From Larchmont Farmers’ Market to Your Kitchen: Our Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil Story

Written By Tamara Curlic

Our Roots at the Down to Earth Larchmont Farmers’ Market

Every great story has a beginning and for us it all started at the Larchmont Farmers’ Market in Westchester County, NY. When we first set up our booth, we were proud (and a little nervous) to be the very first vendor to offer authentic extra virgin olive oil at the market. Back then, many shoppers were used to picking up olive oil from supermarket shelves, without realizing the incredible difference in taste, aroma, and quality that premium Greek extra virgin olive oil can bring. When Demetra Kontoulis Bouras walked the sun-drenched olive groves in Massinia,land first tended by her grandfather,she carried a vision. Though life brought her to Larchmont, NY, her heart remained rooted in that ancestral soil. Over time, she and her husband Athanasios began bringing extra virgin olive oil from that same land to the local farmers’ market in Larchmont, continuing a legacy of tradition and flavor.

Our presence at the market introduced local families to the world of real EVOO the kind that carries centuries of tradition, pressed from handpicked olives grown in the heart of Kalamata, Greece. That first weekend at Larchmont was more than just sales. It was the beginning of conversations, tastings, and building a community of extra virgin olive oil lovers who now return week after week.

In 2024, Demetra and her husband chose to retire and spend more time in Greece, passing the torch to me as the next caretaker of their family tradition. Their passion for sharing authentic extra virgin olive oil was so genuine that it truly inspired me! I often say that because of them I am now ‘obsessed’ with EVOO. Working alongside them at the local farmers’ markets, I learned so much about extra virgin olive oil, not only how it’s made, but also the dedication, hard work, and integrity it takes to bring true quality to every bottle.

That inspiration led me to deepen my own knowledge: I even went on to become a certified olive oil sommelier so that I could better understand, appreciate, and share the difference between real extra virgin olive oil and the mass-produced versions most people are used to. I am truly honored to continue what they started 16 years ago, carrying forward their legacy and ensuring that the tradition of offering the freshest Greek extra virgin olive oil, directly sourced from Kalamata, remains alive at the Down to Earth Larchmont Farmers Market every Saturday (8:30am-1pm), all year round (Yes, we are there in the winter as well).

Why Farmers Markets Matter for Small Businesses

The Larchmont Farmers’ Market is more than a place to shop it’s a community hub where neighbors meet, children learn about food, and small businesses like ours have the chance to thrive. Unlike big-box stores, farmers’ markets create direct connections between growers, makers, and consumers.

For us, being part of this market wasn’t just about selling our extra virgin olive oil. It was about sharing our story, educating families about the benefits of EVOO, and supporting a local economy that values quality and authenticity. Farmers’ markets give small businesses like Agape Premium the opportunity to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with customers, offering tastings, answering questions, and providing something truly special that can’t be found on a generic grocery aisle.

What Makes Agape Premium Different

In a world where mass-produced oils dominate store shelves, Agape Premium stands apart. Here’s why:

  • Authenticity: Our extra virgin olive oil comes directly from Kalamata, Greece, where olives are cultivated in sun-drenched groves and harvested at peak ripeness.

  • Tradition: We are a female-owned, family-run business, continuing a legacy that has been passed down for generations.

  • Quality: Our EVOO is cold-pressed in small batches to preserve natural flavor and nutrients. No blends, no shortcuts.

  • Transparency: From the grove to the bottle, we oversee every step, ensuring the highest standards of purity.

Shoppers at the Down to Earth Larchmont Farmers’Market were among the first in Westchester County to taste the difference and they immediately noticed how fresh and vibrant true extra virgin olive oil can be.

The Health and Culinary Benefits of EVOO

It didn’t take long for customers at our booth to ask questions about why EVOO is considered one of the healthiest fats in the world.

Beyond health, EVOO is also a culinary game-changer. Many families who first discovered us at the farmers’ market began experimenting in their kitchens drizzling our extra virgin olive oil over fresh salads, pairing it with crusty bread, and even using it as a finishing touch for soups, vegetables, and seafood. Once you taste premium Greek extra virgin olive oil, it’s hard to go back to anything else.

Building Community at the Market

What makes the Larchmont Farmers’ Market special isn’t just the food … it’s the people. Over the years, we’ve built friendships with customers who return regularly, often bringing new friends or family to try our extra virgin olive oil.

We’ve heard stories of children who tasted our olive oil at the market and now ask for it at home, or families who bring a bottle to gatherings to share with relatives. These stories remind us that all this is not just about a product, but about creating connections and traditions that bring people together.

How to Choose the Best Olive Oil at a Farmers Market

If you’re visiting the Down to Earth Larchmont Farmers’ Market or any other market (check our full FM schedule), here are some tips to help you choose high-quality olive oil:

  1. Taste Before You Buy: The best vendors will offer samples. Look for a fresh, peppery, slightly fruity flavor — a sign of true EVOO.

  2. Check the Label: Make sure it says “extra virgin olive oil” and look for information about origin (like Kalamata, Greece).

  3. Ask Questions: Small producers are proud of their process. Don’t hesitate to ask how and where the olives are harvested and pressed.

  4. Look for Freshness: Extra Virgin Olive oil doesn’t improve with age. Always ask about the harvest date.

  5. Support Local Vendors: Farmers market vendors often offer small-batch products with greater care and attention to quality.

Visit Us at the Larchmont Farmers’ Market

Market open Saturdays, 8:30AM – 1:00PM, year-round

From those early days as the first extra virgin olive oil vendor to becoming a beloved part of the Larchmont Farmers Market community, our journey is rooted in passion, quality, and connection.

If you’re in Westchester County, come visit us at your local farmers’ market and experience the difference yourself. And if you can’t make it in person, you can still explore our full range of products from extra virgin olive oil to balsamic vinegars, olives, and natural goods on here on our website. 👉 Explore Agape Premium Products Online

I am looking forward to meeting you!

Love,

Tamara

Follow our journey on Instagram:

Tamara Curlic
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