red beets - Discover U-Pick farms in the Netherlands

Picking your own red beets in the Netherlands is a fun way to spend time outdoors, whether alone or with loved ones. There’s something satisfying about digging into the soil, pulling up those vibrant roots, and knowing you’ve picked them fresh. The earthy scent, the dirt on your hands—it’s all part of the experience. Plus, the deep red color makes them look almost too pretty to eat (almost!).

Once home, red beets are incredibly versatile. Roast them for salads, blend them into soups, or pickle them for a tangy crunch. Their natural sweetness pairs well with goat cheese, walnuts, or citrus. Don’t toss the greens—sauté them with garlic for a quick side dish.

Two simple recipes to try:

Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Salad: Toss peeled, cubed beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 200°C until tender. Serve over greens with crumbled goat cheese, toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Beet Hummus: Blend cooked beets with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and cumin for a vibrant dip.

For something unexpected, try a beet cocktail:

Ruby Spritz: Muddle cooked beet cubes with basil, add vodka, lemon juice, and a splash of soda. Shake with ice and strain into a glass.

If you’re feeling creative, use beet juice as a natural dye for fabrics or Easter eggs. Or, slice them thinly and dry them for rustic homemade decorations. The possibilities are as endless as they are colorful!

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.

Beleef Het En Eet Het

groente, bloemen

zuid-holland

“Experience it and Eat it” is a farm in Strijen where visitors can harvest their own vegetables. The idea was born to let people experience where their food comes from. Families, schools and adults are welcome to harvest potatoes, onions, carrots, beetroot, pumpkins, green beans, red and white cabbage. Children learn about the origins of honey through the beehives present. After harvesting, you can enjoy fries made from your own potatoes. The farm is open from mid-August to early November on weekends. Schools can also visit during the week by appointment. In the winter, maintenance is carried out, drainage is installed and administration is done. Flower borders have been created that help combat lice in a natural way. The harvested vegetables cost a small amount per kilo.