Van der Aarde is a family farm located at De Hout 13 in Hem, with a heritage spanning over 100 years. The current fifth generation is dedicated to environmental sustainability and has transitioned the farm to entirely organic cultivation, officially certified by SKAL since September 2023. While the farm has historically grown a variety of produce including grapes, berries, and vegetables, its present focus is primarily on pears, such as Conference and Doyenne du Comice, alongside some apples for local sales.
A distinctive offering at Van der Aarde is its ‘adopt your own fruit tree’ program. For an annual fee, visitors can adopt an apple or pear tree, which the farm organically cultivates under strict controls. Adopters are kept informed about their tree’s progress and are invited to visit, especially during harvest season, to pick their own fruit directly from their adopted tree.
The selection of produce available for self-picking through this adoption program includes:
- Apples: Summercrisp (a crisp, flavorful summer apple, typically ready in August), Santana (a hypoallergenic and flavorful apple with a fresh, tart taste, picked in September), and Wellant (a sweet apple, excellent for baking, harvested in late September).
- Pears: Doyenne du Comice (a soft, sweet, and juicy pear, available in October), and Gieser Wildeman (a red-cooking stew pear, which can be picked in October and November).
In addition to the self-picking experience, the farm operates a vending machine that is open all week, offering a selection of organic produce year-round, including apples (Santana and Wellant), pears (Doyenne du Comice and Gieserwildeman stew pears), organic apple-pear juice, and eggs.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm or garden consistently receives high praise from visitors for its excellent selection of fresh, and often organic, produce. Customers frequently highlight the delicious apples and pears available, alongside a variety of fruit juices, with the apple and apple/pear blends being particularly popular, and a blackcurrant and apple juice often singled out as a must-try. Reviewers also note the availability of other items such as fresh vegetables, stewed pears, and eggs.
A significant aspect appreciated by many is the convenient roadside vending machine, making it easy for customers to access products, often mentioning both cash and contactless payment options. This accessible setup is particularly welcoming for cyclists seeking a pleasant rest stop. Beyond the high quality of the produce, many visitors value the direct-to-farmer sales model, appreciating that their purchases directly support producers who are perceived as caring for both the environment and consumer health. The overall experience is further enhanced by the friendly and helpful nature of the owners, contributing to a cheerful and satisfying shopping trip, often noted for its excellent prices.