Strawberries are in Season here in Arizona through the end of May ~ you likely have been picking up containers of them at the store.
We don’t eat them too much but we have gotten them from our local farmer in our CSA bag several times this past 2 months – the farmer grows organic, without pesticide, and the strawberries are honestly amazing. We don’t and won’t buy non-Organic, it’s just too risky.
If you grow your own, chances are you have an abundance of strawberries to use up – thankfully they are GREAT to snack on. But they are also great to preserve… for those summer months when they might not be in season or the weeks you don’t get them in your CSA bag.
Just a few weeks ago we used our Strawberries to make our own, homemade Strawberry Jam – frustrated that Costco no longer carries the Organic Jam, we knew that making our own was the ONLY option for cost savings (not to mention knowing what is in the jar!)
TEN jars later, we’re stocked up for quite a long time, and we can pass along some to family members in the process.
Here are 5 ways to preserve strawberries so you have them through the summer:
1. Make Jam
We made Jam several weeks ago and it was one of the most easy things to do ~ not only does it taste good, it can be made low sugar, and done in a water bath (or, frozen). Jam makes great gifts, and pantry fillers, too!
2. Dehydrate
Strawberries work great as snacks when you dehydrate them ~ you can use them in trail mix, baked goods or even as an after school snack. Use your dehydrator and dry until they are crispy before storing in a covered (airtight) container.
3. Can the Berries
Not something we have done {yet}… but easier than making jam, especially if you are short on time. Fill up your Ball Canning Jars and leave some headspace (1/4 – 1/2″) and add sugar syrup. Remove the air bubbles on your canned berries before throwing them in a water bath for 20-25 minutes.
You can read more about canning whole berries here.
4. Infuse your own Liquors
Use 1 1/3 C. of chopped Strawberries along with a bottle of Vodka and make your own Infused Liquors over the course of 2-3 weeks. If you haven’t ever done infused liquor, it’s more sitting and waiting than it is effort – but it’ll allow you to make your own flavored drinks.
5. Freeze the Entire Berry
Lay parchment or baking mats (try THESE) on your cookie sheet; then remove the stems and core your strawberries, laying them flat on the cookie sheet. Freeze for several hours or until frozen and then store in an airtight container or in a freezer bag. Pull out as needed when you are ready to use in recipes.
The best place to pick up Strawberries is your local CSA ~ not only can you ensure that they are grown without pesticides, you can familiarize themselves with their organic growing practices since they are in your area. In addition, you are helping a small family farm who believes as passionately about your health as you do.