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    Home > Recipes > Berries

    De-Stemming Strawberries with the Least Waste

    Published: Apr 2, 2022 by Garden to Griddle · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Learn this easy technique for removing strawberry stems while keeping as much of that juicy, fruity goodness as possible!

    de-stemmed strawberries on a wooden cutting board with cut stems piled in the upper right corner

    When it comes down to it, de-stemming strawberries is not much of a challenge! You can chop off the stems with a knife, just eat the strawberry off the stem, or if you have a straw and a little extra time you can push the stem through with the straw method.

    But, if you have lots of strawberries you're wanting to de-stem while keeping as much of the strawberry intact as possible, then here's a great method to try!

    What's This Easy Peasy Method?

    1. Grab a fork and pierce the strawberry just a bit under the base of the stem.
      • If you go too high it's just the same as pulling off the stem with your fingers and the base of the stem will be left in.
      • If you go too low then you'll get a lot of waste and lose more juices.
    1. Now the top secret step is to twist the fork quickly!
      • This is like you're twisting the strawberry and fork in opposite directions, on the horizontal plane.
      • If it helps to think of "turning" the fork then do that. You're not lifting up the fork like you're removing a nail, just keep it flat and turn.
    1. Compost stems or just toss them out into your garden or yard!
    2. Now strawberries are ready to prepare however you wish! I love using this method when we get loads of strawberries on sale and I want to freeze a bunch!

    All These "New Methods" are Silly

    Okay okay, if you're someone who reads this and thinks, "why are there methods for de-stemming strawberries, just rip off the stem and eat them," I get you.

    When I first heard of using a fork I just felt like it was an extra step, but then I started twisting the fork and it worked so fast and effectively! We're all about reducing waste in my house and you really lose waaaay less of the strawberry meat this way.

    Plus, instead of having to stand at the counter with a cutting board and knife, you can easily do this method at the coffee table, while outside enjoying some sun, or at your work desk.

    Just give it a try, it's fun and it works!

    Equipment Used

    • 1 fork
    • A bowl for the de-stemmed strawberries
    • Optional cutting board
    • Freezer-safe mason jar for freezing berries

    Some Tasty Recipes that Use Strawberries

    • Deconstructed Strawberry Cheesecake
    • Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade
    • Berry Bright Salad
    • Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream
    • Strawberry Banana Orange and Kale Smoothie
    de-stemmed strawberries on a wood cutting board next to a tall mason jar with chopped up strawberries

    De-Stemming Strawberries With the Least Waste

    Learn this easy technique for removing strawberry stems while keeping as much of that juicy, fruity goodness as possible!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 2 mins
    Total Time 2 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine fruit
    Servings 1 serving

    Equipment

    • fork

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 package fresh strawberries

    Instructions
     

    • Use a fork to pierce through the top of the strawberry just a bit below the base of the stem. If your strawberry has any white at the top you can pierce it where the white meets the red.
      Hold the strawberry and turn the fork on the horizontal axis (like you're twisting the strawberry and fork in opposite directions) to easily remove the stem.
      If you twist and some of the stem remains, then you'll want to pierce the strawberry a little lower down the next time. Once you get it, you'll be able to get it every time after that!
      You might not remove the center (core) of the strawberry every time and that's okay! The more strawberry the merrier!
    • This is a great method to save you time for de-stemming lots of strawberries, then dice them and freeze some in a freezer-safe mason jar!
    Keyword de-stemming strawberries
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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