gooseberries - Discover U-Pick farms in the Netherlands

Picking gooseberries in the Dutch countryside is a delight—plucking those tart, juicy gems straight from the bush, feeling the sun on your back as you fill your basket. It’s even better with friends or family, turning it into a playful competition to see who can gather the most or the ripest ones. The thrill of finding the perfect berry, slightly soft and glowing in the sunlight, is unmatched.

Once home, gooseberries shine in both sweet and savory dishes. Try them in a gooseberry crumble: toss 500g gooseberries with 100g sugar, top with a mix of 150g flour, 75g butter, and 50g oats, then bake until golden. Or whip up a gooseberry chutney: simmer 300g gooseberries with 1 chopped onion, 100g brown sugar, 50ml vinegar, and a pinch of chili for a tangy condiment.

For something refreshing, muddle a handful of gooseberries with mint, lime, and sugar, then shake with gin and ice for a gooseberry smash cocktail. Or steep them in hot water with honey for a soothing gooseberry tea.

If you’re feeling creative, string slightly underripe berries into garlands for a rustic kitchen decoration—their pale green hue adds a charming touch. Whatever you choose, the joy of gooseberries lies in their versatility and the memories made while picking them.

De Greftenhoeve

fruits

overijssel

The Greftenhoeve is a blue berry farm specializing in fresh consumption. A large portion of the harvested berries are sold at the Fruitmasters auction in Geldermalsen, while the rest is sold on-site. Customers can purchase pre-picked blueberries or pick their own at the self-picking field. Other available produce includes red and black currants, and gooseberries. During the off-season (September 16th to July 1st), frozen blueberries are sold, also through their webshop.

De Jachthoeve

gelderland

De Jachthoeve is a self-picking farm and care farm located in Wekerom, Netherlands. The farm offers a variety of activities, including: Self-picking: From June to November, visitors can pick their own fruit and flowers in the Fruithof (fruit garden). Fruits include strawberries, red currants, black currants, kiwiberries, gooseberries (kruisbessen), raspberries, blackberries, tayberries, boysenberries, plums and honeyberries. Farm Shop: The farm shop sells a variety of homemade and local products, including jams, dessert sauces (made from fruit from the Fruithof), honey, sausages, Bunzlau Castle pottery, and baking mixes. They also sell the fruit picked in the Fruithof as well as fresh apples and pears. Care Farm: De Jachthoeve offers day care activities for adults with learning disabilities or psychological problems. Activities include working in the Fruithof, the kitchen, the shop, or on various farm tasks. Specials: The farm offers special packages such as high tea, and walking with coffee and pie. The farm also offers the possibility to order cakes, including photo cakes if you supply a picture, which is currently unavailable.

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.

De Marwijkshof

fruits, flowers

drenthe

Fruitbedrijf De Marwijkshof is a farm shop offering a variety of fresh produce and homemade delicacies. They sell items like carrots, leeks, beans, kale, potatoes, soft fruits, apples, fruit juices, krentjebrij, yogurt, milk, honey, cheese, eggs, jam, syrup, wine, beer, sausages, meat, fruit chocolates, and farm-made ice cream. They also create custom gift baskets. The farm offers a “Pick Your Own” experience during the harvest season. Previously, customers could pick dahlias, green and red gooseberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants, whitecurrants, blueberries, blackberries, Santana apples, sunflowers, and pumpkins. However, as of December 1, 2024, everything in the picking garden has been harvested. Frambozen are available for sale at the shop in harvest season but not for self picking.

Pluktuin de Bosrand

fruits, flowers, herbs

gelderland

Pluktuin de Bosrand is a self-picking farm located on the Dorskampweg in Wageningen, Netherlands, open from mid-May to November. Visitors can harvest their own fruit and pick their own bouquets of flowers while enjoying the scenic view. The farm offers a wide variety of summer flowers, including peonies, dahlias, cosmeas, zinnias, heleniums, and sunflowers. The selection of fruit includes raspberries, grapes, thornless blackberries, plums, apples, pears, and various types of berries. The availability of specific produce varies depending on the season. The farm also offers green workshops.

De Weitens Cabanas en Camperplaatsen

noord-brabant

De Weitens is an ecological farm in Valkenswaard, Netherlands, offering various activities and accommodations. The farm consists of an ecological garden, Wilma’s Terrace, and cabanas/camper spots for overnight stays. The ecological garden is run by Jack, who provides tours and information about ecological gardening and sustainable practices. Wilma’s Terrace is managed by Wilma, Corinne, and Kitty, offering homemade cakes, coffee, herbal tea, and local sausage rolls. Since May 2024, a new partnership with ‘t Vogelhuys, led by Kitty, provides everyday activities for people with disabilities at the terrace on Mondays and Tuesdays. Corinne manages the cabanas, providing guests with comfortable, energy-neutral accommodations in the walnut orchard.