cucumber - Discover U-Pick farms in the Netherlands

Picking your own cucumber in the Netherlands is a delight—fresh air, sunshine, and the satisfaction of plucking the crispest ones straight from the vine. Whether alone or with loved ones, it’s a chance to slow down, laugh over oddly shaped cucumbers, and fill your basket with nature’s crunchiest gems. Back home, rinse them under cool water and enjoy their refreshing snap. Slice them into salads, blend into gazpacho, or infuse water for a hydrating twist. For something fun, try quick-pickling with vinegar, sugar, and dill—perfect for sandwiches or snacks.

Two recipes to savor:

Cool Cucumber & Mint Yogurt Dip: Blend cucumber, Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh mint. Serve with pita or veggies.
Spicy Cucumber Noodles: Spiralize cucumbers, toss with sesame oil, soy sauce, chili flakes, and peanuts for a light, zesty dish.

For a herbal touch, steep thin cucumber slices with mint and green tea—iced or hot, it’s a soothing sip. Or shake up a Cucumber Gin Fizz: muddle cucumber, add gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and top with soda water. Garnish with a cucumber ribbon.

Decor? Float cucumber rounds in a bowl of water with lemon slices for a fresh centerpiece, or skewer them with flowers for a rustic table accent. Simple, sunny, and satisfying.

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.