed zucchini blossoms and grape leaves are a few of the delicacies that come from this unforgettable hearth.

A Complete Culinary Experience

Depart the pier for approximately 1-hour drive to the farm. Upon arrival, be greeted by the owners who will then take you on a walk around the farm. Learn to recognize local varieties of vegetables and herbs that will be the basis of your dishes. Discover the high nutritional value of Cretan honey, and the way their ancestors produced excellent extra virgin olive oil. Together collect all the pure raw materials that will be used for cooking, discussing the value of the seasonal cultivation used on the farm. Following authentic traditional recipes and practices but also the expertise of the chef, you will be introduced step by step to Cretan cuisine and its secrets. Around a table, like each important moment in Cretan culture, enjoy today's culinary creation and the unique experience of Cretan hospitality.

Your Host - Mr. Panagiotis Maganas

Mr. Panagiotis Maganas, the owner of Peskesi Organic Farm started as a nutritionist in his own diet centers in Athens but his interest and love for the Cretan diet determined his next steps. After 22 years of research, he decided to create in his own homeland, Crete, a "school" for Cretan diet and cuisine. Its aim until today is to inform and educate in relation to the nutritional and cultural benefits of the Cretan gastronomic tradition.