Elenbaas Cherry & Strawberry Vending Machine

"You have to let the cherries hang until they're full of flavour," says Johan Elenbaas. Only then are they sold — through his own vending machine in Lewedorp or the farm shop in Arnemuiden. The short supply chain means the fruit reaches you that much faster and fresher. In Lewedorp, two Elenbaas machines stand close together: one for cherries and strawberries, one for apples and pears. The cherry and strawberry machine on the Jonkheer Fransweg is recognisable by its large, stylised cherries. Together with Thijs van Overloop, Johan brought the 'Zeeuwse Zonnekers' brand to market — not a separate variety, but a selection of Zeeland cherries that meet strict standards for size and taste. Johan grows no fewer than fifteen different varieties, from early to late ripening, stretching the season as long as possible. The machine is open from May through August. The real cherry season runs roughly from mid-June to mid-August: weeks of enjoying freshly harvested Zeeland cherries at their very best.