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How to Preserve Strawberries

Save those tender, sweet berries of spring by learning how to preserve strawberries in a variety of easy ways.

A cup of strawberries seen from above with text overlay.

Make Jam

Jam is an easy and tasty way to preserve strawberries. Jam can be made in small batches that are simply refrigerated but it can also be frozen or canned for longer storage.

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Because canning strawberry jam is done in a water bath canner it is the perfect project for beginner canners. It’s hard to mess up and the results are pretty guaranteed to be delicious.

Here are two very easy strawberry jam recipes:

Strawberries also easily combine with other berriesrhubarb, cherries, and more for delicious combinations that are great pantry fillers and gift-giving items.

2 jars of strawberry maple jam on a napkin with some jam in a spoon.

Freeze Whole Berries

This is a great way to have berries for smoothies, muffins, and more later in the year.

Remove the leaves and tiny core, place the strawberries in an even layer on a cookie sheet and freeze for several hours, until solid.  

A handful of fresh strawberries.

Remove from the cookie sheets and store in containers until ready to use.

The great thing about freezing them on the tray first is that it’s easy to remove as many as needed later on rather than having to chop through a huge frozen strawberry block.

Dehydrate

Strawberries are quite tasty dehydrated and make for a great hiking snack, baked good filler, and more.  

Simply lay slices of berries on dehydrator trays and dry until crispy.  Store in airtight containers.  

If fruit leather is your thing, it can easily be done with strawberries too.

Can Whole Berries

Not my personal favorite as the berries get so very mushy in my opinion. However, it is an easy option if you’d like to give it a whirl.

Fill jars leaving 1/2″ headspace with strawberries and add sugar syrup. Remove air bubbles, wipe rims, and place on lids and rings.  Process in a boiling water 20 minutes for pints, 25 minutes for quarts (adjusting for elevation).

3 stacked photos with a hand holding 2 fresh strawberries on top, text overlay in the middle, 2 jars of jam on the bottom.

Infuse Vodka

This is a simple project that will have you making strawberry cocktails even in a blizzard. It also makes for amazing gifts when put into a nice bottle with a simple label.

Fill a jar half full with chopped strawberries.  Cover the berries with vodka, fill the jar to about 1/2″ from the top.  Give it a little shake and put it into a dark cupboard.  

Let it sit, shaking when you remember, for about a month.  

Strain the chopped berries and bottle the liquid.  Sweeten with a simple syrup if desired.

Infused Vinegar

Much like the infused vodka, this is a simple project that can really bring flavor to a kitchen.

Fill a jar full of chopped strawberries. Cover the berries with vinegar to about 1/2″ from the top. Give it a little shake and put into a dark cupboard.

Let it sit for about 2 weeks. Strain the chopped berries and bottle the liquid.

Use the vinegar for salad dressings and more.

Make the most of that strawberry harvest whether homegrown or from a U-pick farm this summer by eating tons of them fresh and saving some for the winter ahead.

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Shirley Sorrells

Saturday 11th of May 2019

Have you ever made syrups from strawberries or other fruits. I do but don't know how to keep it from summer fruit season until Christmas when I'd like to give it as gifts

Kathie Lapcevic

Tuesday 14th of May 2019

Like a simple sugar syrup? You could can it like you would jelly.

Patience Cole

Monday 18th of April 2016

I'm debating whether or not to can whole berries but if I do how do you get any air bubbles out? I feel silly asking but had to. Thanks

Homespun Seasonal Living

Monday 18th of April 2016

You can do whole berries, but in my opinion, they get very mushy. Remove air bubbles the same way as you would with peaches or anything else with a spatula around the jar.

Angi @ SchneiderPeeps

Friday 22nd of May 2015

Can you please tell my strawberry plants to produce more???? I hope to try some of these ideas in the future. What would you use the infused vodka for?

Kathie

Friday 22nd of May 2015

It took a few years for my strawberries to produce in abundance. Heh, I'm sure that's not what you want to hear. As for the vodka, just an adult treat / drink. Think Italian Sodas with an alcoholic bent. Good in adult milkshakes too.