Boerderij De Oude Ruif is a five-generation family farm dedicated to small-scale, nature-inclusive agriculture, fostering a connection between farmers and citizens. It offers visitors the opportunity to experience food production firsthand through its self-picking garden, also known as the “oogsttuin.”
In the self-picking garden, visitors can harvest a wide array of fresh produce. Fruits available for picking include common varieties such as redcurrants, raspberries, blackberries, and blackcurrants, alongside more unique types like Japanese wineberry, tayberry (a blackberry-raspberry cross), honeyberry (related to blueberry), jostaberry (a blackcurrant-gooseberry cross), and black raspberries. While the apple, pear, and plum trees are still young, they are expected to yield a larger harvest in three to five years. The vegetable and herb selection features lettuce, beets, carrots, cabbages, zucchini, pumpkins, and various culinary herbs. Garlic and walnuts from the farm’s own trees are also offered, and flower seeds are available for purchase.
Beyond the self-picking garden, the farm provides several other facilities and experiences. A charming meeting barn, situated in a former cow shed, can be rented for gatherings of 20-30 people and offers catering options featuring the farm’s own and local products. The farm is deeply committed to nature management and biodiversity, employing a “no-dig” method in the garden and avoiding artificial fertilizers or chemical pesticides. It actively maintains woodlots and nest boxes, providing habitats for various bird species like tawny owls, little owls, and kestrels, and plans to introduce a large toad pond. Additionally, Boerderij De Oude Ruif raises free-range chickens that lay distinctive “rainbow eggs” in shades of blue, green, speckled, and dark brown, promoting a natural laying cycle and extended lifespan for the hens. Sustainable, compostable, and reusable egg cartons are also part of their eco-conscious approach.
The self-picking garden is typically open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10:00 to 16:00 during the season, which generally runs from late May, peaking in summer, through to early autumn. In winter, a self-service point at the parking area offers available products like eggs, pumpkins, and garlic on these same days. Payment can be made in cash or via QR code, and punch cards are available for frequent visitors. For the well-being of the farm’s livestock, dogs are not permitted in the self-picking garden. The farm is located at Ruifweg 5, 3835 PN Stoutenburg.
What visitors say
Visitors consistently express their delight with this self-picking farm, praising the opportunity to harvest fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs directly from the land. The seasonal nature of the offerings is seen as a fun challenge, inspiring culinary creativity and new cooking experiences. Guests frequently highlight the warm and welcoming atmosphere, describing the staff as exceptionally friendly and dedicated to nature. Overall, it is considered a beautiful and enjoyable destination, highly recommended for a pleasant outing.