6 Ways to Enjoy Strawberries Year Round

Posted by Gwen Watson on Feb 27, 2015

Sure, it may be a few months before strawberries are in season locally, but the snow on the ground shouldn’t stop us from enjoying strawberries right now! You can find strawberries in the supermarket during the off-season, but the winter is a good time to use the strawberries you preserved from last year’s harvest. You can substitute frozen strawberries for fresh ones in any recipe. Here are some ideas:

Make a Strawberry Smoothie

There’s nothing like a frozen drink to remind us of warmer weather! They can also be healthy. Those strawberries that you froze after last year’s harvest taste great in a strawberry smoothie. You can also blend in other fruits if you wish. Banana, mango, and pineapple are all wonderful additions to a smoothie.

Strawberry Trifle

Trifles are a versatile dessert because you can layer any ingredients that you wish. This is the perfect way to use those frozen strawberries! Simply thaw out the strawberries in a mixing bowl while you assemble the rest of the ingredients. This trifle is just like those strawberry shortcakes you make when strawberries are in season! Just substitute fresh strawberries for the frozen ones.

Strawberry Milk Shake

Milk shakes are a delicious treat and they’re easy to make at home. No need to thaw the strawberries in this one! Just add ½ cup frozen strawberries, two scoops vanilla ice cream, ½ tsp. vanilla extract, and ½ cup of milk in a blender and pulse until well combined. Add more milk to thin it out if you wish.

Quick Fruit Syrup

An easy way to use up those frozen strawberries is to make a quick fruit syrup that will keep in your refrigerator for about a week. Add two cups frozen strawberries, one cup of granulated sugar, and 1½ cups of water to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer for ten minutes, uncovered, until syrup thickens. Let cool before you refrigerate it. You can spoon this over ice cream, yogurt, or even your morning cereal!

Frozen Strawberry Margarita

Nothing says party time like a margarita! Your frozen strawberries are the perfect addition to your strawberry margarita. Frozen strawberries are an even better choice than fresh ones because you don’t need to add as much ice, which will lead to an even bolder strawberry flavor. This is the perfect cocktail for girl’s night. Just double the recipe if you’re having a party.

Strawberry Jelly

There’s nothing like strawberry jelly to brighten up your morning toast! To substitute fresh strawberries for frozen ones, just thaw them out first. To thaw, just empty the bag into a mixing bowl – you’ll want to keep any juices that develop while the strawberries are defrosting. This also makes an excellent gift.