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Strawberry season is a wonderful time of year when we fully enjoy favorite recipes made from juicy strawberries. Today, however, we will tell you something about why you should never throw away those green strawberry stems. They can be used perfectly in the kitchen and for health.
Uses of strawberry stems
The small green stems are most often left to dry for a fragrant strawberry tea. However, it’s not only very fragrant, but it also has great potential for health matters. Herbalists recommend it for the prevention of many illnesses and for easing the symptoms of aging.
- Helps relieve the painful symptoms of gout.
- Reduces the amount of harmful cholesterol in the blood.
- Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Using strawberry stems
- It has an astringent effect due to its high tannin content.
- They suppress signs of skin aging related to age (apply crushed stems as a mask to the face to reduce signs of aging).
Even in season, strawberries can hardly be called a cheap product, so we recommend using everything from them: freeze the berries and dry the strawberry stems.
And now more about how to do it so the berries don’t turn into an unpleasant red mush and the stems don’t lose their healing properties.
Start by washing the berries thoroughly and removing all dirt. Discard any damaged or rotten berries. Then gently remove the stem (you can do this with a knife or a straw).
Spread the stems on a plate, towel or napkin. It is very important that they are not exposed to direct sunlight. The stems dry quickly; they will be ready in a day (you must store them in a dark and dry place). The main thing is to stir and turn them occasionally — that speeds up the drying process.
Now let the stems dry and focus on the berries. Place the washed strawberries on a towel or paper napkin and let them dry for 15-20 minutes. Excess moisture needs to be removed.
Place the dried strawberries into a clean bowl, sprinkle with a few tablespoons of sugar and gently mix so each berry is coated with sugar.
Collecting strawberries for winter
For freezing use a baking sheet or another deep container. The key is that the strawberries must be perfectly dry. Spread the strawberries in sugar in a single layer in the chosen container so that the berries do not touch each other.
They will be completely frozen within one or two hours, but it is very important to stir them every half hour so the strawberries do not freeze to the surface (for example, the baking sheet). Transfer the frozen strawberries to a resealable bag and store in the freezer.
How to freeze strawberries
Strawberries frozen this way will retain their taste and beautiful aroma and you can use them right away.
Strawberry stems – More ways to use them
In professional kitchens, strawberry stems serve as an excellent flavoring and more. The green part concentrates the aroma and freshness of the strawberry fruit. Strawberry stems are simply washed and added to the roasting pan with meat or roasted vegetables. After baking they have slightly tart notes and give dishes a unique flavor.
Instead of lemon slices
Pour clean water into a jug, add a handful of washed strawberry stems and let them steep well. You won’t believe the beautiful strawberry aroma and fresh taste your lemonade will have. You can sweeten it with honey, cane sugar or additional fruit. It’s truly excellent!
Flavored vinegar
It’s excellent for grilled fish, meat or for making vinegar dressings and salad dressings. Just put the washed stems into plain vinegar and let them steep for a few hours.
Alcohol with a strawberry flavor: Put the stems into plain vodka or another alcohol and let it sit for several days. When you pour it, everyone will ask how it’s possible that the drink smells of strawberries.
Did you know that strawberry stems contain a number of vitamins and, like leafy greens, iron and other health-promoting substances? Add them to a smoothie with spinach or use them instead of green herbs. They will add to both the flavor and the health benefits of the resulting drink!
Tea and strawberry seasoning
If you dry the stems, you can make an excellent tea or strawberry seasoning from them. To prepare the tea you need 1 teaspoon of dried leaves, which you pour with 1 cup of boiling water, let steep and even in winter you can enjoy the typical summer taste and aroma. Strawberry seasoning is great in salads, meats, and also in cakes, to which it adds a lovely aroma.
Add them to your bath
A strawberry bath during the winter months? Why not! Sprinkle a little dried strawberry stems or frozen fresh stems into your bath. You’re guaranteed the most fragrant relaxing experience!
