Citrus-Macerated Strawberries (No-Cook, Naturally Sweet)
Macerating strawberries is one of the easiest ways to elevate their flavor without any cooking involved. With just a few simple ingredients—fresh citrus, sugar, and ripe berries—you can turn everyday fruit into a vibrant topping or a refreshing dessert all on its own. The process draws out the natural juices of the strawberries, softening them slightly and enhancing their sweetness with a subtle tang from lemon and mandarin.
This is the kind of recipe you can throw together in minutes and forget in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Spoon these juicy berries over pancakes, swirl them into yogurt, or pile them on top of a slice of pound cake. You can even layer them into a parfait or enjoy them by the spoonful straight from the bowl. The citrus adds a bright, zesty layer that makes them taste like summer in every bite.
What You’ll Need:
- Fresh strawberries
- Granulated sugar
- Fresh lemon juice
- Fresh mandarin juice (or orange)
- Lemon zest and Mandarin zest
- Optional: vanilla extract or a splash of liqueur
A Few Fun Strawberry Facts:
Did you know that strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside? Each berry can have around 200 seeds! They also aren’t technically berries—botanically speaking, they belong to the rose family. And despite their delicate appearance, strawberries are surprisingly rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, making them as nutritious as they are delicious.
Variations:
- Berry mix: Swap some of the strawberries with sliced blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a colorful blend.
- Herbal twist: Add a few torn mint or basil leaves for an extra layer of freshness.
- Spiced version: A pinch of ground cardamom or cinnamon gives the berries a cozy warmth.
- Sweetener swap: Use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a more natural option.
- Boozy upgrade: Add a splash of limoncello or orange liqueur for a grown-up treat.
Tips:
- Taste your strawberries first — if they’re very sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly. If they’re a bit tart, feel free to add a little extra sugar to balance the flavor
- If mandarin isn’t available, use orange juice and zest instead.
- For an extra twist, add a few torn mint leaves or a splash of vanilla extract.
Storage:
Store leftover macerated strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The longer they sit, the softer and juicier they become.
Macerated Strawberries
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine the chopped strawberries with sugar.
- Add lemon juice, mandarin juice, and the lemon and mandarin zest.
- Gently toss everything together until the strawberries are well coated.
- Enjoy right away or let sit for about 30 minutes allowing the juices to release.
- Serve as desired — spooned over yogurt, cake, ice cream, or with some whipped cream or even enjoyed as-is.
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