courgettes - Discover U-Pick farms in the Netherlands

Picking your own courgettes in the Netherlands is a delight—plucking them fresh from the vine, feeling the sun on your back, and sharing the fun with friends or family. The smooth, glossy skin and vibrant green (or golden!) hues make them irresistible. Once home, their versatility shines. Slice them into ribbons for salads, grill them with olive oil, or spiralize into “zoodles.” For something heartier, try these recipes:

Courgette Fritters: Grate courgettes, mix with egg, flour, grated cheese, and herbs. Pan-fry until golden. Serve with yogurt dip.
Stuffed Courgettes: Hollow out halves, fill with spiced minced meat, rice, or quinoa, top with cheese, and bake until tender.

For a refreshing twist, blend courgettes into a cooling cocktail: muddle with mint, lime juice, and gin, then top with soda water. Or steep thin slices in hot water with lemon for a light, herbal tea. If you’ve picked blossoms, stuff them with ricotta, lightly batter, and fry—or use them as edible garnishes for salads and drinks. The joy is in the picking and the playing—with flavors, textures, and creativity.

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.