Crisp, ripe strawberries fresh off the vine are one of our favorite summer treats. They’re high in vitamin C, potassium, and folate. They’re also a great source of antioxidants, which can help protect against cell damage caused by free radicals. Got a few overripe pints lying around? Try one of these ideas!
1. Strawberry Butter
It’s an elegant treat to spread a blush-pink butter over muffins, toast, or other baked goods, but it’s deceptively easy to make. Just smash up some strawberries and blend it with softened butter for a sweet, creamy spread. You can also shape any extra strawberry butter into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze it for another day. Imagine a pat of strawberry butter melting onto a stack of buttermilk pancakes — yum!
2. Blender Drinks
Any blender drink recipes are perfect uses for overripe strawberries. Whether you like milkshakes, smoothies, or even strawberry milk, they’re all great uses for the strawberries, and you don’t even have to chop them up. You can also preserve the overripe strawberries for the drinks simply by freezing them solid and storing in a freezer bag or airtight container. Ripe, frozen strawberries are then at your fingertips, and will keep your drinks nice and cold.
3. Jam
Jam is an obvious use of too-ripe strawberries. Large quantities can be canned, or you can make just a tiny batch of refrigerator jam. Besides morning toast, I love having strawberry jam around because it’s a fun ingredient for baked goods, like thumbprint cookies, bar cookies, or swirled into muffin or cake batter.
4. Frozen Desserts
Overripe strawberries are actually better to use in frozen desserts since they’re starting to break down and won’t freeze into a harder icy texture like firmer strawberries. Cook them down a bit or macerate with sugar, then swirl or blend into ice cream, popsicle, or sorbet bases.
5. Salad Dressing
Raspberry vinaigrette gets a lot of press, but did you know strawberries make a great salad topper, too? Start by whisking a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and three tablespoons of extra version olive oil together. Pour it over a cup of sliced strawberries, and let it rest for 30 minutes. Then, pour your strawberry mixture plus 1 tablespoon honey and a sprinkle of salt and pepper into your blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Add a little more salt and pepper if necessary, and you’re done! Drizzle over a tasty summer salad and enjoy.
6. Strawberry Face Mask
How about applying those helpful antioxidants right to your skin? A face mask made from strawberries may help keep your complexion bright. Plus, it will smell awfully nice. Using overripe berries will prevent your mask from being too liquidy, since older fruit has less moisture inside. Mash 2 to 3 strawberries with a fork until it makes a pulp. Add a tablespoon of raw honey, and stir until it forms a paste. Massage the mask into your face for a minute or two, and let it rest for 10-15 more minutes. Rinse off with warm water and glow!
