Blauwe Bessen Cultuur Van Grotel is a family farm located in Nuenen, Brabant, that has specialized in cultivating blueberries for over 25 years. The farm’s history dates back over 50 years to the cultivation of asparagus, various vegetables, and strawberries, with blueberries being introduced in 1970. The current owners emphasize natural growing methods, using practices like bee and bumblebee pollination, and an ecological approach to ensure high-quality, healthy blueberries rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
During the harvest season, typically from July through August, visitors can enjoy self-picking blueberries on the farm’s 15,000 square meter field. Guests are provided with buckets and receive advice on picking the best berries. It’s noted that dogs are not permitted in the self-picking areas, and berries picked this way are offered at a reduced rate.
The farm also operates a shop offering a variety of blueberry products. Fresh blueberries are available from early July to mid-September. Throughout the year, visitors can purchase frozen blueberries and other items made from their own harvest, including blueberry jam, juice, syrup, fruit spread, compote, blueberry beer, wine, liqueur, blueberry fruit tea, honey, candy, chocolate, macarons, muffins, bavarois, and ice cream. Soft-serve ice cream is also available from a garden house until 9 PM.
Opening hours vary seasonally. During the fresh blueberry season (July 1st to September 1st), the farm is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 18:00, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00. Outside this season (during the winter period), the farm shop is closed Monday to Thursday and Sunday, but open Friday from 13:30 to 18:00 and Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00.
The farm is situated at Vorsterdijk 16a, 5674 AG Nuenen. For inquiries, they can be reached at +31 (0)40 284 27 03 or via email at [email protected].
What visitors say
This self-picking farm is widely celebrated by visitors as an excellent and enjoyable destination, primarily for its high-quality blueberries. The experience of picking one’s own berries is a particularly popular activity, often highlighted as a fun and engaging outing suitable for individuals, families, and children. Many reviewers consistently praise the freshness, sweetness, size, and flavor of the blueberries, noting their suitability for both immediate consumption and long-term storage, such as freezing.
The self-picking option is generally considered to offer great value, with prices typically ranging from €4 to €5 per kilogram, often significantly more economical than supermarket alternatives. The farm also features a shop with a variety of appealing blueberry-based products, including flavorful tea, wines, liqueurs, muffins, macarons, and highly recommended sorbet and ice cream. While most products receive rave reviews, some visitors have found specific items, like the jam, to be less impressive, or pre-picked berries and certain prepared goods to be somewhat pricier than the self-picked option. Additionally, other seasonal fruits like strawberries and cherries are sometimes available, although these may be sourced from other local farms.
The atmosphere is consistently described as friendly and welcoming, with staff often noted for their helpfulness and good service. Many patrons have made visiting the farm an annual tradition, some for over 30 years, appreciating the quality produce and the overall pleasant experience. Practical advice from visitors includes bringing your own container for picking and considering mosquito repellent for comfort during sunny days in the fields.