30+ Ways To Preserve Strawberries
Learn over 30 ways to preserve strawberries to be able to enjoy those plump and flavorful berries all year long. From canning, to dehydrating, freeze drying and more. There are so many ways to enjoy one of the best fruits.
Picking fruit is my all time favorite thing. If it was a sport, well I could be an olympian. Kind of kidding, but it is seriously something I look forward to every year.
Something about the calmness and picking fruit at its peak, knowing I will get to enjoy them all year.
If you have ever tried a frozen strawberry you froze compared to the grocery store frozen ones, you’ll get what I’m saying. There is just no comparison, straight from the farm, picked at the peak of ripeness, compared to blah bland berries with not a whole lot of flavor.
Did you know that strawberries are one of the most perishable fruits, and can start to spoil within days of being picked? If you’re tired of wasting fresh, succulent strawberries because you can’t consume them quickly enough, then you’re in luck.
In this article, we’ve compiled over 20 ways to preserve your strawberries, ensuring their sweet flavor all year long. From canning to salad dressings, baked goods to ice cream, there’s something for everyone.
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and learn how to preserve those delicious strawberries with our ultimate guide.
Best Place To Buy Strawberries In Bulk
- Farmers market
- Local farms
- U-pick farms
- Growing them yourself
- Grocery store- Sometimes you can find them on super sale.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.
My favorite preserving resources:
Ball Complete Book Of Home Preserving
Glass loaf pans
Popsicles molds
Dehydrator – I love this one since the dehydrator trays are metal and there is no plastic involved.
Freeze Dryer – Currently on my dream list
Freezer bags
Mason jars
Baking sheet
Tips For Preserving Strawberries
- If you don’t have time to make jam, fruit leather, syrup, etc, right now, you can place them in the freezer and then use the frozen berries to make and can those things later.
- There are many different methods to berry preservation. Choose one that you know you will enjoy and then experiment with one or two that may be something you never tried. The best method for preservation is the one you will actually eat.
- Picking in-season strawberries will give you the best results, because they taste way better, are more nutritious, and you can usually get them cheaper than say in the middle of winter.
- When washing strawberries, place them under cold running water and allow them to air dry in a single layer on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. I like to do this in the morning before we head out, then when we come back they are all dry, the excess moisture is gone, and they are ready to preserve.
- Depending on the shelf life you desire for your fresh berries will determine the preservation method you choose. Freeze drying will have the longest shelf life, then canning, freezing and dehydration.
How To Keep Strawberries Fresh Longer
The best way to keep strawberries fresh longer is by rinsing them the proper way (with a vinegar wash) and then storing them properly.
Amy over at The Cross Legacy shared her viral glass jar method, to store strawberries fresh for a really long time.
30+ Ways To Preserve Strawberries
Canning
One popular method for preserving strawberries and keeping them fresh for longer is canning. If you have a surplus of strawberries that you want to enjoy year-round, canning is a great option.
Canning involves heating the fruit to a high temperature to kill off any bacteria, and then sealing the jars tightly. This process ensures that the strawberries will stay fresh for up to a year and a half.
Plus, canned strawberries are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes, including jams, syrups, and pies.
Canned strawberries can be used to make delicious jams and jellies that can be enjoyed for breakfast or dessert. Store in a cool dark place.
Jams and Jellies
Canned strawberries are a versatile ingredient that can be used to create a variety of spreads, including jams and jellies.
Strawberry Jam: Make this easy jam recipe that can be made in about an hour.
This Strawberry Key Lime Jam: A delicious twist on the classic with a burst of key lime flavor.
Strawberry chia jam is a great recipe for those who don’t want to get into canning. Check out this recipe here.
Or try this spicy Strawberry Jalapeño Jam
This recipe with a peach twist looks amazing.
Strawberries In Syrup
Strawberry syrup can be used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream. It can also be added to drinks to make soda (we love making homemade soda)
Canning strawberry in syrup is super easy and a great first time canning project. The recipe I use is from Ball Complete Book Of Home Preserving. Danielle over at The Rustic Elk also shows you how.
Strawberry Pie Filling
A quick and easy dessert that isn’t limited to just pie… aka strawberry shortcake. Canning strawberry filling is a great way to use these tasty fruits past strawberry season.
Infused Vinegars and Oils
Another great way to preserve strawberries is by infusing them in vinegar or oil. This is a simple technique that involves pouring vinegar or oil into a jar with fresh strawberries and letting the flavors meld together over time.
You can use any type of vinegar or oil that you like, but white wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil are popular choices.
Syrups and Sauces
These sweet, tangy creations are perfect for everything from drizzling over ice cream to mixing into cocktails.
Baked Goods and Desserts
Use strawberries to make cookies, muffins, breads (like this strawberry banana bread), waffles, donuts, cakes, and more that can baked and frozen to eat in the future.
My theory in life these days is bake two, freeze one.
Freezing
If you find yourself with an abundance of strawberries, freezing them is a great way to make them last longer. Frozen strawberries can be used in smoothies, sauces, or even to top pancakes or waffles.
Freezing strawberries is probably my favorite storage method of all. It is such a simple way to enjoy juicy strawberries all year round. They are 100% better than store-bought frozen strawberries. Freeze whole berries or sliced.
Using frozen strawberries in baking is also a great option. Simply thaw them and use them as you would fresh strawberries. You can even use them in place of ice in your favorite drinks for a refreshing twist.
Another fun idea is to freeze slices of strawberries with lemon in a muffin tin (a silicone one is recommended) and then add water and freeze. Add to water for a cold and refreshing infusion.
Dehydrating
Dehydrating strawberries is another excellent method of preserving them. This method involves removing all the moisture from the berries, leaving them with a chewy texture.
Dehydrated strawberries are perfect for adding to trail mix, oatmeal, or as a snack on their own.
They can also be ground into a powder and used as a natural flavoring (and coloring) for yogurt, smoothies, or baked goods.
I wrote a whole post on how to dehydrate strawberries here.
Freeze Drying
Freeze drying strawberries is a preservation method that removes all the moisture from the fruit while maintaining their texture and flavor.
Unlike dehydration, which shrivels the fruit, freeze drying preserves the strawberries’ original shape, color, and nutritional value. No loss in vitamin C like in other preservation methods calling for high heat.
To freeze dry strawberries, start by washing and slicing the fruit. Arrange the slices on a tray and put them in the freezer for a few hours until they are completely frozen.
Next, transfer the slices to a freeze dryer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to remove all the moisture from the berries. The process can take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours, depending on the size and amount of the strawberries.
Once the strawberries are freeze-dried, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They will stay fresh for up to a year. To rehydrate them, soak them in water for a few minutes before using them in recipes.
Use them for smoothies, breakfast bowls, baked goods, and desserts. They are also a great snack for those looking for a healthy and tasty alternative to traditional sugary treats.
Strawberry Powder
One innovative way to preserve your strawberries is to turn them into powder. This is a quick and easy method that yields a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.
You will need dehydrated or freeze dried strawberries. Add them to a blender and blend until a fine powder has formed.
Strawberry powder is a versatile ingredient that can be used in smoothies, yogurt bowls, oatmeal, desserts, frosting and more.
It adds a burst of sweet, tangy flavor and a vibrant pink color to any dish. You can also use it as an all-natural food coloring for frosting or other baked goods.
Fruit Leather
Try this fun Mango Strawberry Tie-Dye Fruit Leather Recipe.
If you’re looking for a portable and healthy snack, why not try making your own fruit leather?
This chewy, dried fruit snack is made by pureeing fruit and spreading it out thin to dehydrate. It’s a great way to use up extra berries and preserve their flavor for later.
Fruit leather is a great option for packing in a lunchbox or taking on hikes or road trips. It’s also a fun activity to do with kids, who can help blend the fruit and cut out shapes.
Frozen Dessert
Delicious Strawberry Ice Cream
You may not think of ice cream as a preservation method, but you can make some homemade strawberry ice cream with freshly picked strawberries and then enjoy it 3-6 months later. It is a classic summer treat that never gets old.
It’s the perfect accompaniment to a warm July day, and it’s even better when you use fresh, ripe strawberries straight from the garden. Making homemade ice cream is also a fun activity to do with family and friends, and it doesn’t require any fancy equipment.
Or another way to do it is add 1/2 cup to 1 cup mashed ripe strawberries to your favorite vanilla ice cream recipe.
For a dairy free option: choose this Strawberry Basil Sorbet With Honey
Popsicles
Try this two ingredient popsicle recipes or this strawberry and banana popsicles
Another fun and delicious way to enjoy strawberries this summer is by making popsicles. These refreshing treats are easy to make and will cool you down on a hot day.
There are so many ways to make popsicles. I like to make a big smoothie with bananas, mangos, and strawberries with some milk (juice also works). Blend it up and pour into popsicle molds.
Other Desserts:
No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
This no-bake strawberry cheesecake recipe is light and fluffy with a burst of fresh strawberry flavor, plus it freezes super well.
Strawberry Ferments
If you’re a fan of fermented foods, you’ll be excited to know that strawberries can be fermented too! Strawberry ferments are a delicious and healthy way to preserve your berries while adding a tangy twist to their flavor.
One popular way to ferment strawberries is to make strawberry kombucha. Simply add sliced strawberries to your kombucha during the second fermentation process and let it sit for a few days until it reaches your desired level of tartness.
The result is a refreshing and probiotic-packed drink that’s perfect for summer days.
Another option is to make strawberry vinegar, which can be used in dressings, marinades, and even cocktails.
Fermented strawberries in a culture
So the next time you have an abundance of fresh strawberries, don’t let them go to waste. Try out one of these creative preservation methods and enjoy their sweet flavor all year long. As the saying goes, “waste not, want not.” Happy preserving!