What do you do with strawberries after picking them?

Strawberries are a beloved fruit that can be enjoyed in many ways. After picking fresh strawberries, there are a variety of options for storing, preparing, and preserving them so you can enjoy their sweet flavor for days or even months after harvest.

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Eat strawberries fresh

One of the best things about strawberries is eating them fresh. The flavor of freshly picked strawberries is unmatched. Here are some tips for enjoying strawberries right after picking them:

Rinse gently and blot dry. Don’t soak strawberries as they can absorb too much water.
Remove tops and hulls. Use a paring knife or huller to remove the green tops and white hulls.
Enjoy plain or with sweeteners like sugar, honey, or whipped cream.

Slice and serve over ice cream, yogurt, oatmeal, or salad.
Blend into smoothies for a nutritional boost.

Strawberries arejuicy, tender and best when eaten within a day or two of picking. Eat as many as you can fresh to get the most out of their sweet ripe flavor.

Refrigerate for later

You can store fresh picked strawberries in the refrigerator to enjoy for up to 5-7 days after harvest. Here are some refrigerator storage tips:

Wait to wash until ready to eat. Washing removes their natural protective coating.
Store in a shallow container lined with paper towels.

Do not crowd berries or they will crush each other. Spread in a single layer.
Cover loosely with plastic wrap or lid. Do not seal tightly.
Place in coldest part of refrigerator, typically the crisper drawer.

Refrigeration slows down mold growth but does not stop it completely. Check berries daily and remove any spoiled ones immediately. Rinse and blot dry just before eating or using in recipes.

Freeze for long term storage

Freezing is an excellent way to preserve strawberries at their peak ripeness for enjoyment months later. Here are tips for freezing strawberries:

Select firm, fully ripe berries with intense red color.

Wash gently, drain well and pat completely dry.
Hull and slice if desired. Leave whole for jam making.
Arrange in single layer on baking sheet and freeze solid.

Transfer to freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
Label with type and date. Frozen strawberries last about 10-12 months.

The best ways to enjoy frozen strawberries include in smoothies, compotes, baked goods like muffins, or simmered into a fruit sauce.

Tips for freezing strawberries

Follow these tips for best frozen strawberry quality:

Freeze IQF (individually quick frozen) berries for easy snacking and adding to recipes.
Pack in syrup or drizzle with honey if freezing whole for better texture.

Blotting dry well before freezing prevents clumping.
Avoid freezing in a solid block or ball. Spread out berries.
Use frozen berries within about 12 months for best flavor and texture.

Preserve in jams and jellies

Preserving strawberries in jellies, jams, conserves and marmalades allows you to enjoy their flavor all year long. Some tips for making strawberry preserves:

Use about 2/3 cup sugar to every 1 cup mashed berries.
Add lemon juice to boost gel and prevent mold growth.

Use Ball recipes and follow canning directions carefully.
Fill sterile jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
Process in a boiling water bath for 10-15 minutes depending on altitude.

Store properly sealed jars in cool, dark place up to one year.

You can also preserve whole strawberries in a sugar or syrup solution using canning methods. These make for beautiful gifts and dessert toppers.

Dehydrate for wholesome snacks

Dehydrating strawberries creates tasty and nutritious snacks that last for many months. Follow these tips for drying strawberries:

Select firm, ripe berries with good color.
Wash gently, drain well and pat dry thoroughly.
Slice larger berries. Leave smaller ones whole.

Arrange in single layer on dehydrator trays.
Dry at around 135°F for 6-12 hours until leathery.
Check for moisture. Berries should contain no more than 10% moisture when done.

Condition dried berries for best texture.

Dried strawberries are great for snacking, in cereals and trail mixes. For a chewy texture, condition dried berries by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 weeks after drying.

Infuse into vinegar

Infusing strawberries into vinegar makes a tasty condiment perfect for salads, marinades, baking and more. Here is a simple strawberry vinegar recipe:

Strawberry Vinegar

Ingredients:

1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
2 cups white vinegar

2 Tbsp sugar or honey (optional)

Instructions:

Wash and hull strawberries. Slice into rounds or quarters.

In a sterilized pint jar, layer strawberries and sugar or honey if using.
Heat vinegar until just steaming and pour over strawberries.
Cap tightly and store in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks.

Strain out berries and transfer infused vinegar to bottles.
Store in refrigerator and use within 2 months.

Delicious in salad dressings, marinades, chutneys and more. Try adding a sprig of mint or basil too!

Bake into tasty treats

Fresh strawberries shine in so many baked goods from pies and turnovers to muffins, breads and cakes. Some delicious ways to use picked strawberries for baking include:

Classic strawberry pie
Creamy strawberry cheesecake

Strawberry shortcakes with freshly whipped cream
Upside down strawberry cake
Strawberry galette with free form crust

Sweet strawberry bread or muffins

Hull and slice strawberries to release juices for any baked recipe. Toss cut berries in flour or cornstarch to prevent sinking and bleeding juices. Enjoy these sweet strawberry treats within a day or two for best flavor.

Craft into beverages

Strawberries are wonderful infused into drinks from lemonades to sangrias. Here are refreshing beverage ideas with picked strawberries:

Strawberry lemonade – blend strawberries with lemon juice and simple syrup.
Sparkling strawberry punch – mix muddled berries into Sprite, ginger ale or Prosecco.
Strawberry iced tea – steep black tea with sliced strawberries.

Strawberry margarita – blend strawberries with tequila, lime and orange liqueur.
Berry sangria – mix strawberries and red wine with orange slices and brandy.

Muddle, blend, juice or slice strawberries to release flavor and color into beverages. Drink strawberry infused drinks right away for best fresh taste.

Conclusion

Strawberries are a versatile fruit with many uses after picking. Eat fresh within a few days, refrigerate to extend shelf life, or preserve through freezing, dehydrating or canning. Strawberries also shine when infused into drinks and baked into sweet treats. With proper handling and storage, you can enjoy picked strawberries for months until the next year’s crop.