Don’t Throw Away Those Strawberry Tops!
If you’ve ever found yourself tossing a pile of strawberry tops into the trash, you’re not alone. But those little tops still have plenty of delicious strawberry flavor hiding in them! Instead of letting them go to waste, save them in the freezer and turn them into a sweet, versatile strawberry syrup that can be used in so many ways.
Every time you hull fresh strawberries, simply place the tops into a freezer bag. Keep adding to the bag until you’ve collected about 2 cups of strawberry tops. Then it’s time to transform what would have been kitchen scraps into something your whole family will love.
A Simple Way to Reduce Food Waste
The result is a beautiful homemade strawberry syrup bursting with fresh berry flavor. It’s a wonderful way to stretch your grocery budget while reducing food waste—something that’s always a win in my kitchen.
So Many Delicious Ways to Use Strawberry Syrup
One of my favorite ways to use this sauce is drizzled over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s also delicious poured over pancakes, waffles, or French toast as a homemade strawberry syrup. Stir a spoonful into yogurt or oatmeal for a fruity breakfast, or swirl it into cheesecake for an extra-special dessert.
Looking for a refreshing summer drink? Mix a little strawberry top syrup with fresh lemonade for an easy homemade strawberry lemonade that’s full of real strawberry flavor. It also makes a tasty addition to sparkling water, iced tea, or even homemade milkshakes.
Keep a Bag in Your Freezer
The best part is knowing you’re making the most of every strawberry. Instead of throwing away perfectly flavorful tops, you’re creating something delicious while cutting down on food waste. It’s one of those simple kitchen habits that quickly becomes second nature.
So the next time you’re prepping strawberries, don’t reach for the trash can. Reach for a freezer bag instead! Once you’ve collected about 2 cups of strawberry tops, you’ll have everything you need to make a sweet, homemade strawberry syrup that’s perfect for all the strawberry things. Your pancakes, waffles, ice cream, lemonade, and desserts will thank you—and so will your grocery budget!
Strawberry Top Syrup
A delicious strawberry syrup made with leftover strawberry tops! A flavorful and sweet strawberry syrup perfect for ice cream, pancakes, waffles, lemonade, and more.
Ingredients
- 2 cups strawberry tops frozen
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
Instructions
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In a medium saucepan bring strawberry tops, water and sugar to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
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Strain the tops from the syrup. Compost the tops if you have a food compost option.
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Return the strawberry syrup to the saucepan and simmer for 15-20 minutes more, until it is syrup and reached your desired thickness.
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Cool and transfer the strawberry syrup to a container, jar or bottle and refrigerate once cooled.
