How I Made Strawberry Lemonade Concentrate for the Pantry

Hello friends, 

I recently used the last jar of the first thing I learned to can. In the summer of 2023, I came across a video on YouTube as I was searching for content from creators who look like me. Well, I found one. It was a water bath canning recipe for strawberry lemonade. As I watched the video, I believed this recipe would be possible for me to recreate. 

As usual, I had supplies, but I remained overthinking, researching, and waiting for the 'perfect' moment. The best thing about the recipe was that I did not have to use fresh strawberries. That would've meant that I would have to leave the house to purchase some, which were in season and at a great price. I had already taken advantage of the in-season prices by purchasing packages, washing, hulling them, and flash freezing them. I had several gallon-sized bags in the freezer. I had bottled lemon juice too, because in my canning research, I had learned that it was needed within some canning recipes as a product to achieve safe canning.

I tried it and I loved it. I shared some jars with others and still had a nice stash to use when the need arose. At that time, I decided to can the concentrate in half-pint jars instead of the suggested pints so I could have a nice dopamine hit when I looked at my canning storage. One half pint jar diluted was enough to enjoy with a nice meal for the three of us.

When I used the last jar of the concentrate recently, I knew I needed to make more. However, before I made strawberry lemonade, I remembered that I had some mangoes in the fridge that needed to be used (stay tuned for that story in another blog post), and used AI to help me with a lemonade concentrate recipe for mangoes. The whole time, I still knew I was going to make more strawberry lemonade concentrate, because it is delicious and holds sentimental value. 

Strawberry season is in full swing right now, and this recipe is a nice way to enjoy their bright, sweet flavor well past the summer. This week, I made a batch of strawberry lemonade concentrate and preserved it using a steam canner. It's quick, low effort, and perfect to keep shelf-stable for homemade drinks later in the year. 

What You'll Need:

• 6 cups of hulled strawberries (fresh or frozen), if frozen, thaw out in the fridge for 6-8 hours
• 4 cups of bottled lemon juice (for safe acidity)
• 6 cups of sugar

Mini Steps (Adapted from My YouTube Short):

1. Blend strawberries into a puree.
2. Strain the puree to remove seeds and pulp (this is optional)
3. Simmer the strawberry puree, lemon juice, and sugar until it reaches 190°F. It is important not to boil this.
4. Pour into sterilized jars, wipe the rims with a cloth dampened with white vinegar, and add new canning lids. Then add the bands until finger-tip tight.
5. Process in a water bath canner or steam canner. Process pint jars for 15 minutes, remembering to adjust for your altitude.
6. Let cool completely and check seals in 12-24 hours.
7. Serving suggestion: dilute to 1.5 to 3 times the amount of concentrate used. 

Video: Watch the full short here to see the process in real time

A Note on Taste: This is good! You can dilute it with water, sparkling water, or use it in mocktails. Whatever you can imagine, you can do it. You made it so the rules are your rules.

Don't have canning supplies? No problem, friend. I gotchu! You can also freeze this concentrate ❄❅❆.

What's Next: I am planning to do more seasonal drinks like blueberry-lime or peach lemonade as the summer goes on. Stay tuned -- or subscribe on YouTube so you don't miss them.

Want to try mango lemonade too? Watch the mango lemonade concentrate video here. 

And if you’re new here, welcome! I share cozy, grounded kitchen and garden content rooted in authenticity and intention.

May everything fall into place for you today. 🌿

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