butternut squash - Discover U-Pick farms in the Netherlands

Picking your own butternut squash in the Dutch countryside is a delight—plucking the smooth, sun-warmed gourds straight from the vine, their golden hues blending with the autumn landscape. It’s even better with friends or family, turning the harvest into a playful treasure hunt. Back home, the fun continues: roast it for sweetness, blend it into soups, or spiralize it for noodles.

Two recipes to try:

Creamy Butternut Squash Soup: Sauté onions, garlic, and cubed squash, then simmer with vegetable stock. Blend with a dash of cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Roasted Squash & Sage Pasta: Toss roasted squash with pasta, crispy sage, toasted pine nuts, and parmesan.

For a twist, try a spiced squash cocktail: muddle roasted squash with bourbon, maple syrup, and a pinch of cinnamon. Shake with ice and strain for a cozy sip.

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.