broad beans - Discover U-Pick farms in the Netherlands

Picking broad beans in the Dutch countryside is a delight—plucking plump pods straight from the plant, feeling the satisfying snap as they come free. The joy doubles when shared: laughter with friends, kids marveling at the fuzzy shells, or a quiet morning spent solo among the rows. Once home, the real fun begins. Shell them fresh for a buttery sauté with garlic and mint, or blanch and toss into salads for a crisp bite.

Two recipes to try:

Creamy Broad Bean Dip: Blend cooked beans with tahini, lemon, olive oil, and a pinch of cumin. Serve with warm pita.
Spring Broad Bean Pasta: Sauté shelled beans with pancetta, wilted greens, and Parmesan over al dente spaghetti.

For a herbal twist, steep young broad bean leaves in hot water for a light, grassy tea. Or muddle blanched beans into a fresh garden cocktail: gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and a splash of soda.

Decor? Tuck broad bean blossoms into wild bouquets—their delicate white and black blooms add rustic charm. Whether picked, cooked, or displayed, these beans bring simple, earthy pleasures.

Ecologische Tuinderij De Tilgrupshof

vegetables, herbs

friesland

De Tilgrupshof is a self-picking farm in Appelscha, Netherlands, cultivating ecological vegetables since January 2024. The farm is part of an area focused on increasing biodiversity through ecological farming practices. Members, called “oogstgenoten” (harvest companions), pay an annual fee for the right to harvest their own vegetables and herbs for about 30 weeks, from mid-May to November. They can harvest 4 to 5 days a week. The farm operates on the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) principle.

Van Reeuwijk Fruit & Flowers

fruits, vegetables

noord-holland

Van Reeuwijk is a family-run farm offering a self-picking experience, typically starting around June, depending on the weather. The farm is expanding its self-picking garden. Stay updated through their Facebook or Instagram pages. The self-picking process is straightforward: grab a picking basket with containers in the shop, receive a brief explanation of what’s available, and head into the garden to harvest your own produce. Strawberry plants are conveniently raised to standing height. You can pick as much as you like, ensuring the fruit is ripe. All picked fruit must be paid for; no returns are accepted. The strawberries, cherries, and raspberries are sheltered, making it a fun activity even in rainy weather. However, old shoes or boots may be useful after prolonged heavy rain. No reservations are required for self-picking.

Hof Bredelaar

fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs

gelderland

Hof Bredelaar is a self-picking farm located in Elst, Netherlands. It operates within Park Lingezegen, between Arnhem and Nijmegen. The farm cultivates a wide range of fresh, organically grown vegetables, fruits, herbs, and edible flowers, all without pesticides. Customers can purchase a harvest subscription allowing them to pick their own produce whenever they like. The farm emphasizes sustainability, investing in healthy soil, biodiversity, and natural balance. This results in flavorful, nutritious crops.