physalis

Oh, the humble yet utterly charming physalis! Often overlooked but a true gem, these little golden berries, encased in their delicate papery lanterns, are an absolute delight to pick and a fantastic treat to bring home.

The Golden Treasure Hunt: A Day of Physalis Picking!

Imagine a sunny day in the Dutch countryside, the air fresh, a gentle breeze rustling through the fields. You’ve arrived at one of the lovely “zelfpluk” (pick-your-own) farms, basket in hand, ready for a little adventure. And there they are: rows upon rows of physalis plants, their unique “lanterns” glowing a soft golden hue amongst the green leaves.

Picking physalis isn’t just harvesting; it’s a treasure hunt! Each papery husk holds a secret, and the thrill of gently peeling it back to reveal the bright, sunshine-orange berry inside is surprisingly addictive. It’s a tactile joy – the dry, almost whisper-thin husk giving way to the smooth, firm fruit.

Whether you’re meandering by yourself, enjoying a moment of quiet contemplation and the simple pleasure of nature’s bounty, or you’re with friends and family, physalis picking is a wonderful experience. Kids absolutely adore the “unwrapping” process – it feels like opening tiny, edible presents! There’s laughter, the sharing of perfectly ripe finds, and perhaps a cheeky taste-test right there in the field (we won’t tell!). You’ll leave with not just a basket full of these quirky, delicious fruits, but also a heart full of happy memories and that wonderful, satisfying glow of having spent time outdoors, connecting with your food from the ground up.

Bringing the Golden Glow Home: Ways to Enjoy Your Physalis Haul

Once you’re back home, your basket brimming with these golden jewels, the fun truly begins! Physalis, with its unique sweet-tart flavour (a delightful mix of tomato, pineapple, and citrus), is incredibly versatile.

Delicious Bites: Physalis Recipes

1. Sunshine Physalis & White Chocolate Tartlets These mini tartlets are a burst of sunshine and sophistication, perfect for dessert or an afternoon tea treat.

Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made shortcrust pastry sheet (or your favorite tart crust recipe)
- 100g white chocolate, chopped
- 50g unsalted butter
- 100ml double cream
- 20-30 physalis, husks removed
- 1 tbsp icing sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out pastry and cut into circles to fit mini tartlet tins. Press into tins, prick bases with a fork, and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden. Let cool.
2. In a saucepan over low heat, melt white chocolate and butter with the cream, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
3. Pour the chocolate mixture into the cooled tartlet shells.
4. Arrange 2-3 physalis berries on top of each tartlet.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the chocolate. Dust with icing sugar before serving.

2. Tangy Physalis Salsa for Grilled Fish or Chicken A vibrant and fresh salsa that adds a zingy, tropical kick to your savory dishes.

Ingredients:
- 1 cup physalis, husks removed and quartered
- 1/4 red onion, finely diced
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for a kick)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/2 tsp honey or agave syrup
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the quartered physalis, diced red onion, minced jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro.
2. Drizzle with fresh lime juice and honey/agave syrup.
3. Add a pinch of salt and gently toss everything together until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes for the flavors to meld.
5. Serve immediately over grilled white fish (like cod or tilapia), chicken breasts, or even with tortilla chips for a unique appetizer.

Sip & Savor: The Physalis Cocktail

The Golden Lantern G&T Smash This cocktail is as refreshing as it is beautiful, perfect for a summer evening.

Ingredients:
- 50ml quality gin
- 4-5 physalis, husks removed, plus 1 for garnish
- 15ml fresh lime juice
- 10ml simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved, then cooled)
- Tonic water, to top
- Ice
Instructions:
1. In a sturdy glass (like a tumbler or highball), place 4-5 physalis berries.
2. Add the lime juice and simple syrup, then muddle gently to release the physalis juices.
3. Pour in the gin and stir well.
4. Fill the glass with ice.
5. Top generously with tonic water.
6. Garnish with a whole physalis berry (with its husk peeled back slightly) on the rim. Cheers to your golden harvest!

So next time you’re in the Netherlands, keep an eye out for a “zelfpluk” farm with physalis. You’re in for a real treat, from the joy of picking to the delicious possibilities in your kitchen!

Pluck van het veld

fruit, vegetables, flowers, herbs

noord-brabant

Pluck van het veld is a self-picking farm located in Cromvoirt, near Den Bosch, offering visitors the opportunity to harvest their own fresh, unsprayed produce directly from the field. The farm operates on ecological and regenerative principles, focusing on soil health, biodiversity, and cultivating local, seasonal food without chemical pesticides or artificial fertilizers. The primary offering is a subscription model that allows members to weekly pick their own selection of vegetables and herbs from May through mid-December. The diverse range of produce available includes common staples and unique seasonal varieties.

Fruithof De struikrover

fruit, flowers

friesland

Fruithof de Struikrover is an organic self-picking farm and garden situated in Oldeholtpade, Friesland, close to Wolvega. Established in the autumn of 2013, this 1.5-hectare farm practices biological cultivation, abstaining entirely from pesticides. Visitors are invited to pick a diverse range of produce directly from the fields. The farm specializes in blueberries, dedicating a significant portion of its land to them, but also offers a wide selection of other fruits. These include common berries such as raspberries, blackberries, redcurrants, gooseberries (both green and red varieties), and strawberries. For those seeking more unique flavors, the farm cultivates honeyberries, tayberries, elderberries, rosehips, quinces, medlars, sea buckthorn, aronia berries, jostaberries, Japanese wineberries, and figs. Other fruits like apples, grapes, Juneberries, cherries, and Nashi pears are also grown. Beyond fruits, the garden features numerous flower varieties and a new corner for vegetables and herbs, with asparagus and dandelions (used for syrup) available.

Kwekerij de Bascule

flowers, vegetables, herbs, berries, grasses

friesland

Kwekerij de Bascule is a self-picking farm and nursery situated in Hommerts, Friesland, conveniently located near Sneek and Bolsward. The farm is dedicated to sustainable practices, growing all its plants and flowers locally without the use of artificial fertilizers, chemical pesticides, or growth inhibitors, ensuring fresh, seasonal, and natural produce. Visitors are invited to explore the extensive gardens and pick their own selections. The farm provides baskets and shears, allowing guests to gather their preferred items. The self-picking season typically runs from March or April through October, with the garden reopening for self-picking in April 2025.

Pluktuin Amstelveen

flowers, vegetables

noord-holland

This vibrant picking garden and tea garden, located in Nes a/d Amstel at Amsteldijk Zuid 183 b, invites visitors to enjoy a variety of floral experiences throughout the year. It operates from Wednesday to Saturday, between 10:00 and 17:00. The primary attraction is the opportunity to pick your own fresh flowers, all grown organically and pesticide-free. Seasonal offerings for self-picking include: Spring: Narcissi and tulips (which can also be picked with their bulbs). Summer: Peonies, alliums, sweet william, zinnias, cosmos, marigolds, and sunflowers. Additionally, strawflowers, statice, and physalis are available for drying. Autumn: Dahlias, gladioli, autumn asters, and cosmos continue to bloom, with pumpkins also featuring as a seasonal highlight. Beyond the picking fields, the location offers a welcoming tea garden, complete with a newly renovated tearoom for comfort in any weather. Guests can savor a selection of teas, coffee, homemade apple pie, and seasonal cakes. The tea garden also provides options for lunch, high tea (including a special “Flower High Tea” with edible blooms), and Spanish tapas. Children can enjoy a playground with a slide, sandbox, and play castle. The venue is also suitable for various events, such as family reunions, team outings, birthdays, and baby showers.