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Strawberry season began this week in Massachusetts.  I eat the first ones just as is, then move on to strawberry shortcake and pies, and make jam with the bruised ones at the end of the harvest - (more on those topics as the season progresses.)

Today's focus is strawberry water - a refreshing drink that is "oh so easy" to make.  The directions are simple - wash the berries, then trim the tops as you usually would before serving.  Take the tops (leaves and all) and put them in the infusion tube of the Cestari infusion Pitcher . Fill the pitcher with water and refrigerate overnight before enjoying the next day.  You can add lemon, mint, lime, or whatever you like to the infusion, but it's lovely made just with the berry caps.  If you don't have a Cestari pitcher, you can use a mason jar and strain out the solids after infusing...but I'm including a coupon for 20% off the pitcher below, so you have no excuse!

This week's video is another infused water recipe, and if you'd like more, you can find them on the Cestari Kitchen website.

Enjoy,

Susan

Selecting Strawberries

When choosing strawberries, whether from your garden or the grocery store, select those that are fully red with a bright, glossy appearance. Avoid berries with green or white areas, as they will not ripen further after being picked. Overripe strawberries, which are very red but dull in appearance, may be too soft and prone to spoilage.

Immediate Post-Harvest Handling

Harvest strawberries by gently snapping the stem from the plant to avoid bruising the berries. Immediately after harvesting, cool the strawberries as soon as possible. Place them in the refrigerator to slow down spoilage and maintain their freshness.

Optimal Storage Conditions

Strawberries should be stored at a temperature between 32°F and 36°F (0°C to 2°C) with a relative humidity of 90 to 95 percent. These conditions help prevent water loss and shriveling. In the home, the crisper drawer of the refrigerator is an ideal spot.

Keep strawberries in their original clamshell packaging or in a partially open plastic bag. This helps maintain the high humidity necessary for their preservation. Avoid washing the strawberries until you are ready to eat them, as washing adds moisture which can lead to faster spoilage.

Shelf Life

Under optimal conditions, strawberries can be stored for up to seven days. However, the exact shelf life can vary depending on how ripe the strawberries were at the time of storage. Regularly check the strawberries for signs of spoilage and remove any that are mushy or moldy to prevent the spread of decay.

Safety Tips for Handling Strawberries

Strawberries, like other fresh fruits, can be contaminated with bacteria from soil, water, and animal sources. Contamination can also occur from human sources during or after harvest. To minimize the risk of foodborne illness, follow these safety tips:

- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling strawberries.
- Use clean equipment, utensils, and cutting surfaces. Avoid using the same cutting board for raw meats and fresh produce.
- Wash strawberries  just before eating by rinsing them thoroughly under cool running water. Do not use soap or detergent, as these can be absorbed by the berries.

Long-Term Preservation

For those who wish to enjoy strawberries beyond their typical shelf life, freezing is an excellent option. Here’s how to do it:

- Freezing Whole or Sliced Strawberries: Wash and sort the berries, remove the caps (remember to save for strawberry water!), and pack them into freezer containers. For better quality, you can pack them with a sugar or syrup solution.
-  Freezing Strawberry Purée: Wash, cap, and crush the berries, then press through a sieve or purée in a blender. Mix with sugar if desired, pack into containers, and freeze.

Final Thoughts

Proper storage of strawberries ensures that you minimize the risk of spoilage and contamination so that you can enjoy their fresh, delicious flavor as long as possible.

Save 20% on Cestari's Infusion Pitcher.  Save 20% with code STRAWBERRIES through June 18 at the Cestari store on Amazon

Mia from Asheville mentions , "I love making strawberry salsa with diced strawberries, jalapeños, red onion, and a squeeze of lime. It’s a refreshing twist on a classic salsa."

Ethan from Traverse City explains , "I blend strawberries with a little honey and freeze the mixture in ice cube trays. They make perfect additions to lemonade or iced tea."

Grace from Sedona shares, "For a sweet treat, I dip strawberries in melted dark chocolate and let them set in the fridge. They’re always a hit at parties."

Owen from Bozeman suggests, "I use mashed strawberries as a topping for my morning yogurt or oatmeal. It’s a natural and delicious sweetener."

Ella from Bend comments, "I make a simple strawberry compote by simmering strawberries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice. It’s perfect for topping pancakes or waffles."

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