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Making Macerated Strawberries with sugar couldn’t be easier! With this guide, you’ll learn to achieve the perfect sweetness every time!
There’s nothing worse than buying a big package of beautiful strawberries only to get them home and find they don’t taste nearly as good as they look! Making macerated strawberries is the perfect solution to this all too common problem.
Why This Recipe Works
- This recipe uses just enough sugar to accentuate the natural sweetness of the strawberries and mellow any sour or tart flavors they may have.
- A little lemon juice and a pinch of salt are used to add brightness, and enhance the fresh berry flavor.
What Are Macerated Strawberries?
Much like a marinade, macerating fruit adds flavor by coating the berries with sugar, which draws out the juices making a sweet, fruity syrup that coats the berries and creates a delicious dish that can be used in a multitude of ways.
Strawberries can also be macerated in liquids instead of sugar, such as fruit juice, sweet vinegars or different types of liquor. This recipe is simply strawberries with sugar.
Ingredient Notes
- Strawberries – Use fresh strawberries as defrosted frozen strawberries are already soft and broken down.
- Sugar – This recipe calls for granulated sugar, but I often use superfine/caster sugar as it dissolves easier and faster than granulated.
- Lemon Juice – Use fresh lemon juice if you have it as it’s only being used to add brightness. Bottled lemon juice often tastes bitter instead of bright.
Strawberry Buying Guide
Choose strawberries with the best scent. The ones that smell the best will also have the best flavor. Additionally, look for a deep, even red color with no soft spots, bruising, or any signs of mold. Pick up the package too, and look for squashed or moldy berries.
How To Hull A Strawberry
Hulling strawberries is the process of removing the stem (also known as the calyx) from the top of the berry. Removing the whole calyx requires cutting out the small hard core in the top center of the berry.
To hull a strawberry, dig out the center hard core with the pointed end of a vegetable peeler, paring knife or buy a *strawberry huller.
Alternatively, you can push a sturdy drinking straw through the berry starting from the bottom pushing through to the stem. The hull will pop right out. If you have a large amount of strawberries to use, be sure to have several straws handy.
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How To Macerate Strawberries
- Hull and slice the strawberries to desired thickness.
- Toss with sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Leave to macerate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Step By Step Instructions
Hull and slice your strawberries.
Add the strawberries to a large bowl.
Add sugar, salt and lemon juice.
Gently toss all ingredients together in a bowl.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
Taste for sweetness before serving and add more sugar as needed.
Erren’s Top Tips
- Store unwashed fresh strawberries between layers of paper towels for 3-4 days.
- Clean strawberries by rinsing the whole berries with cold water before hulling them as hulled strawberries will absorb water and this will diminish their flavor.
- To easily dry freshly washed berries, use a salad spinner lined with clean paper towels.
- To quickly hull your strawberries, simply cut the top end of the strawberries to remove the green leafy stem.
- Add flavor to your macerated strawberries by adding citrus zest, fresh herbs, or a vanilla pod to the mixture.
Uses For Macerated Strawberries
Macerated Strawberries can be served in a multitude of ways. Serve as a dessert topped with whipped cream or over vanilla ice cream, use them as a filling for cakes and other desserts such as whipped cream cake, Strawberry Shortcake, and Pavlova.
Make ahead and Freezing Instructions
I find macerate strawberries are best served on the day they are prepared, but they can be made ahead or frozen if you have a lot of berries to use up.
To make ahead: Store in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator.
To Freeze: Add the berries including the liquid all in an airtight, freezer safe container or freezer bag and freeze for 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and stir before serving.
FAQs
How long can you macerate strawberries?
You can macerate strawberries in the refrigerator anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight. They will keep in the fridge for 2 or 3 days.
What does it mean to hull a strawberry?
Hulling strawberries is the process of removing the stem (also known as the calyx) from the top of the berry. Removing the whole calyx requires cutting out the small hard core in the top center of the berry.
What kind of sugar to use for macerating strawberries?
Granulated sugar is most commonly used, but you can also use superfine, caster, or powdered sugars.
How do you thicken macerated strawberries?
To thicken, separate the juice from the berries and whisk 1 to 2 tablespoons of cornstarch into the juice. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it becomes thick and syrupy.
Rate This Recipe
Recipe
Macerated Strawberries with Sugar
Ingredients
- 1 lb strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (plus extra as needed)
- 1 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (just a squeeze of lemon is needed to add brightness)
- 1 pinch salt (optional)
Instructions
- Gently toss all ingredients together in a bowl, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
- Taste the strawberry mixture for sweetness and add extra sugar if needed.
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