Strawberry puree recipe

Introduction

Strawberries are a popular choice among many people. Sweet, juicy, and colorful, they’re the poster child for summer fruit, but they’re just as good year-round. To enhance their flavor, consider preparing strawberry puree. It’s fresh, flavorful, and can turn any dish or drink into something special.

Whether you’re using fresh berries in peak season or relying on frozen ones when strawberries are out of season, this guide has everything you need to know about making and using strawberry puree. Plus, we’ll talk about turning your puree into a rich reduction and how to use it for drinks, desserts, and beyond.

So grab some strawberries—fresh or frozen—and let’s turn them into something magical.

What Is Strawberry Puree?

At its simplest, strawberry puree is blended strawberries. But depending on how you make it, you can create a sauce, a drink mixer, or even the base for a fancy dessert topping.

The beauty of strawberry puree is its versatility. You can leave it smooth, make it chunky, or cook it down for a thicker texture. And don’t even get me started on how customizable it is! Whether you like itSweet, tangy or natural, there’s one for everyone.

How to Make Strawberry Puree

Let’s get started. Making strawberry puree is super easy and only requires a few ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make strawberry puree, you only need a few simple ingredients:

• Strawberries: Fresh or frozen work equally well.
• Sugar: Optional, but it enhances the natural sweetness.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances flavors.

Instructions:
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1. Prepare the Strawberries:
2. If using fresh strawberries, rinse and hull them (aka remove those green tops). If using frozen berries, let them thaw a bit so they’re easier to blend.
3. Blend It
4. Toss the strawberries into a blender or food processor. Add the sugar and lemon juice, then blend until smooth. if you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the blender instead of running it continuously.
5. Taste and Adjust:
6. Here’s the enjoyable part—taste your purée! If it’s too tart, add a bit more sugar. If it’s overly sweet, a splash of lemon juice will balance things out.
7. Optional: Strain the Seeds:
8. Want a silky-smooth purée? To remove the seeds, pour the puree through a fine mesh sieve. This step is especially useful if you’re using the puree in drinks or desserts with a smooth texture.
9. Store or Use Right Away:
10. Your puree is ready! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge or use it immediately in your favorite recipes.

Can You Make Strawberry Puree from Frozen Strawberries?

Absolutely! In fact, frozen strawberries are a wonderful option, especially when fresh ones are out of season. Frozen berries are picked at peak ripeness, so they’re often just as flavorful as fresh.

How to Make Puree with Frozen Strawberries

1. Thaw the strawberries slightly before blending. This makes them easier to process and helps you achieve a smoother texture.
2. Follow the same steps as with fresh strawberries: blend with sugar and lemon juice and strain if desired.
3. Since frozen berries can sometimes release extra water, you might want to simmer the puree for a few minutes to thicken it up if needed.

Pro Tip: If you’re in a hurry, you can blend the strawberries straight from the freezer for a thicker, slushier puree.

Strawberry Puree for Drinks

When it comes to drinks, strawberry puree is truly transformative. It adds a fruity punch and gorgeous color to cocktails, mocktails, and even your morning smoothies.

How to Use Strawberry Puree in Drinks

• Cocktails: Add a spoonful of puree to margaritas, daiquiris, or mojitos for a fresh strawberry twist.
• Mocktails: Mix it into sparkling water, lemonade, or iced tea for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.
• Smoothies: Blend it with yogurt, bananas, and a splash of milk for a thick and creamy strawberry smoothie.
• Milkshakes: Swirl it into vanilla ice cream and milk for a strawberry milkshake that tastes better than any diner version.

Pro Tip for Drinks

If you want your strawberry puree to mix seamlessly into beverages, strain out the seeds before using it. This creates a smooth consistency that blends beautifully.

How to Make a Strawberry Reduction

Sometimes you want more than just a fresh purée. A strawberry reduction is thicker, more decadent, and perfect for desserts or savory dishes. Imagine it as the more substantial counterpart of strawberry puree.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups strawberry puree (made from fresh or frozen berries)
• 1/4 cup sugar (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:
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1. Pour the strawberry puree into a saucepan.
2. Add sugar and lemon juice, then stir to combine.
3. Get the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Cook, keeping stirring occasionally, till the puree thickens and reduces by about half. This usually takes 10–15 minutes.
5. Take it off the heat and allow it to cool. The reduction will continue to thicken as it cools.

How to Use Strawberry Reduction

• Drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, or crepes.
• Spoon it over cheesecake or pound cake.
• Use it as a filling for pastries or a glaze for tarts.
• Stir it into yogurt or oatmeal for a flavorful twist.

Storing Strawberry Puree and Reduction

Fridge Storage

• Puree: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Reduction: Store in a glass jar or container for up to a week.

Freezer Storage

• Freeze strawberry puree in ice cube trays for individual servings. After freezing, transfer the cubes into a freezer-safe bag.
• Strawberry reduction can also be frozen, but it’s best used within 2 months for the freshest flavor.

Explore These Related Strawberry Ideas and Tips You’ll Love

1. The Health Benefits of Strawberries

Strawberries aren’t just tasty—they’re packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. Incorporating them into your diet is a delicious way to boost your health.

1. Choosing the Right Blender for Purees

Not all blenders are made equal. Some are better suited for smooth, seedless purees, while others are perfect for chunky textures. Understanding what works best can simplify your puree-making process.

1. Creative Ways to Use Fresh Strawberries

From jams to salads and even savory dishes, strawberries are super versatile. Find out how they can add sweetness and color to all sorts of recipes.

1. Growing Strawberries at Home

Want to try your hand at growing strawberries? With a little care and patience, you can cultivate fresh berries in your backyard or even a small container garden.

1. Tips for Picking the Best Strawberries

Whether you’re at a farmer’s market, grocery store, or strawberry field, knowing how to pick the ripest, sweetest berries can make all the difference in your puree.

1. Freezing and Storing Strawberries

Preserving strawberries properly ensures you have them available year-round. Learn how to freeze them for smoothies, purees, or snacking anytime.

1. Fun Strawberry-Themed Activities

Strawberries aren’t just for eating! Think about hosting a strawberry-themed brunch, making DIY decorations, or even creating strawberry-based skincare treatments for a fun and fruity project.

1. Creating Baby Food with Strawberry Puree

Strawberry puree is not only great for beverages and desserts; it also makes a wonderful ingredient for homemade baby food. Combine it with other fruits like bananas or apples to create a nutritious and tasty treat that your baby will enjoy!