Strawberry syrup

Strawberry Syrup – The Sweet Delight of Summer

Total preparation time: 24 hours
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: enough to fill a few large bottles

If you want to sweeten your summers and bring a touch of sunshine to every drink, strawberry syrup is the perfect choice. It’s a simple and quick recipe that will remind you of warm summer days, even in winter. I will share the secrets to making a delicious strawberry syrup that can be used in drinks, desserts, or simply on a slice of toast.

The history of strawberry syrup is long, having been made for generations to preserve the flavor of these wonderful fruits. Strawberries are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making this syrup a healthier choice than store-bought juices.

Necessary ingredients:
- 20 kg ripe strawberries
- 10 kg sugar
- Juice from 4 lemons

Step by step for a perfect syrup:

1. Choosing the strawberries: Make sure to choose ripe strawberries. Less ripe strawberries will not have the same intense and sweet flavor. Buy them from the market or, if possible, pick them yourself.

2. Washing and cleaning: Wash the strawberries under a stream of cold water, then remove the stems. This is an essential step, as the stems can give a bitter taste to the syrup.

3. Mixing with sugar: In a large container, mix the cleaned strawberries with the 10 kg of sugar. This mixture will need to sit until the next day, during which the strawberries will release their natural juice. Stir periodically to ensure the sugar dissolves evenly.

4. Straining the juice: After the strawberries have macerated, use a fine sieve or cheesecloth to strain the juice. Make sure to press the fruit well to extract all the juice. This is when the flavor of the strawberries will concentrate in the syrup.

5. Boiling the syrup: Pour the strained juice into a large pot and add the juice from the 4 lemons. The lemons not only add a wonderful flavor but also help preserve the syrup. Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil. You will notice foam forming on the surface; remove it with a spoon to achieve a clear syrup.

6. Bottling: When the syrup has boiled for about 30 minutes, it is ready for bottling. Ensure the bottles are sterilized to prevent contamination. Pour the hot syrup into the bottles, then put on the lid. It is important to use airtight bottles to keep the flavor intact.

7. Drying: After bottling the syrup, place the bottles in a dark, dry place until the next day. This will allow the syrup to stabilize and achieve a perfect texture.

8. Storing in the pantry: Once the syrup has completely cooled, you can store it in the pantry. It will remind you of summer with every drop.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with different added fruits, such as blackberries or raspberries, to create a mixed syrup.
- Strawberry syrup is wonderful for use in lemonades, cocktails, or even on ice cream.
- If you want a thicker syrup, you can let it boil longer, but be careful not to burn it.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This syrup is rich in vitamins C and A, and strawberries contain antioxidants that can help strengthen the immune system. However, it is best to consume in moderation due to the high sugar content. A 30 ml serving of syrup has about 100 calories.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, but it is recommended to let them thaw completely before using.
- How can I keep the syrup for longer? Ensure the bottles are well sterilized and store them in a dark place. The syrup can be kept for up to a year.
- What other drinks can I make with strawberry syrup? You can add the syrup to sparkling water for a refreshing drink, in smoothies, or even in summer cocktails.

The strawberry syrup recipe is not only a delicious way to preserve the fruits but also a way to bring joy into every day. With each bottle prepared, you will feel closer to nature and the beautiful memories of summer. Enjoy!