Picking blackberries in the Netherlands is a delight—sun on your skin, the thrill of finding the juiciest berries, and the laughter shared with friends or family as you fill your baskets. The tart-sweet burst of a freshly picked blackberry is unbeatable, and the quiet rhythm of plucking them straight from the bush feels like a little escape.

Once home, enjoy them fresh over yogurt, stirred into oatmeal, or blended into a smoothie. For something more indulgent, try:

  • Blackberry Jam: Simmer 500g blackberries with 300g sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice until thickened. Pour into jars and seal.
  • Blackberry Crumble: Toss 400g blackberries with 2 tbsp sugar, then top with a mix of 100g flour, 50g butter, and 50g oats. Bake at 180°C until golden.

For a refreshing drink, muddle a handful of blackberries with mint, lime, and a splash of soda water. Or shake them into a Blackberry Gin Fizz: 50ml gin, 25ml lemon juice, 10ml sugar syrup, and a handful of crushed blackberries—top with tonic.

Drizzle them over desserts, freeze for later, or fold into pancake batter. Their versatility is as endless as the fun of picking them.