The pleasure of peak-season produce is that you don’t need to do much to make it taste spectacular. Often a piece of ripe fruit is best eaten just as it is, but macerated strawberries are a worthy exception. This simple technique requires no heat and little work beyond stirring, and it can bring that pint of rosy red strawberries to a whole new level of juicy sweetness. All you need is the berries, some sugar, and a little downtime.
What is maceration?
Maceration is a process in which produce (usually fruit) sits in a flavorful substance such as sugar, vinegar, or juice. The process tenderizes the ingredient and intensifies its natural flavor. Stone fruits, berries, and even tomatoes can benefit from maceration, which helps concentrate sweetness and soften texture.
Strawberries are particularly well-suited to sugar maceration. Sugar draws moisture from the fruit, creating a glossy syrup while gently softening the berries. Depending on how long they sit, the strawberries can remain slightly firm or become soft and jammy.
How to macerate strawberries
Ingredients
- 1 lb. strawberries
- 1 Tbsp. sugar
Method
- Wash 1 pound strawberries and dry them thoroughly. (We like to use a salad spinner for this; see how to wash and store strawberries in this guide from Epicurious.)
- Hull the strawberries by inserting a paring knife into the stem end and twisting (alternatively, slice off the top to remove the stem). At this point, you can halve or slice the strawberries, or leave them whole. Halved berries work well for topping cheesecake, pavlova, and strawberry shortcake; sliced berries are ideal for strawberry galettes and ice cream sundaes.
- Transfer strawberries to a large bowl and toss with 1 Tbsp. sugar; refrigerate at least 30 minutes. As the berries sit, they’ll release their juices and soften slightly, creating a sweet, syrupy mixture that’s delicious spooned over ice cream, cheesecake, yogurt, pavlova, and strawberry shortcake.
Additions: For even more flavor, add the zest of a lemon, lime, or orange, or a squeeze of any of their juice. You can also add a splash of almond or vanilla extract or a sprinkling of spice like black pepper, cardamom, or coriander. Meanwhile, a pinch of salt goes a long way to making the berries’ flavor more vibrant.
