written by Owen Savage
July 31st, 2023
Kysøko is an organic and pesticide-free farm run by Anders and Susanne. Spanning 17 hectares of land, the farm dedicates 6 hectares solely to fruit production. The story of this beautiful farm goes back generations and has been in the family’s possession as far back as 1797.
In 2008, Kysøko took a decisive step towards growing apples, planting the first 2,500 apple trees of 7 different varieties on a 2-hectare plot. The venture proved successful, but it soon became evident that the scale was too limited for their ambitions. In order to expand, they planted an additional 400 trees themselves in 2010 and 2011. Alongside this, they also set up trellises and implemented drip irrigation to further optimize their orchard.
At Kysøko, they graft their own trees using robust rootstocks, adding the old Danish varieties they like to produce smaller trees with higher-quality fruit. Their product range extends beyond just apples – they also produce pears, plums, white, black, and redcurrants, red and white gooseberries, and quince. They additionally make honey and fruit chips and collaborate with other producers making apple cider and mead from their apple production.
With a strong family legacy behind them and a passion for organic farming, Kysøko stands as a testament to the enduring bond between the land and its stewards. The dedication to sustainable and responsible farming ensures that the fruits of their labours are not only of exceptional quality but also contribute positively to the environment and community they serve. Anders and Susanne distribute their products through whole sales channels and through regular participation in markets, namely Bondens Marked and Grønt Marked.
Biodiversity
At Kysøko, ecology goes beyond mere lip service; it thrives in the form of high biodiversity. Their philosophy centres around taste, believing that the most crucial aspect of fruit is its flavour. They question the purpose of organic produce if it lacks taste altogether. Often, store-bought apple juice originates from China, the world’s leading apple producer, where heavy pesticide use and the application of enzymes to boost yield prevail.
In contrast, Kysøko produces apple juice through a cold-pressed and unheated process, ensuring the preservation of natural flavours. Additionally, they freeze the juice right after bottling it to maintain its integrity. Unlike mass-produced juices, Kysøko’s varietal-specific approach involves using a diverse array of apple varieties (although they do not mix varieties in their juice), leading to a distinctive taste experience.
Biodiversity holds a special place in Kysøko’s farming philosophy, as they recognize its role in preventing pests and contributing to a more fulfilling farming environment. They take pride in the diversity of their farm and the happiness it brings as they walk around and observe the thriving ecosystem.
For Kysøko, achieving a delectable taste in their fruit is paramount. Many fruits bought elsewhere are harvested prematurely, resulting in a lack of flavour. They also attribute taste to the concept of “terroir,” which encompasses the environmental factors influencing a crop’s characteristics, unique growth habitat, and specific farming practices. Anders and Susanne consider themselves fortunate to have the ideal conditions for cultivating flavoursome fruits.
Kysøko’s approach to farming encompasses a harmonious blend of ecological awareness, flavour-driven cultivation, and ethical responsibility. Their belief in the importance of biodiversity, pursuit of authentic taste, and commitment to sustainable practices sets them apart, making Kysøko a shining example of a farm that prioritises both the environment and the quality of their produce.
The role of insects
Susanne has been passionately keeping bees for the past decade and, initially, the farm used to rent bees for a specific period of 4 to 6 weeks when their apple trees were in full bloom. However, they soon realised that purchasing the bees outright proved more cost-effective, offering the added benefit of obtaining honey alongside the pollination services. For Susanne, the key to successful beekeeping is to minimise interference and allow the bees to thrive naturally within their hives.
Beekeeping at Kysøko follows a yearly cycle that begins in early spring. During this time, they carefully inspect the hives, ensuring the bees have survived the winter and are healthy. Their ultimate goal is to have a robust bee population when the apple trees begin to bloom, as this is a critical period for successful pollination and fruit development.
The value of bees in an apple orchard cannot be overstated. They play a vital role in pollination, efficiently transferring pollen from one blossom to another, which is essential for fruit set and yield. Kysøko supports beneficial insects by providing an inviting environment with sand piles and straw bales for natural predators, and they cultivate flowering belts to attract insects while actively managing weeds for a diverse ecosystem.
Beyond the well-known honey bees and bumble bees, Kysøko recognizes the importance of wild bees, specifically solitary bees, in their local environment. Denmark boasts over 276 species of wild bees, and their significance as pollinators is now being widely acknowledged, particularly in light of the current challenges faced by agricultural lands.
As a bee school instructor and chairman of the local bee association, Susanne’s passion for bees is evident, and her commitment to preserving their well-being and promoting their essential role in the ecosystem shines through every aspect of Kysøko’s beekeeping practices.
With all of these activities Susanne and Anders are naturally always very busy! If you want to lend a hand and spend some time helping out at their fruit orchard, don’t hesitate to contact them over the WWOOFING platform.
GRØNT MARKED
Producer Portrait: KYSØKO
written by Grønt Marked
July 31st, 2023
Kysøko is an organic and pesticide-free farm run by Anders and Susanne. Spanning 17 hectares of land, the farm dedicates 6 hectares solely to fruit production. The story of this beautiful farm goes back generations and has been in the family’s possession as far back as 1797.
In 2008, Kysøko took a decisive step towards growing apples, planting the first 2,500 apple trees of 7 different varieties on a 2-hectare plot. The venture proved successful, but it soon became evident that the scale was too limited for their ambitions. In order to expand, they planted an additional 400 trees themselves in 2010 and 2011. Alongside this, they also set up trellises and implemented drip irrigation to further optimize their orchard.
At Kysøko, they graft their own trees using robust rootstocks, adding the old Danish varieties they like to produce smaller trees with higher-quality fruit. Their product range extends beyond just apples – they also produce pears, plums, white, black, and redcurrants, red and white gooseberries, and quince. They additionally make honey and fruit chips and collaborate with other producers making apple cider and mead from their apple production.
With a strong family legacy behind them and a passion for organic farming, Kysøko stands as a testament to the enduring bond between the land and its stewards. The dedication to sustainable and responsible farming ensures that the fruits of their labours are not only of exceptional quality but also contribute positively to the environment and community they serve. Anders and Susanne distribute their products through whole sales channels and through regular participation in markets, namely Bondens Marked and Grønt Marked.
Biodiversity
At Kysøko, ecology goes beyond mere lip service; it thrives in the form of high biodiversity. Their philosophy centres around taste, believing that the most crucial aspect of fruit is its flavour. They question the purpose of organic produce if it lacks taste altogether. Often, store-bought apple juice originates from China, the world’s leading apple producer, where heavy pesticide use and the application of enzymes to boost yield prevail.
In contrast, Kysøko produces apple juice through a cold-pressed and unheated process, ensuring the preservation of natural flavours. Additionally, they freeze the juice right after bottling it to maintain its integrity. Unlike mass-produced juices, Kysøko’s varietal-specific approach involves using a diverse array of apple varieties (although they do not mix varieties in their juice), leading to a distinctive taste experience.
Biodiversity holds a special place in Kysøko’s farming philosophy, as they recognize its role in preventing pests and contributing to a more fulfilling farming environment. They take pride in the diversity of their farm and the happiness it brings as they walk around and observe the thriving ecosystem.
For Kysøko, achieving a delectable taste in their fruit is paramount. Many fruits bought elsewhere are harvested prematurely, resulting in a lack of flavour. They also attribute taste to the concept of “terroir,” which encompasses the environmental factors influencing a crop’s characteristics, unique growth habitat, and specific farming practices. Anders and Susanne consider themselves fortunate to have the ideal conditions for cultivating flavoursome fruits.
Kysøko’s approach to farming encompasses a harmonious blend of ecological awareness, flavour-driven cultivation, and ethical responsibility. Their belief in the importance of biodiversity, pursuit of authentic taste, and commitment to sustainable practices sets them apart, making Kysøko a shining example of a farm that prioritises both the environment and the quality of their produce.
The role of insects
Susanne has been passionately keeping bees for the past decade and, initially, the farm used to rent bees for a specific period of 4 to 6 weeks when their apple trees were in full bloom. However, they soon realised that purchasing the bees outright proved more cost-effective, offering the added benefit of obtaining honey alongside the pollination services. For Susanne, the key to successful beekeeping is to minimise interference and allow the bees to thrive naturally within their hives.
Beekeeping at Kysøko follows a yearly cycle that begins in early spring. During this time, they carefully inspect the hives, ensuring the bees have survived the winter and are healthy. Their ultimate goal is to have a robust bee population when the apple trees begin to bloom, as this is a critical period for successful pollination and fruit development.
The value of bees in an apple orchard cannot be overstated. They play a vital role in pollination, efficiently transferring pollen from one blossom to another, which is essential for fruit set and yield. Kysøko supports beneficial insects by providing an inviting environment with sand piles and straw bales for natural predators, and they cultivate flowering belts to attract insects while actively managing weeds for a diverse ecosystem.
Beyond the well-known honey bees and bumble bees, Kysøko recognizes the importance of wild bees, specifically solitary bees, in their local environment. Denmark boasts over 276 species of wild bees, and their significance as pollinators is now being widely acknowledged, particularly in light of the current challenges faced by agricultural lands.
As a bee school instructor and chairman of the local bee association, Susanne’s passion for bees is evident, and her commitment to preserving their well-being and promoting their essential role in the ecosystem shines through every aspect of Kysøko’s beekeeping practices.
With all of these activities Susanne and Anders are naturally always very busy! If you want to lend a hand and spend some time helping out at their fruit orchard, don’t hesitate to contact them over the WWOOFING platform.