What To Do With Strawberries After Picking: Tips and Ideas for Enjoying Your Fresh Berry Bounty

The sweet, juicy taste of a freshly picked strawberry is one of the simple pleasures of summer. If you’ve been strawberry picking and come home with baskets full of ripe, red berries, you likely want to enjoy them as soon as possible. But what if you can’t eat them all right away? Don’t worry – there are plenty of options for storing, preserving, and using up fresh strawberries.

In this article we’ll cover tips and ideas for making the most of your strawberry harvest including

• How to store fresh-picked strawberries
• Freezing strawberries for later use
• Turning strawberries into jams, sauces, and syrups
• Using strawberries in drinks, salads, desserts, and more

Follow these suggestions, and you’ll be prepared to fully enjoy those sweet berries before their freshness fades away

Storing Freshly Picked Strawberries

To keep fresh strawberries at their best,store them properly as soon as you get them home. Here are some tips:

• Wait to wash berries until ready to eat or cook Washing removes their natural protective coating

• Don’t remove caps until preparing the berries. The cap keeps the berry fresher.

• Use shallow containers so berries aren’t stacked or crushed. Line with paper towel to absorb moisture.

• Refrigerate uncovered or loosely covered. Cold air circulation helps preserve freshness.

• Eat within 3-5 days for maximum flavor and juice. Discard any moldy or damaged berries immediately.

Proper refrigerated storage keeps fresh strawberries delicious for several days. But for longer-term preservation, freezing is a great option.

Freezing Strawberries for Later Use

Freezing strawberries allows you to enjoy their sweetness year-round. Here are tips for freezing your fresh berry haul:

• Wash and dry berries well before freezing. Clean berries freeze better.

• Hull strawberries and slice if desired before freezing. Frozen berries are difficult to hull.

• Arrange in single layer on baking sheet and freeze solid. Then pack into freezer bags or containers.

• Add a bit of sugar to help maintain texture and flavor if desired. A ratio of 2 tablespoons per 1 pint of berries works well.

• Seal containers tightly, removing as much air as possible. Label with contents and date.

• Use within 10-12 months for best flavor and texture.

Now you have frozen strawberries handy whenever you want to whip up a smoothie, topping, or dessert!

Turning Strawberries Into Jams and Sauces

Delicious jams, compotes, and sauces are easy ways to put those fresh strawberries to use. Here are some tasty ideas:

• Strawberry jam – Cook mashed berries with sugar and lemon juice. Seal in sterilized jars.

• Strawberry sauce – Simmer berries with sugar and lime juice, then blend. Serve over ice cream and cakes.

• Balsamic strawberry compote – Simmer berries with balsamic vinegar and sugar until thickened. Spoon over yogurt or grilled chicken.

• Strawberry coulis – Puree berries with powdered sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle over waffles or cheesecake.

The options are endless! Jars of homemade jam also make thoughtful gifts.

Using Strawberries in Drinks, Desserts, and More

Of course, you can always enjoy juicy strawberries fresh and uncooked. But here are some other tasty ways to use them:

• Fruit salads – Toss berries into green, pasta, or layered fruit salads.

• Smoothies – Blend with yogurt and ice for a nutrition-packed breakfast or snack.

• Strawberry shortcake – The classic dessert, with biscuits, berries, and whipped cream.

• Strawberry lemonade or iced tea – Sweeten crushed berries into cold beverages.

• Strawberry tarts – Bake berries into mini phyllo shells for an elegant dessert.

• Pancakes and waffles – Top breakfast treats with sliced berries and syrup.

With so many options, you could enjoy strawberries for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks! Try new recipes until you’ve used up all those delicious fresh berries.

The next time you go strawberry picking, don’t be daunted by the bounty of berries you bring home. Follow these storage, freezing, and usage tips, and you’ll be prepared to fully enjoy your harvest of summer’s favorite fruit.

Treat your tastebuds to strawberry spinach salads, homemade strawberry ice cream, strawberry jam to gift or spread on biscuits, and much more. Let your fresh berries inspire you to create sweet summertime food memories that will last long after the season has passed.