Macerated Strawberries
Spring just seems to bring out the strawberry lover in all of us! We can’t help ourselves, (we are crazy about them), and we’re excited to share our cheery basic for April, Macerated Strawberries!
Alison and I are amazed when we see shoppers buying pricey little bags and cans of “strawberries in syrup,” especially this time of the year. Juicy ripe strawberries are arriving in our markets right now that are well priced!
Consider buying a few flats of fresh berries for freezer jam, strawberry sauce, and macerated strawberries you can freeze in your own little bags. You will feel so good next winter when you sauce fluffy light pancakes, strawberry sundaes, yogurt parfaits, and the most delicious dessert we’ll be sharing on Friday!
“I have only to break into the tightness of a strawberry, and I see summer – it’s dust and lowering skies.”
Berry Pinable!
Macerated Strawberries
When you macerate something, you soften it by soaking it in a liquid, often while you’re cooking or preparing food. To macerate strawberries, all you have to do is sprinkle sugar on them, which draws out their juices so they become soft and sweet and deliciously saucy.
- Wash and drain your strawberries in a colander. I like to stem my berries with this awesome little strawberry huller. All you need to do is push the button, stick the claws in the center of the berry and rotate it slightly. The stem will come right out and is now perfect for filling or slicing.
- Slice your strawberries into mixing bowl and for each pound of berries, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Let them set at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
- You may cover the berries and place them in the refrigerator for 1 day.
- To freeze them: Fill ziplock bags not quite full. Zip it almost all the way and insert a straw. Suck out all the air, (this helps to avoid freezer burn), label, date, and freeze for 6 months to a year. I like to layer my bags of berries flat on a cookie sheet. After they are frozen, I stand them up to save space in my freezer.
Now that you know all about it, try macerating your strawberries with different ingredients; lemon juice, orange juice, or balsamic vinegar. Rather than sugar, add honey. The possibilities are endless.
Serve balsamic macerated strawberries over brie or cream cheese with crackers for a fabulous appetizer or spoon them over grilled chicken or salmon for a company worthy meal!
Macerated Strawberries
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
To macerate strawberries, all you have to do is sprinkle sugar on them, which draws out their juices so they become soft and sweet and deliciously saucy.
Author: Renée
Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound strawberries, hulled (halved or quartered if large)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
- Stir together strawberries and sugar in a medium bowl. Let stand at room temperature until juices are released, at least 30 minutes.
- Macerated strawberries can be refrigerated, covered, up to 1 day.
Notes
To freeze macerated berries: Fill ziplock bags not quite full. Zip it almost all the way and insert a straw. Suck out all the air, (this helps to avoid freezer burn), label, date, and freeze for 6 months to a year. I like to layer my bags of berries flat on a cookie sheet. After they are frozen, I stand them up to save space in my freezer.
Are you a strawberry lover?
What is your favorite way to enjoy them?
We're Alison and Renée, and we're so glad you've joined us! Our kitchens are our happy place, where we're whipping up memories. Get comfy and check things out. We hope you find inspiring dishes and ways to better your life. Feeling optimistic, trying new things and sharing with those we love brings joy in all we do. It's time to cook, create and celebrate. CHEERS! 
Yesss my mom does that sometimes and it’s just great! Bookmarking this to show her in case this may be a different yet better way that can help her.
Aren’t Mom’s the best? Thanks Viad!
Strawberries are always favourite fruits for me and my family.. It looks so tasty and yummy and sweet and tempting!
They are one of my favorites, too, Kylie! Thanks for coming!
I love strawberries- they are pricey but so worth it I think!
Right now they are well priced Katie. Watch the specials for buying larger amounts because they are in season.
I am definitely going to give this a try. I used to do a lot of preserving when I was younger and just don’t seem to have the time anymore, but this looks really simple and easy plus who doesn’t love strawberries. Thanks
Simplest thing you will ever make Karen, thanks!
This is my favorite berry! I usually put lemon juice in strawberries to macerate them, but never thought a balsamic vinegar and strawberry go also well together! Need to try it!
Try your balsamic strawberries over a scoop of ice cream, perfection! Thanks Evgeniya.
I just bought fresh strawberries. I am going to try doing this with the strawberries I bought. Great tips and info!
Thanks so much Jessica!
Thanks for your advice 🙂 Pinned your post, so I keep it in mind!
Thanks so much for pinning Eugenia!
Renée recently posted…Macerated Strawberries
I love, love, love macerated strawberries! Growing up my mom would make them for me all the time. Now I make them for myself, I will eat them by themselves or on just about anything!
Missy – Getting Fit to Find Myself recently posted…Getting Back to My Life
My kids love them with just a dollop of whipped cream. Glad you enjoy them simply too Missy, thanks!
Off to slice up the berries that are in my fridge. They look so good I think I might make some angel food cake to go with them.
Yum! That is one of my favorite desserts!
I simply love strawberries ! I use macerated ones for crêpes or for coconut butter sandwiches. Yumm
Denisa recently posted…Garlic Glazed Tofu
Wow Denisa, you got me at coconut butter sandwiches! Can you tell us about them please? Are they grilled???
Renée recently posted…Macerated Strawberries
Oh yes I am a strawberry lover. Every time I come to this website, I get surprised with yet another amazing idea! I have to make this. I love to eat strawberries just with cream. Or with brownies and vanilla ice cream, yummm! Amazing pictures again!
Thanks so much for coming back Sabine, and for your always sweet comments. We love our readers!!!!
Renée recently posted…Macerated Strawberries
We don’t have Spring in my country but I can sure eat some strawberries! I had to google what macerate means hahaha… Now I know that it’s when you soften food by soaking in liquid. I can totally do this with, let me buy some strawberries first.
Great Marge, so glad you got it straight from google! In our big world we sometimes see language barriers, but you figured it out, so that’s good for all of us! Thank you and if you don’t understand a cooking term, let us know and we will try to do a better job of explaining.
Renée recently posted…Macerated Strawberries
Well, let’s see – Stop & Shop has organic strawberries on sale this week – so I’m already thinking… 🙂
Way to go ANdrea!
Renée recently posted…Macerated Strawberries
I have never tried making macerated strawberries and this is the first time that I have heard of the term but strawberries are just exceptionally delicious in any shape or form!
Amen to that Ana!
Renée recently posted…Macerated Strawberries
Oh my gosh.. Yummy. Strawberry is not so common here in our country and it’s very expensive. This recipe makes me crave for it.. Must be so delicious.
It is really delicious and can be grown in a pot if you have the patience!
Each time I go to the grocery, I see strawberries. Sometimes I would buy some and just like eat them. And, this dish seems so simple enough for me to prepare so I would love to try this!
Yes, this is the perfect recipe for you Robert!!!!
Renée recently posted…Macerated Strawberries
Ooh! I like this idea. I’d love to try using macerated strawberries with a few different spring treats.
Liz Mays recently posted…The Good Kind of Basic #thredUPSpringStyle
I loooove strawberries . I always prepare them that way , just sugar them and leave them in the fridge for a few hours . The juice is so delicious . Some years ago we went to a very exclusive restaurant , ‘haute cuisine’ , they served very fancy dishes , combined the most unusual ingredients . The dessert was strawberries with green pepper marinated in Pernod (what a combination) . That sounds so awkward , I wasn’t sure if I really wanted to order that but curious as I am , I did You won’t believe how well strawberries go with pepper and a hint of Pernod !
Oh wow, Klaudia, thank you for sharing your experience! It sounds very unusual and I’ve never had anything remotely like that.
Renée recently posted…Macerated Strawberries
We just love to eat the strawberries fresh. The sweet and sour strawberries taste great. We have never tried macerated strawberries, it does look delicious and we would love to give it a try. Thanks for sharing!
You’re so welcome, thanks for stopping by!
Renée recently posted…Macerated Strawberries
I always have macerated strawberries. Rather than regular sugar, I use the brown sugar, just for healthy purposes.
Allan Liwanag @ The Practical Saver recently posted…Donât Have Enough For Bills? Now What?
That’s a good alternative. You could also use honey if you like!
Oh gosh.. so mouthwatering! I love strawberries too! I totally love strawberry ice creams and shakes. Knowing your post about macerated strawberries makes me want to try and make it! I’ll definitely share this recipe to my mom.
Enjoy Jen!
Renée recently posted…Macerated Strawberries
One of the best things about spring is berry season! I need to keep this recipe for when they are in season here.
When do you have Spring, Bella?
Renée recently posted…Macerated Strawberries
I Love Strawberries! We just got a package of them the other day I think me and the kids ate all of them in 2 days! 🙂
Oh Carrie, that really is the best way to enjoy them and they are so good for you too! Thanks.
Renée recently posted…Macerated Strawberries
This must smell (and taste) heavenly. I’m not too fond of fruits but I can tolerate fruit shakes and jams. I think this is a good way to preserve strawberries and further sweeten them. Can you use macerated strawberries as spread for toast?
Ivan recently posted…Team celebration at the classy Holiday Inn in Makati
Yes Ivan, you can use them on toast and they are amazingly good on French toast!
Renée recently posted…Macerated Strawberries
As usual, great post! I love your photos and that quote from Toni Morrison about summer and strawberries. After reading this, I thought, really it’s that easy to macerate strawberries? The only problem is that at home when we buy strawberries we usually finish everything fast. :p
Ohh I love strawberries, but I have never tried it this way. Thank you for the tip!
Yummm.. I love strawberries!! I am definitely going to give this a try.
Ive never seen strawberries so plump and delicious! Yum I want some now!
That sounds so yummy and delicious. My mom loves strawberries! I’m suren she will love this.
I love strawberries and I prefer the sweet ones. Always have them in my fridge so I can try this out.
It looks so delicious! So amazing inspiration!
Wow that really is forward thinking if you’re preparing strawberries for next winter! Great idea though, it’s something I’ll kick myself for not doing next winter I’m sure 😉
Go for it, Laura, you’ll be so glad you did!
Love strawberries, I eat them fresh no special anythings. Or simply remove the lil stems, cut them into halves and freeze for smoothies…I love em. Macerated Strawberries sound great 🙂
Awesome Julie! So glad you enjoy them.
Strawberries are my favorite and thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe with us! 🙂
You’re so welcome Ana, thanks so much for stopping by!
Strawberry season is almost here! YAY. Kids are looking forward to the strawberry festival in a couple weeks.
brianna george recently posted…The Distorted Truth about Ambition You Need to Know
This is a great way to use up those strawberries!
One of my favorite summer treats, cold and sweet and juicy. I never knew there was a proper word for this ‘technique’!
Thanks Riley! I think I called them the “good strawberries” for the first 10 years of my life! 🙂
Thanks for this! I write very clearly. Even a newbie to the kitchen like me was able to understand it well 🙂
airinaapril.blogspot.com
I am glad that you were able to follow it and now I hope you make it!
I will only buy fruits that are not fresh when it cannot be helped. Those strawberries look so very good
I love strawberries with sugar on, I could just eat them all now. I really want to go strawberry picking this year as I have never been
I love strawberries so much & it is one of the most favorite fruit I love from the Berries. I have never tried out the idea of macerating them, but this sounds amazing & quiet simple to do as well.
I can’t wait to go pick strawberries. We go every year. i am always looking for recipes to use them, so this will be awesome. Thanks!
Greatest Tara, that sounds like a lot of fun! Thanks and enjoy…
Something very easy to do and tasty! I didn’t know about ‘macerating’ strawberries (well, strawberries are not native in my country) But they are among my favorite fruits!
We are so glad you like them Rachael, thank you.
So many loving thoughts for this post!No wonder that your recipes are so well received by excited moms and ladies worldwide.A word of advice, though- please keep the background of your website s bit darker so that letter are more legible.Thanks
I am definitely a Strawberry lover! I love anything strawberry and this is no exception. Looks so deliciousssss! Can’t wait to try this out next week!
When I was little, strawberries were only available during 3 weeks, at the end of May – beginning of spring. My mother used to buy them from the market, directly from the farmers, and then prepare them like your recipe, in a bowl with sugar on top. I remember how anxious I was for the next day to come, to put whipped cream on top and enjoy the strawberries “drunk” in that sweet syrup. Yum!
Joanna recently posted…Trinidad – Where I left my heart in Cuba
Oh Joanna, your childhood memory of your mom and strawberries is heartwarming. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.