Strawberry
Also called garden strawberry
Strawberries are aromatic berries loaded with anthocyanins, enhancing their visual appeal.
Flavor profile
Aroma: fragrant, floral
Good to know
Origin: Europe
Forms: fresh, frozen, pureed
Storage: Refrigerate strawberries, unwashed, in a single layer until ready to use.
How to use strawberry
Hold Off on the Wash
Wash strawberries just before use to prevent mold, as moisture activates spores.
Sweet Concentration
Macerate strawberries with sugar; osmosis draws out water, concentrating sweetness and aroma.
What goes with strawberry
- Balsamic Vinegar. Balsamic vinegar's acidity highlights strawberry's sweetness.
- Cream. Cream's fat softens strawberry's acidity, offering smoothness.
- Mint. Mint adds refreshing contrast to strawberry's sweetness.
- Black pepper. Black pepper adds surprising spice to strawberry's sweet, fruity profile.
- Basil. Basil shares sweet, clove-like aroma compounds with strawberry and lifts its fruit notes.
- Milk. Milk's creamy sweetness softens strawberry's tart acid.
- Pistachio. Pistachio's grassy, buttery richness rounds out strawberry's bright floral acidity.
- Red Wine. Red wine's berry notes echo strawberry, so macerated strawberries taste more intensely fruity.
- Ricotta. Strawberry's floral acid cuts ricotta's mild creaminess.
- Rosemary. Rosemary's piney resin lifts strawberry's floral sweetness.
Mistakes to avoid
- Washing early triggers mold from increased moisture.
- Mixing with ethylene emitters leads to quick overripening.
Ideas for tonight
- Top yogurt with sliced strawberries.
- Stir into a fruit salad for color and flavor.
- Serve with shortcake and cream for dessert.
Strawberry: questions
What does strawberry taste like?
Strawberries are aromatic berries loaded with anthocyanins, enhancing their visual appeal. Its strongest notes are sweet, with an aroma that is fragrant, floral.
What goes well with strawberry?
Strawberry pairs best with balsamic vinegar, cream, mint, black pepper, basil. Balsamic vinegar's acidity highlights strawberry's sweetness.
How do you use strawberry in cooking?
Hold Off on the Wash: wash strawberries just before use to prevent mold, as moisture activates spores.
How should you store strawberry?
Refrigerate strawberries, unwashed, in a single layer until ready to use.
What is the most common mistake with strawberry?
Washing early triggers mold from increased moisture.
