string beans - Discover U-Pick farms in the Netherlands

Picking string beans in the Netherlands is a simple, satisfying way to spend time outdoors. The crisp snap of fresh pods as you pluck them from the vines is oddly satisfying, and the bright green bundles pile up quickly in your basket. It’s even better with friends or family—racing to fill buckets, laughing when someone finds an unusually long bean, or just enjoying the quiet rhythm of harvesting together.

Once home, string beans are wonderfully versatile. Toss them raw into salads for crunch, steam them with a pinch of salt, or stir-fry with garlic for a quick side. For something heartier, try these recipes:

Garlic-Lemon String Beans: Sauté blanched beans in olive oil with minced garlic, lemon zest, and a sprinkle of chili flakes. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.
String Bean and Potato Curry: Simmer beans and diced potatoes in coconut milk with curry powder, turmeric, and a dash of cumin until tender. Serve over rice.

For a refreshing twist, muddle a few blanched string beans with lime and mint in a glass, add gin or vodka, top with soda water, and enjoy a garden-fresh cocktail.

If you’ve picked more than you can use right away, blanch and freeze them—they’ll keep their color and crunch for months. Or pickle them with dill and garlic for a tangy snack. However you use them, the best part is knowing you gathered them yourself, straight from the vine.

Kweekland

fruits, vegetables, herbs

gelderland

Stadstuin Kweekland is a green oasis in Arnhem, Netherlands, located on a south-facing slope near Sonsbeek Park. This urban farm spans 8,200 square meters and features two greenhouses and a landscape design inspired by the English countryside. The farm aims to be an ’edible landscape’ with a diverse selection of edible trees, shrubs, crops, flowers, and vegetables. As a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm since 2020, Kweekland relies on members who pay an annual fee for the right to harvest their own produce. CSA membership allows access to the garden from April 1st to December 1st, from sunrise to sunset.

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.