WHOLE STRAWBERRIES PRESERVED IN A FRESH MINT AND LIME SYRUP
Preserve the vibrant flavor and beautiful shape of fresh strawberries in a lightly sweetened syrup infused with refreshing mint and zesty lime. Perfect to enjoy later as a topping on ice cream, yogurt with granola, creamy cheese-filled pancakes, or tartines.
π Prep Time: Overnight soaking
π³ Cook Time: 45 min
π½οΈ Yields: About 3 jars (800 ml) + 1 jar (300 ml)
Ingredients
- 2.5 kg strawberries (cleaned and sorted)
- 1.2 kg sugar
- 2 generous sprigs fresh mint (about 10 large leaves per sprig)
- 1 lime (zest and juice)
Instructions
- Wash strawberries, remove the stems, and discard any overly soft or spoiled berries. Keep strawberries whole.
- Place strawberries in a large wide pot, sprinkle sugar evenly over them. Cover with plastic wrap or lid and let rest overnight. The sugar should dissolve and the strawberries will release juice.
- Using a slotted spatula, transfer strawberries to a bowl, leaving the juice in the pot.
- Heat the pot gently over low heat until all the sugar in the juice is fully dissolved, stirring occasionally but as little as possible.
- Increase heat and bring the syrup to a boil. From the moment it boils, cook for 15 minutes on medium-low heat.
- Add strawberries back to the hot syrup along with lime juice. Bring to a boil again; this will take over 5 minutes and produce lots of light pink foam, causing the pot contents to swell.
- Cook the preserves for 30 minutes from this point. Toward the end, the foam changes from light pink to a darker, delicate lace-like foam with tiny bubbles.
- In the last 5 minutes, stir in lime zest and mint leaves.
- Meanwhile, sterilize jars in the oven at 200Β°C (390Β°F) for 20 minutes.
- Using a ladle and funnel, fill hot jars with preserves, avoiding sticky rims. Seal tightly with lids.
- Place jars upside down for 10 minutes, then wrap them in a blanket and let cool completely overnight.
π‘ Tips
- Whole strawberries preserve their shape and texture better when not stirred excessively.
- Fresh mint and lime add a clean, bright flavor perfect for spring and summer desserts.
- Use sterilized jars to ensure safe, long-lasting preservation.
- This syrup can be drizzled over ice cream, yogurt, pancakes, or toast for a fresh burst of flavor.
π Perfect For
- Homemade dessert toppings
- Yogurt and granola bowls
- Sweet breakfast treats
- Gift jars for friends and family
π Final Thoughts
These strawberry preserves capture the fresh essence of summer berries combined with refreshing mint and citrus notes. Keeping the berries whole and gently cooking them in syrup ensures a beautiful, fragrant product perfect for elevating many dishes throughout the year.