Are you ready for a delightful outing that combines fresh air, a touch of nature, and the joy of creating something wonderful with your own hands? Then head over to one of the charming pick-your-own farms in the Netherlands, where you can find fields brimming with Vervain!

The Pure Pleasure of Picking Vervain

Imagine strolling through rows of delicate, leafy green plants, each topped with tiny, often pale purple flowers. The sun is shining, a gentle breeze rustles the leaves, and the subtle, earthy-lemony scent of vervain wafts through the air. This isn’t just a shopping trip; it’s an experience!

Whether you go solo for a moment of peaceful contemplation, or with friends and family for some shared laughter and conversation, hand-picking vervain is incredibly rewarding. There’s something wonderfully grounding about connecting with the earth, selecting each stem with care, and feeling the satisfaction of a basket slowly filling with your very own harvest. Kids absolutely adore it – teaching them where their food (or in this case, their tea!) comes from is an invaluable lesson wrapped in fun. Plus, the Netherlands’ beautiful countryside makes for the perfect backdrop to your foraging adventure.

Bringing Your Vervain Bounty Home: An Herb for All Seasons

Once you’ve gathered your fragrant haul of vervain, the real fun begins! Vervain, also known as Verbena officinalis, is a versatile herb with a slightly bitter, earthy, and subtly lemony flavour. It’s fantastic for both culinary exploration and soothing infusions.

Here are some ways to enjoy your fresh vervain:

1. Cooking Recipe: Vervain & Lemon-Garlic Chicken Skewers

The bright, earthy notes of vervain pair wonderfully with chicken and citrus. This simple recipe is perfect for a light summer meal!

Ingredients:

  • 500g boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh vervain leaves, finely chopped
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if grilling)

Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped vervain, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  2. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, tossing to ensure all pieces are coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
  3. Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (around 200°C/400°F).
  4. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.
  5. Grill for 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred. If baking, place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
  6. Serve hot, perhaps with a fresh green salad or couscous.

2. Tea Recipe: Soothing Vervain & Honey Dream Tea

Vervain has traditionally been used for its calming properties. This tea is a perfect end-of-day ritual.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon fresh vervain leaves and flowers (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 cup hot water (just off the boil)
  • 1 teaspoon honey (or to taste)
  • Optional: a thin slice of lemon

Instructions:

  1. Place the fresh vervain in a mug.
  2. Pour the hot water over the vervain.
  3. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes, depending on your desired strength. The longer it steeps, the stronger (and potentially more bitter) the flavour.
  4. Strain the vervain leaves and flowers, if desired, or leave them in for continuous steeping.
  5. Stir in the honey until dissolved.
  6. Add a slice of lemon if you like a brighter taste.
  7. Sip slowly and enjoy the calming warmth.

3. Cocktail Recipe: The “Verbena Verve” Gin Spritz

Vervain’s herbaceous and lemony notes make it a unique addition to a refreshing cocktail.

Ingredients:

  • 50ml gin
  • 20ml fresh lemon juice
  • 15ml vervain simple syrup (see recipe below)
  • Soda water, to top
  • Ice
  • Garnish: A sprig of fresh vervain and a lemon twist

Vervain Simple Syrup:

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup fresh vervain leaves and flowers

Instructions for Vervain Simple Syrup:

  1. Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
  2. Remove from heat, add the fresh vervain. Let steep for 30 minutes to an hour (or longer for a stronger flavour).
  3. Strain out the vervain and let the syrup cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Instructions for Cocktail:

  1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
  2. Add gin, lemon juice, and vervain simple syrup to the glass.
  3. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Top with soda water.
  5. Garnish with a fresh sprig of vervain and a lemon twist. Enjoy responsibly!

So, next time you’re looking for a fun day out in the Dutch countryside, consider a visit to a pick-your-own farm for some beautiful, fragrant vervain. You’ll leave with a basket full of natural goodness and a heart full of happy memories!