What’s more delicious than a fresh, juicy strawberry? A little sour and a little sweet, strawberries offer the best of both worlds. They’re juicy and plump and delicious and amazing to enjoy right off the vine. You can also enjoy them cut up on top of yogurt, in fruit salad, or even incorporated into delicious strawberry desserts.
Strawberries also offer a surprising amount of health benefits. Studies have shown that these tiny little treats protect your heart, lower your blood pressure, and protect against diseases like cancer. They’re also high in vitamin C and antioxidants known as polyphenols that help ward off illnesses and keep you healthy.
Strawberries are great for eating right out of hand or even dipped in decadent chocolate to enjoy as chocolate covered strawberries. They’re also easy to cut and slice for a variety of applications. Here’s more on how to tell if strawberries are ripe and how to cut strawberries.
How to Tell if a Strawberry is Ripe
Strawberries won’t ripen once they’re picked from the vine. What you see is what you get. That being said, choose bright red berries that are bright red from top to bottom. If they have a lot of yellow or green, they won’t taste as sweet. You also want to ensure that the berries you pick aren’t getting too old or moldy. Look for plump berries. If they’re starting to look shriveled, it means they are no longer fresh. You also want to keep an eye out for mold. If you can spot one berry with mold, chances are more are moldy on the inside where you can’t see it, especially since those are the places mold likes to grow. Turn the box over and check the bottom. Make sure all the berries you see look fresh, plump, and red.
If you’re a fan of strawberries, you’ll love our Chocolate Dipped Strawberries Box. It includes a dozen or two dozen fresh, juicy strawberries dipped in decadent semisweet chocolate for the most delicious chocolate covered strawberries you’ve ever tried. Or, consider our Strawberry Cheesecake Indulgence Box. It comes with six rich and creamy strawberry cheesecakes topped with whipped frosting and a fresh strawberry.
3 Easy Ways to Cut a Strawberry
First, rinse the strawberries thoroughly under cool water to remove any dirt or grime. Then, remove the stems by holding the green leaves with one hand and gently twisting and pull to remove the stem with the other. Next, hull the strawberries to ensure optimal sweetness. Insert the tip of a paring knife into the top of the strawberry at a 45-degree angle, outside of the white center part. This white part is called the hull, and it’s bitter, so it’s a good idea to remove it. Slide the knife around the white part to cut out the hull. Pop it out when you have cut all the way around.
1. Cut in Half
Cutting strawberries in half will yield larger pieces you can use for a quick snack or to blend in smoothies. Place a strawberry onto a cutting board with the hulled end, or top, facing down. Use a paring knife to slice straight down lengthwise from the bottom of the strawberry through the top.
2. Cut into Slices
Cut strawberries into thin slices you can use as decoration for desserts, such as cakes or pies. Place a strawberry on a cutting board with the top down. Start at one side of the strawberry and use a paring knife to cut slices to your desired thickness.
3. Cut into Quarters
You can also cut strawberries into quarters for a fruit salad or for freezing and adding to smoothies. Place a strawberry on a cutting board with the top facing down. Slice straight down through the middle of the strawberry lengthwise using a paring knife. Turn the berry 90 degrees and slice through the middle lengthwise again. You’ll end up with four quarters that are perfectly sized for adding to fruit salad or parfaits.
Now that you know how to cut strawberries, you can use them for a variety of purposes. Incorporate strawberry halves onto a fruit tray, use strawberry quarters to liven up a fruit salad, or use strawberry slices to decorate strawberry cupcakes. Not matter which way you choose to slice and use strawberries, it’s sure to be delicious!
FAQs about Cutting Strawberries
What is the proper way to cut a strawberry?
Follow these simple steps to cut a strawberry the proper way:
- Wash them: Rinse the strawberries with cool water to remove dirt and debris.
- Remove the stems: Hold the green leaves with one hand and pull and gently twist.
- Hull them: Remove the hulls — the bitter white part in the center of the strawberry — by inserting the tip of your knife into the top of the berry at a 45-degree angle. Move the knife carefully around the entire hull until it’s completely cut out.
- Cut them in your desired way: There are several options for cutting strawberries at this point, including:
- Cut them in half.
- Cut them into slices.
- Cut them into quarters.
Do you cut stems off strawberries?
If you’re planning on cutting strawberries, you do want to remove the stems, but you don’t necessarily have to cut them. Instead, hold the green leaves and stem firmly with one hand, and gently twist and pull to remove the stem.
You’ll also want to remove the hull, which is the white, bitter part in the center of the strawberry, by cutting around it from the top with your knife at a 45-degree angle.
Is it better to cut strawberries or leave them whole?
Whole strawberries last longer than cut strawberries, so it depends on how soon you plan to eat them. If you’re going to consume them immediately or within a day or so, cutting them is fine, as long as you store them properly.
If you’re going to eat them a few days from now, it’s best to keep them whole until it’s closer to the time when you plan to eat them.
If you’re planning on eating a few strawberries here and there over the next week or so, cut smaller portions at a time to keep the remaining berries fresh longer.
Do you wash strawberries before cutting?
Yes, it’s always a good idea to wash strawberries before cutting them. Place them in a colander and rinse them thoroughly with cool water right before you plan on cutting them. This removes any dirt and debris from the outside and prevents it from getting on the inside surface as you cut them.
How do you store strawberries after they are cut?
You can store freshly cut strawberries in airtight containers or storage bags in the refrigerator for three to four days. They will become mushy and watery the longer they remain in the fridge. For a longer shelf life, you can also store the strawberries in the freezer. Place cut strawberries on a cookie sheet and freeze until just frozen. Then, place them into airtight containers for up to three months.
