Our island is known for many products, including cranberries. The cranberry plants, which grow in places like the dunes, flower mainly between June and August. However, they are also grown on the De Bonte Belevenis estate, where they use the berries to make chutney, jam, soap and liqueur.

Grown on Texel

Texel’s cranberries are grown with the utmost care for the natural environment and surrounding wildlife, as only natural resources are used. The cranberries are grown vertically, with this the offshoots of the plants hang down along the rack in which they grow. This creates a growing wall on both sides where the berries can grow. The cranberries are maintained with care so that the plants will flower every year.

Looking for cranberries

The De Bonte Belevenis estate has a set up a special information point close to the cranberry field. While you are there, you can take in the stunning views. The products made from the berries harvested from that field are available in De Bonte Belevenis’ shop. Wild cranberry plants grow on Texel too, mostly in the northern parts. These berries grow in the wild and you are not allowed to pick them.

Come and see

Want to see the cranberries with your own eyes? Then order tickets for a guided tour of Islandberry. Owners Jan and Jantina will teach you everything about the berries: from cultivation to harvesting. You will be taken into the cranberry field and learn about cranberry cultivation, cutting and harvesting. Afterwards, you can stop by the shop at De Bonte Belevenis Estate, where the cranberries are processed into the tastiest local products.

Recipes with Texel cranberries

• Recipe: Christmas tarte Tatin with Texel cranberries
• Recipe: Texel chocolate Christmas cake
• Recipe: red cabbage with chillies and cranberries

We are very grateful to Annette van Ruitenburg, author of the cookbook De Smaak van Texel, for this article.