Ah, mulberries! Those luscious, jewel-toned little delights that often fly under the radar but hold a treasure trove of flavour. Imagine this: a sunny afternoon in the Dutch countryside, the gentle hum of bees, and rows of mulberry trees just begging to share their bounty. Yes, in several charming farms across the Netherlands, you can embrace the delightful, slightly messy, and utterly rewarding experience of picking your own mulberries!

There’s something incredibly therapeutic about stepping onto a ‘pluktuin’ (pick-your-own garden) dedicated to these ancient berries. You wander among the branches, eyes scanning for the darkest, plumpest fruits, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves. It’s a treasure hunt, but instead of gold, you’re seeking nature’s own candy. Whether you’re a solo adventurer seeking a moment of peace and connection with nature, or a family on a fun outing with excited little ones, the joy is palpable. Kids especially love reaching for the highest, most elusive berries, often ending up with berry-stained fingers and happy smiles – a badge of honour, really! (A little tip: maybe don’t wear your pristine white shirt!)

It’s a sensory feast: the sweet, earthy scent in the air, the soft give of the ripe fruit as you gently pluck it, and of course, the irresistible urge to pop a few straight into your mouth – nature’s quality control, right? You’ll find yourself chatting, laughing, and sharing tips on the best picking spots, all while filling your baskets with these beautiful, delicate gems. It’s more than just gathering fruit; it’s creating memories, enjoying the simple pleasures of life, and connecting with the land.

Bringing Them Home: Your Culinary Mulberry Adventure!

Once your basket is brimming with these dark, sweet treasures, the fun doesn’t stop! Back home, mulberries are surprisingly versatile. Their sweet, slightly earthy flavour, often with a hint of tartness, makes them perfect for a myriad of culinary creations. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started:

1. Cozy Comfort: Mulberry & Oat Crumble

This classic dessert gets a delightful upgrade with your freshly picked mulberries. It’s warm, comforting, and lets the berries truly shine.

Ingredients:

  • 500g fresh mulberries
  • 2 tbsp cornflour (or all-purpose flour)
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for a little zing)
  • 150g plain flour
  • 75g rolled oats
  • 100g cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 75g light brown sugar
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the filling: Gently wash the mulberries and place them in an ovenproof dish (approx. 20cm x 20cm). In a small bowl, mix the cornflour and granulated sugar, then sprinkle over the mulberries. Add the lemon juice if using, and toss gently to coat.
  2. Make the crumble topping: In a separate bowl, combine the plain flour, oats, light brown sugar, and cinnamon (if using). Add the cold, cubed butter. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Don’t overmix – some small chunks of butter are good!
  3. Assemble and bake: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the mulberry filling.
  4. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the berry filling is bubbling deliciously.
  5. Serve warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of custard. Heaven in a bowl!

2. Zesty Indulgence: Mulberry & Lemon Drizzle Cake

This elegant cake is perfect for fika (coffee break) or as a lighter dessert. The lemon adds a wonderful bright contrast that beautifully complements the mulberries.

Ingredients:

  • 175g unsalted butter, softened
  • 175g caster sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 200g self-raising flour
  • Pinch of salt
  • 50ml milk
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • 150g fresh mulberries, gently dusted with a little flour (this helps prevent them from sinking)
  • For the Drizzle: Juice of 1 large lemon, 50g icing sugar

Instructions:

  1. Preheat & prep: Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) and grease and line a 900g (2lb) loaf tin.
  2. Cream butter & sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs & vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the self-raising flour and a pinch of salt.
  5. Alternate wet & dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until just combined. Fold in the lemon zest. Be careful not to overmix.
  6. Fold in mulberries: Gently fold in the floured mulberries.
  7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
  8. Make the drizzle: While the cake is baking, mix the lemon juice and icing sugar in a small bowl until smooth.
  9. Drizzle & cool: Once the cake is out of the oven, immediately prick it all over with a skewer or fork, then slowly pour the lemon drizzle over the hot cake. Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Cocktail Time! The “Dutch Berry Breeze”

And for the grown-ups who appreciate a little tipple after a day of berry-picking (or just because!), mulberries make a fantastic addition to cocktails. Their rich colour and sweet flavour are perfect for a refreshing evening drink.

Ingredients:

  • 50g fresh mulberries (plus a few for garnish)
  • 50ml gin (a classic London Dry works beautifully, or experiment with a floral Dutch gin!)
  • 25ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 15ml simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved, then cooled)
  • Soda water or prosecco, to top
  • Ice
  • Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Muddle the berries: In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the mulberries to release their juices and flavour.
  2. Add liquids: Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
  3. Shake it up: Fill the shaker with ice, secure the lid, and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well chilled.
  4. Strain & serve: Strain the mixture into a chilled glass (a highball or a large wine glass works well) filled with fresh ice.
  5. Top & garnish: Top with soda water for a lighter drink, or prosecco for a bit of sparkle for a more celebratory feel. Garnish with a few fresh mulberries and a sprig of mint. Sip and enjoy the berry bliss!

So, the next time you’re dreaming of a unique outing in the Netherlands, skip the usual tourist traps and seek out a mulberry ‘pluktuin’. You’ll leave not just with baskets full of nature’s delights, but with cherished memories and a renewed appreciation for the simple, sweet pleasures of life. Happy picking, and happy cooking (and cocktail-making)!