For Janina Almog of Fairlead Farm, the aroma of ‘appelkooskonfyt’ simmering on her ‘ouma’s’ stove is a memory that shaped her life-long dream of settling on a farm, living off nature and sharing its bounty.

After completing her schooling at the Settlers Agricultural High School in Bela-Bela, Janina dusted the soil off her hands, pursuing a career within the financial industry.

Exchanging tilling the ground for spreadsheets, the yearning to live closer to nature continued to tug at her soul.

In 2018, the building blocks to her dream started falling into place when her and husband, Eyal, purchased a small holding in Middle Road, Fairleads, its open spaces lending itself to a world of possibilities.

A humble orchard of apricot trees was first to be established.

“We started with just over 100 trees, annually adding more saplings,” she said, pointing to the already yellowing orbs adorning the trees.

“Currently we have approximately 300 apricot bearing trees.”

The trees’ wealth of produce is largely attributed to the couple’s 22 strong Jersey cow herd, with manure contributing to the production of sweet and juicy, organically grown apricots.

Tapping into the tradition of his Israeli heritage and aligning with the couple’s core values of preserving every morsel of their yields, Eyal started making a variety of cheeses and ice cream, using every drop of whole milk rendered by their cows.

Free of preservatives each product is handmade using only organic ingredients.

“The small holding community is one that continues to flourish through the sharing of produce. Last year, we decided to extend the culture of giving to the greater Benoni community by hosting an Apricot Festival,” she said.

“Participants were given the opportunity to pick their own apricots, in exchange for a nominal fee, taking their time to appreciate the process of gathering the fruits while enjoying the tranquility of our little farm.”

This year, on November 21 and 22, from 08:30 to 16:00, the gates of the Almog farm will once again swing open featuring a wholesome market.

“Throughout the weekend, visitors can look forward to vendors who specialise in artisanal organic products such as sourdough breads, home-made baked delicacies and honey, to name a few,” said Janina.

“Our quaint coffee shop will also be serving up brewed beverages using only the freshest whole dairy products.”

Participants are encouraged to pick as many apricots as they can carry, at a price of R25 per kg.

“Whether you enjoy it fresh from the tree, plan to stir up a batch of jam or preserve it in order to become the hero of a festive desert, I believe the festival will tick all the boxes.

“We want to create an opportunity for friends and families to enjoy the outdoors, relax and unwind, while sharing in the beauty of the place we call home.

“Being able to live from nature to table is a privilege we do not take for granted and something we would like to share with those trapped in the eternal rat-race of urban living.

For more information about the festival contact Janina on 073 311 4456 or log on to www.fairleadfarm.co.za

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