Limburg Fruit Syrup: From Apple to Pear
January 12, 2025
A Sweet Limburg Tradition
In the heart of Haspengouw, where orchards paint the landscape, an artisanal tradition has been preserved for over 180 years: the making of fruit syrup. Limburg syrup is not just any sweet spread – it's the result of hours of patient cooking of local fruit in copper kettles, a process passed down through generations.
The Bleus Brothers: Sixth Generation Syrup Makers
At Loonse Stroop in Wellen, the Bleus brothers keep a special family tradition alive. As sixth-generation syrup makers, they guard this centuries-old craft with the same passion as their ancestors. Their syrup is still prepared in copper kettles, where fruit simmers for hours until it becomes a thick, velvety smooth syrup.
"Loonse stroop is a genuine artisanal regional product from Limburg," the brothers proudly say. And you can taste it. No added sugars, no artificial additives – just pure fruit and craftsmanship.
The Classics: Apple and Pear
The foundation of every syrup tradition starts with the classics:
Pear Syrup – The gentlest of all. Dark brown in color with a sweet, mild taste. Perfect for those who love subtle sweetness. Also available in a large 600g jar.
Apple Syrup – The patriarch of all Limburg syrups. Deep caramel-colored with a perfect balance between sweet and slightly tart. A classic that never gets old. Choose the 600g version if you can't get enough.
Mixed Syrup – The best of both worlds. Apple and pear united in one jar. The ideal introduction for those still choosing. Also in 600g.
Fruity Variations
Beyond the classics, the syrup makers have expanded their range with surprising fruit variations:
Berry Family:
- Strawberry Syrup – Sweet and fruity, a favorite with children
- Raspberry Syrup – Intense red with a subtle tartness
- Blackberry Syrup – Deep purple with a full, ripe flavor
- Red Currant Syrup – Fresh and slightly tart
- Gooseberry Syrup – Surprising and special
Special Flavors:
- Cherry Syrup – Made from Limburg morello cherries, deep cherry red
- Quince Syrup – A rare specialty with a unique, floral taste
How to Use Limburg Syrup?
Syrup is much more than just a bread spread. Here are our favorite ways to use Limburg syrup:
Traditional:
- On fresh bread with butter
- On pancakes or waffles
- Stirred into rice pudding or oatmeal
In the Kitchen:
- As a base for sweet-and-sour sauces with game or pork
- In marinades for deep, caramel-like flavor
- In dressings – try the Syrup Dressing for a ready-made option!
For Baking:
- In gingerbread and speculaas
- As a glaze for pies and cakes
- In cookies for extra depth
Our Syrup Selection
At Lekker Limburgs you'll find the complete Limburg syrup collection:
Classic:
Fruity:
- Strawberry Syrup
- Raspberry Syrup
- Blackberry Syrup
- Cherry Syrup
- Red Currant Syrup
- Gooseberry Syrup
- Quince Syrup
Bonus:
- Syrup Dressing – perfect for salads!
Travel Tip: Discover Haspengouw
Are you in the area? The region around Borgloon and Wellen is the beating heart of Limburg fruit cultivation. Cycle through the blooming orchards in spring, taste the apples and pears in autumn, and visit local producers.
Combine your syrup adventure with a visit to the Limburg vineyards – because this fertile region is also known for its excellent wines!
Enjoy!
