The salting technique of savory foods, such as meat and fish, requires spices, herbs, and other liquids to be added to the meat before cooking, thereby enhancing the flavour. When pickling fruits, this technique is often called maceration and this technique has the same goal, which is to improve the taste. By macerating the strawberries, the liquid inside the fruit can be removed, making the strawberries taste sweeter, and leaving a delicious syrup that can be served immediately.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing Strawberries
Step 1. Wash the strawberries
Under running water, gently wash all the strawberries to remove any stuck-on dirt. It's easier to do everything at once compared to one at a time.
Step 2. Dry the strawberries
Pat the fruit with a paper towel to allow excess water to soak into the paper.
Step 3. Cut off the top of the strawberry
Lay the strawberries horizontally and cut off the top with a sharp knife, so you can make a neat, even cut on the top.
Step 4. Slice the strawberries
You can macerate using whole strawberries, but by slicing the fruit, you can maximize the amount of flavor that is absorbed into the fruit.
Part 2 of 3: Macering Strawberries
Step 1. Choose a blend
The most basic and easy approach to use is 2 tablespoons of sugar per 450g of strawberries. As a variation, try one of these pointers:
- 1/2 cup sugar water for 2 cups strawberries
- 2 tbsp Cointreau and 2 tbsp powdered sugar (sifted) for 2 cups strawberries
- 1/4 cup honey and 4 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur for 2 full bowls of strawberries.
Step 2. Mix the ingredients
Prepare the mixture in a separate bowl before adding the strawberries.
Step 3. Combine the mixture of ingredients and strawberries
Place the strawberries in the bowl containing the mixture. Make sure that the entire fruit is covered by the mixture.
Step 4. Leave it for some time
Let the strawberries sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes.
Part 3 of 3: Serving Strawberries
Step 1. Eat macerated, unprocessed strawberries
Eating strawberries that have been soaked in flavours, especially honey or citrus-flavored spirits, can already make strawberries sweet to enjoy right away. The syrup that forms will make the strawberries a delicious dessert.
Step 2. Add macerated strawberries as a topping
Add to your favorite desserts such as ice cream, cheesecake or pies. (You may need to drain the syrup from the strawberries, depending on what dessert you're adding.)
Step 3. Mix the macerated strawberries with yogurt
Brighten plain-looking yogurt with strawberries and stir to make a sweet, nutritious breakfast.
