A complete picture of strawberry cultivation, past and present
Of course you know that Boskoop is known for its tree nurseries, but did you know that there was also a flourishing strawberry cultivation in the 19th century? Delicious strawberries are grown between the standard fruit trees as a valuable extra income for growers. The popularity of the fruit grew rapidly, which led to the establishment of the 'Aardbeziëncompagnie'. The company arranges the transport and sale of the strawberries to cities such as Leiden, Gouda, The Hague and Rotterdam. Thanks to its favourable location on the Gouwe, Boskoop was connected to these cities by canals.
Picking, packaging and delivering the strawberries is a task for the grower's wife and children. In a shed they fill glazed earthenware pots with the strawberries and build a beautiful, pyramid-shaped head. The jars ensure that the fruit stays cool and fresh during transport. They are marked and can be used over and over again. Tens of thousands of these jars find their way to customers in the city every season. 19th century strawberry pots are still found in the soil in Boskoop. Strawberries continue to appeal to the imagination. In the permanent exhibition you will find a special collection of strawberry items. In the new temporary exhibition you will become more extensively acquainted with the various aspects of strawberries such as their culinary use and health characteristics.
Not only in the exhibition space, but also in the museum nursery you will get a complete picture of strawberry cultivation, past and present. And don't forget to bring your children and/or grandchildren! There is also something for them to experience. There is a fun 'strawberry ladder game', in which they look for hidden ladders and learn more about strawberries in a playful way.