
The Season of Acorns
This autumn, the oak forests of Kea, Greece, are alive with quiet abundance. Across the island, a bumper crop of acorns has covered the ground - a phenomenon that occurs only once every few years, when nature in its mysterious rhythm, decides to be generous. Marcie Mayer, the American-born cook and acorn expert has spent more than two decades on Kea, devoted to unlocking the culinary and ecological potential of these ancient seeds.
Often overlooked, the acorn is her muse, transformed into flour, oil, and delicately spiced biscuits. Her creations have found admirers far beyond Greece. Notably, she has partnered with Lush, the British cosmetics brand, who incorporate her acorn-derived oil into some of their sustainable skincare products.
This year’s exceptional harvest has meant long days of gathering and roasting, the air scented with the gentle smoke of acorns turning golden. Her book Eating of Acorns tells a story of renewal. Each acorn must be carefully leached to remove its bitterness, revealing a soft, nutty flavour rich in tannins which is the same natural compound found in red wine. The result is food that feels both ancient and new: rooted in history, yet entirely contemporary in its respect for the environment.
For those interested in learning more about Mayer's process, you can watch her TEDX talk, Acorns: A Forgotten Superfood.







