Oh, the delightful little green marvel known as Bimi! If you’ve ever dreamt of stepping into a vibrant green wonderland, feeling the sun on your face, and plucking your dinner straight from the earth, then a trip to a Dutch farm offering “pick-your-own” Bimi is an absolute must!

Imagine this: a crisp, fresh morning, or a glorious sunny afternoon. You arrive at a charming farm in the Netherlands, perhaps surrounded by quaint windmills or fields of tulips. Instead of flowers, however, you’re greeted by rows upon rows of elegant, slender green stalks reaching for the sky. This, my friends, is Bimi in its natural glory – also known as Tenderstem Broccoli, a lovely hybrid of traditional broccoli and Chinese kale. It’s sweeter, milder, and entirely edible from tip to tender stem.

The Joy of the Pick

Whether you’re a solo adventurer seeking a moment of peace and connection with nature, or you’re bringing along your enthusiastic family and friends, the act of picking Bimi is pure, unadulterated fun. There’s something incredibly satisfying about gently snapping off those perfect, vibrant green stalks. Kids absolutely love it – it’s a fantastic way for them to see where their food comes from, get their hands a little dirty (in the best possible way!), and learn about healthy eating in a hands-on, memorable fashion.

You’ll find yourself chatting, laughing, maybe even comparing your “haul” with fellow pickers. The air smells fresh, the colours are invigorating, and the sheer joy of knowing you’re gathering the freshest possible ingredients for your next meal is simply unmatched. Plus, it’s a wonderful excuse to enjoy the beautiful Dutch countryside!

Bringing Bimi Home: Culinary Adventures Await!

Once your basket is brimming with your freshly picked Bimi (don’t be shy, it cooks down!), the real fun begins in the kitchen. Bimi is incredibly versatile and super easy to prepare. Here are a couple of delicious ways to enjoy your harvest:

Recipes:

  1. Zesty Garlic & Chili Bimi Sauté This recipe is quick, flavourful, and highlights Bimi’s natural sweetness with a delightful kick.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 large bunch fresh Bimi, washed
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
    • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
    • Juice of 1/2 lemon
    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
    • Optional: a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for garnish

    Instructions:

    1. Trim any very thick ends off your Bimi, but remember the stems are tender!
    2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
    3. Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
    4. Add the Bimi to the skillet. Toss to coat with the oil, garlic, and chili.
    5. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the Bimi is vibrant green and crisp-tender. You want it still to have a slight bite!
    6. Remove from heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, and season with salt and pepper.
    7. Serve immediately as a fantastic side dish.

  2. Parmesan Roasted Bimi Roasting brings out a wonderful depth of flavour and a slight char that is simply irresistible.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 large bunch fresh Bimi, washed
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

    Instructions:

    1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
    2. In a large bowl, toss the Bimi with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
    3. Spread the Bimi in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
    4. Roast for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the Bimi is tender and slightly caramelized at the edges. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
    5. Remove from the oven, sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese, and toss gently.
    6. Serve hot as a delicious and healthy side.

Cocktail Suggestion: The “Green Garden G&T”

While Bimi isn’t your usual cocktail star, its fresh, green essence can absolutely add a unique, earthy twist to a refreshing drink!

Ingredients:

  • 3-4 Bimi stalks, blanched briefly (about 1-2 minutes until bright green), then shocked in ice water
  • 2 oz gin (your favourite brand)
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 0.5 oz simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved, then cooled)
  • Tonic water, to top
  • Ice
  • Garnish: A blanched Bimi stalk or a lime wheel

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Bimi Puree: In a small blender or food processor, blend the blanched Bimi stalks with just a splash (1-2 tablespoons) of water until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing out all the liquid, to get a vibrant green Bimi juice/purée. You’ll need about 0.5-0.75 oz of this Bimi essence.
  2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and the Bimi essence.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until thoroughly chilled (about 15-20 seconds).
  4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
  5. Top with tonic water and gently stir.
  6. Garnish with a blanched Bimi stalk or a fresh lime wheel. Enjoy your delightfully unconventional and surprisingly delicious “Green Garden G&T”!

So, whether you’re planning a fun day out in the Dutch countryside, or just looking to elevate your everyday meals, picking and preparing Bimi promises a truly wholesome and tasty adventure!