There’s something wonderfully indulgent about plucking a sun-warmed cherry straight from the branch, feeling that tiny, perfect pop of sweetness on your tongue. In the Netherlands, several lovely pluktuinen (pick-your-own farms) invite you to do just that. Grab a basket, round up the kids or a couple of friends, and head out to a cherry orchard for a relaxed afternoon. Don’t worry about perfection here—some of the best cherries are the ones slightly hidden under the leaves, or with a little bit of nature’s character on them. Give each cherry a gentle, slightly twisted tug; if it doesn’t come off easily, it isn’t ready yet. Leave those for next week’s visit. The real joy is in the hunt, the laughter, and the sticky fingers. Your basket will fill up surprisingly fast, so pace yourself and eat as many as you pick—that’s the official rule.

Once you’re home, you’ll likely have a gorgeous pile of deep red jewels. They’re fantastic eaten by the handful, but if you have a little more ambition, here’s how to make the most of them.

Two Cooking Recipes

1. Simple Cherry Clafoutis
This French classic is almost embarrassingly easy and looks like a rustic dessert from a farmhouse kitchen.

Ingredients:

  • 500g fresh cherries, pitted
  • 3 large eggs
  • 100g sugar
  • 100g all-purpose flour
  • 250ml whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Butter for the dish

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Butter a deep pie dish or a 20cm baking dish.
  2. Scatter the pitted cherries evenly in the dish.
  3. In a bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until pale. Add flour, salt, and vanilla, then slowly whisk in the milk until smooth.
  4. Pour the batter over the cherries. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and puffed, and a knife inserted in the centre comes out clean.
  5. Let it cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature—a dusting of powdered sugar makes it look extra fancy.

2. Savory Cherry & Goat Cheese Salad
Because cherries deserve a spot on your dinner plate too.

Ingredients:

  • 150g fresh cherries, pitted and halved
  • 100g soft goat cheese, crumbled
  • 100g mixed salad leaves (rocket, spinach, or lamb’s lettuce)
  • 50g walnuts, lightly toasted
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions:

  1. Whisk balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper together for the dressing.
  2. Toss the salad leaves with half the dressing and arrange on plates.
  3. Top with cherry halves, crumbled goat cheese, and walnuts.
  4. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the top. Enjoy immediately—this salad is a gorgeous mix of sweet, tangy, and crunchy.

One Cocktail Recipe

Cherry Smash
A bright, not-too-sweet cocktail that tastes like summer in a glass.

Ingredients:

  • 8–10 fresh cherries, pitted
  • 2 tsp sugar (or simple syrup)
  • 4 fresh mint leaves
  • 60ml bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 15ml fresh lemon juice
  • 5ml water
  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. In a sturdy glass or cocktail shaker, muddle the cherries, sugar, and mint leaves together until the cherries are broken down and juicy.
  2. Add the whiskey, lemon juice, water, and a handful of ice. Shake well for 10 seconds.
  3. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a mint sprig and a whole cherry on a cocktail pick. Sip slowly and smile.