Delicious Fruit in Greece You Have to Try!
Greece is home to various juicy, delicious fruit across the country. And it’s likely no surprise that the vegetables and fruit from Greece are often tastier than the produce we get back home in America.
According to some of the local farms, one reason for such supreme freshness and flavor is that the roots of the plants have to dig deeper into the soil to find water (especially on the drier islands). As a result, the plants aren’t overwatered, and they get deep soil nutrients.
The result? A much more flavorful plant.
Throughout the year, you will find lots of fruit choices in Greece. Some are seasonal, but you can find most throughout the majority of the year.
Fruit grown in Greece includes melons, grapes, kiwis, oranges, tangerines, plums, apricots, pomegranates, peaches, cherries, and watermelon. Plus, you’ll find some of the most delicious cucumbers, tomatoes, avocados, figs, and olives (all considered fruits too).
Eight Fruits You Should Try in Greece
As lovers of whole, fresh foods who recently traveled throughout mainland Greece as well as some of the Greek islands on our worldschooling adventures, we’ve tried our share of fresh Greek fruit. Here’s our list of must-try fruit for your next trip to the country.
1. Apricots
Apricot jam here is some of the best I’ve ever had. Because apricots are plentiful, they can easily make a lot of jam. If you like the taste of apricots, make sure to try some Greek apricot jam!
2. Tomatoes
The tomatoes here in Greece are just more succulent than back in the USA. Sprinkling a little local sea salt and olive oil over tomato slices is my favorite way to eat Greek tomatoes!
3. Cucumbers
Tomato-Cucumber salad is really flavorful in Greece. Note that Greek salad served at restaurants in Greece doesn’t come with lettuce, as it does in most other parts of the world.
Here in Greece, they traditionally make Greek salads with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, onion, green peppers, feta, and herbs!
4. Persimmon
Persimmon is another delicious fruit to find during the fall in Greece. They grow on trees and typically resemble an orange tomato in shape and texture.
I didn’t try persimmons for our first two months in Greece and I’m not sure why. It always struck me as an odd-looking tomato. It turns out this Greek fruit is sweet and juicy! Make sure to try them!
5. Quince
Quince is the odd, pear-looking fruit in Greece! It is best not to eat it raw as it is too tough, sour, and just doesn’t taste good raw.
The locals told me they cook quince, then add sugar before eating.
6. Apples
There are so many varieties of apples to choose from. The best way to buy this fruit in Greece to do is to go to the fruit stand and ask which apple is to your preferred liking (juiciest, sweetest, sour, crunchy, etc).
If you are looking for something sweet and crisp, try the variety you see here.
7. Tangerines
There are different types of tangerines in Greece. Again depending on your liking, ask the fruit stand which is preferable. This one below is like a clementine – seedless, easy to peel, and a delicious snack! Plus, they are really inexpensive.
8. Oranges
Don’t miss the fresh squeezed orange juice. You’ll find it on most menus, as well as at stands throughout the towns.
The oranges are juicy and sweet and make some of the best orange juice. Store-bought orange juice will be a thing of your past.
What is the National Fruit in Greece?
There is definitely conflicting information regarding what is the official national fruit in Greece. That said, the majority vote seems to be olives! (Scientific name: Olea.) It seems everyone has olive trees growing in their yards, even when it appears they don’t have much land.
If you have a chance to harvest olives while in Greece, take it. Most of the harvesting is done in the fall season during the months of October and November.
Which Fruit Represents Good Luck in Greece?
The pomegranate is considered the fruit in Greece that represents good luck. It also symbolizes fertility, given its abundance of seeds. In Greek mythology, the pomegranate is often associated with Aphrodite (though not her symbol).
Inside pomegranates are dozens of red or pink colored seeds. The seeds are what you eat when enjoying pomegranates.
You’ll find many places in Greece that also sell just pomegranate seeds. Buying a container with just seeds is quite convenient. Use them as a delicious salad topper or sprinkled on Greek yogurt.
What Greek Fruits are in Season Now?
You will find mouthwatering fruit in Greece throughout the year. However, you’ll enjoy most fruit in the summer and early fall.
During late spring, you’ll find cherries. By early summer, you can taste the juiciest peaches, along with apricots and nectarines. Grab a watermelon for a refreshing summer fruit. Or, for a delicious snack, find figs, which grow on trees all around Greece.
Throughout the summer and fall, you’ll find melon and grapes. The melon and grapes in Greece are much more flavorful. Typically, I don’t really care for melon (although I do love melon juice), but the melons in Greece are sweeter and juicier.
We couldn’t get enough of the juicy plump grapes. Make sure to try some while in Greece.
Best Farm-to-Table Experiences in Greece?
There are many farms throughout the islands and mainland of Greece. If you are seeking out the best farms in Greece, I would suggest you do the following.
- Find some of your favorite products (honey or tea or cheese) and see who makes the product. Then call up that farm and ask if you can visit. The Greek people are so welcoming and kind.
- Do a Google search for organic farms in the area where you plan to stay in Greece.
Personally, I seek out organic farms wherever we travel. I appreciate high-quality produce and love to learn about how the locals eat and cook. Check reviews on Google and don’t hesitate to reach out to the farms directly before booking to make sure it is the experience you desire.
With that being said, I have two wonderful recommendations for farm visits. One is on the island of Tinos and the other is on the island of Ikaria. Both were absolutely fantastic experiences for us, providing a taste of local cuisine, community, and education.
📍Farm to Table Tinos
Farm to Table Tinos is an amazing organic farm, which offers private chef services, as well as cooking classes. Alexandros, the owner, is a professionally trained chef from Athens, who grew up visiting his grandparents in Tinos.
He decided to move to Tinos to be closer to nature and eat from the land that surrounds him. His inspiration for his meals comes from seasonal produce from his gardens. We set up to explore the gardens before returning to his beautiful outdoor patio to begin cooking.
Next, we prepared some of the most mouth-watering dishes, as well as bread in his beautiful stone wood fire oven. We ate olives that he harvested from his trees and jam that he made from his fruits. He can accommodate any requests: from vegetarians, gluten-free, meat lovers, and pescatarians.
📍Longevity Farm in Ikaria Greece
Ikaria is known as the island of longevity. It is one of the five Blue Zones in the world, where people tend to live the longest and are the healthiest.
We enjoyed some of the best meals at Karimalis Winery. Consider staying at the farm there to enjoy the whole experience.
The rooms are a bit farmhouse rustic, but it is all part of the experience. You can milk the goats, pick the nuts off the trees, and see acres of grapes overlooking the sea.
Enjoy breakfast in the old kitchen, which has a fantastic spread of local cuisine. Recently, the family built a new restaurant, Karimalis Farmhouse Restaurant, where you can take cooking classes, as well as enjoy fresh, seasonal lunch and dinner.
They also have a gorgeous outdoor patio to relish in the sun and island breezes.
Which Fruit in Greece is Difficult to Find?
One fruit noticeably harder to find in Greece are blueberries. Nonetheless, you can still find them. They just aren’t as bountiful as other fruits. Plus, they seemed to be very pricey when we did find them at the markets.
Overall, you will find the majority of your favorite fruits accessible in Greece.
Where Should You Buy Fruit in Greece?
I recommend buying fruit from the fruit and veggie stands throughout Greece. If possible, seek out a local farmer to purchase your produce directly. Otherwise, you’ll find many fruit and veggie options in the supermarkets.
Tip: We recommend renting a car if you’re visiting some of the islands or heading outside of the main cities. Check out our review of renting a car on Syros island for more insight, as well as the best Syros hotels.
Conclusion: Fruit in Greece
Fruit in Greece is plentiful and delicious. Don’t be afraid to try something new or see how your favorite fruits compare to what you get back home. You’ll likely find the Greek version to be more flavorful!
Which fruit are you most excited to try in Greece?
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