Macerated Strawberries

Macerating strawberries is a great way to amp up their flavour, increase how juicy they taste, and make them easy to add to basically anything. These sliced strawberries will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Ingredients

• 1 pint of strawberries, red all the way through

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 tbsp fresh squeezed orange juice

• Pinch of salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extra (optional)

• 5 basil leaves, ripped into tiny little pieces (optional)

• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional)

Notes:

There’s a small amount of sugar added – sugar is osmotic, so it will pull the water out of the strawberries and form a glaze on the outside – so don’t skip it.

You could use lemon juice, but I like orange juice here. Use a grapefruit. Go crazy and use a lime! There’s no black-and-white thinking when it comes to citrus.

Optionally, and for a completely different flavour, you can add vanilla, basil, and balsamic. These flavours are incredible with strawberries. Try this on vanilla ice cream.

Method

Cut the strawberries: Cut the tops off the strawberries, then slice them into halves or quarters depending on how large they are. Place the cut strawberries in a bowl.

Macerate: Add the sugar, orange juice, and salt. Also add vanilla and basil if using. Stir to coat. Cover and leave for at least 20 minutes, an hour is better, a day is best.

Serve: Optionally top with balsamic vinegar and eat out of the bowl, or add to yogurt, ice cream, put on ricotta on toast, or use in tiramisu.