FrankenFruit is a family-run fruit and vegetable farm located in Bergen op Zoom, on the Balsedreef. Established for five generations, the farm spans 12 hectares and features an on-site shop where you can purchase freshly harvested produce, as well as a range of homemade products. The farm is known for its self-picking experience, allowing visitors to harvest fruits and vegetables directly from the fields and trees.
The self-picking season runs from medio June to mid-November. Available produce for picking includes a wide variety of fruits such as cherries, raspberries, red currants, gooseberries, loganberries, strawberries, blackberries, plums, pears, and multiple apple varieties (including Santana, Gala, Pinova, Golden Delicious, Cox’ Orange, Jonagold, Elstar, Wellant, Goudreinet, and Red Topaz). Vegetables that can be picked include rhubarb (available from late May to mid-June), broad beans, sugar corn, courgettes, and other seasonal greens. In addition, the farm offers homemade apple cider, apple-pear syrup, fruit juices, jams, chutneys, and honey when available.
The farm is open for visits from Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 17:00, and is closed on Sundays. The property is wheelchair-accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking. Free on-site and street parking is available. Payment can be made by debit card, credit card, or contactless mobile payment. The farm is described as an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm and accompanying shop consistently receive high praise from visitors, establishing itself as a delightful destination for families and individuals alike. Guests frequently commend the superb quality and freshness of the produce, which includes a wide seasonal variety of fruits like cherries, apples, plums, and berries, alongside various vegetables and even flowers for picking. Many visitors highlight the enjoyment and educational value of the self-picking experience, especially for children who love learning where their food comes from while having fun outdoors.
Beyond the fields, the farm features a shop offering freshly picked items, as well as homemade products such as jams, apple syrup, juices, and ice cream made from their own fruit. Fresh eggs from the free-range chickens are also a popular item. The staff, including the owners, are consistently described as friendly, helpful, and engaged, contributing significantly to the positive atmosphere.
The farm is particularly well-suited for families, providing playgrounds, go-karts (though some were noted to be in disrepair in one review), and opportunities for children to interact with farm animals like chickens. While most appreciate the pricing as good, reasonable, or affordable, a few reviews mention that some processed products like jam can be on the pricier side. Minor criticisms include occasional limitations in selection due to seasonality, which the owners address by encouraging visitors to check their website or newsletter beforehand. There were isolated incidents of unclear signage or inconsistent information regarding what could be picked, and one visitor expressed concern about the farm’s proximity to a highway. However, these are exceptions, as the overwhelming sentiment points to a wonderful, often revisited, experience, celebrated for its fresh produce, family-friendly activities, and the overall charm of farm life. The farm’s dedication to sustainable and ethical farming practices is also a recognized positive aspect.