You miss the best part of the berry if you're doing this.
Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Cut the Ends off Strawberries
Updated on Sep. 30, 2024
Hooray for strawberry season! Reliable BFF of rhubarb and enchanting dance partner to chocolate, the simple, gorgeous strawberry is on all our must-eat lists this time of year. Does anything sound nicer than sipping luscious strawberry cocktails or tucking into sun-kissed strawberry desserts on a spring afternoon? Indeed, nothing says “welcome, spring!” like these heart-shaped (and heart-stealing) berries.
But are you making the most of your pretty haul? Not if you’re making this simple mistake.
Why Shouldn’t You Toss the Tips?
They’re the sweetest part of the whole berry. And the reason this seed-covered little point is the tastiest part? Gravity. Yep, it’s so simple, it’s shocking. As the ripening berry hangs by the cap on its stem, gravity pulls naturally occurring sugars down into the tip. This makes the strawberry tip the sweetest, choicest part. And when you toss those tips (read: if you don’t like their knobby, seedy appearance), you’re letting go of the most flavorful part.
How to Really Cut a Strawberry
Be sure when you’re slicing berries, to eat now or freeze for later, that you cut them vertically, from cap to tip. That gives each slice a little bit of that sweet ol’ magic.
These No-Bake Desserts Let the Strawberries Speak for Themselves
Strawberry Pretzel PieThis no-bake strawberry pretzel pie recipe is salty, sweet and perfect for potlucks, picnics and just about any gathering under the warm summer sun.
Also, try these bursting-with-berries sweets that are too pretty to pass up! Grab a serving (or two) of our favorite strawberry dessert recipes.
Cornmeal Towers with Strawberries & CreamMy kids love to help make these towers. They measure, mix, whisk and build stacks. It's a family custom and a perfect summer breakfast or dessert. —Josie Shapiro, San Francisco, California
Strawberry-Banana Pudding CakeThis luscious pink pudding cake is so easy to put together. Top it with ice cream and fresh fruit, and you have one very happy family. —Nadine Mesch, Mount Healthy, Ohio
White Chocolate-Strawberry TiramisuOur strawberry tiramisu recipe is a twist on a classic tiramisu, using ladyfingers as the base structure for a delicious dessert with flavors reminiscent of a strawberry cassata cake. Fresh strawberries are the star of this tasty treat that's topped with creamy layers of luscious flavor. Be forewarned; you may want to keep the entire dessert for yourself!
Mango CheesecakeThis eggless mango cheesecake is mixed and set in the fridge for an easy, refreshing dessert in the summertime. No oven necessary!
Berry CurdI've always loved strawberries. Each time they're in season, I think of new and interesting ways to use them. I spoon this strawberry curd over just about everything, from waffles and pancakes to cake and ice cream. —Margo Zoerner, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Strawberry-Rhubarb Ice PopsThese cool, creamy pops are a deliciously different way to use up the bounty from your rhubarb patch. —Donna Linihan, Moncton, New Brunswick
Cookies ‘n’ Cream Berry DessertsThis sweet berry dessert makes an especially pretty final course in the spring. With berries, a creamy topping and a sprinkle of meringue cookies, it always earns praise. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Sour Cream BavarianAre you ‘sweet on’ someone who’s counting calories? Show them you care with this light and refreshing dessert. It’s sinfully creamy and so pretty with the tart raspberry sauce. No one would ever guess that it’s fat-free! —Judi Janczewski, Berwyn, Illinois
Slow-Cooked Strawberry Rhubarb SauceThis tart and tangy fruit sauce is excellent over pound cake or ice cream. I have served this topping many times and have gotten rave reviews from friends and family. —Judith Wasman, Harkers Island, North Carolina
Patriotic PopsMy kids love homemade ice pops, and I love knowing that the ones we make are good for them. We whip up a big batch with multiple flavors so they have many choices, but these patriotic red, white and blueberry ones are always a favorite! —Shannon Carino, Frisco, Texas
Strawberry GelatoOur contest-winning strawberry gelato is an easy and luscious summer dessert, and a perfect way to use ripe berries!
Strawberry Crunch Ice Cream CakeWhile growing up, I loved treats from the ice cream truck that rolled through my neighborhood. This ice cream cake is inspired by one of those crunchy, strawberry novelties. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Star-Spangled ParfaitsThe best time for this dessert is midsummer, when the blueberries are thick in our northern woods. Red raspberries can be added to the mixed berries, too, to brighten the patriotic colors. —Anne Theriault, Wellesley, Massachusetts
Cool Strawberry CreamThis fruity, luscious dessert makes a wonderful ending to a special dinner. When fresh strawberries are not available, substitute two packages frozen unsweetened strawberries, thawed and drained, for the fresh. —Joyce Cooper, Mount Forest, Ontario
Berry, Lemon and Doughnut Hole TrifleAfter my son called and said he was bringing home his college roommates, I was able to whip up this quick yet impressive dessert in only a few minutes. It's been a family favorite ever since. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Grilled Angel Food Cake with Fruit SalsaWhen I need dessert fast, I go with angel food cake. Mix fruit salsa ahead of time, and pop the cake on the grill. —Glorimar Jimenez, Indianapolis, Indiana
Strawberry Banana PopsiclesStrawberry banana popsicles are fruity, creamy and refreshing. They're made with four simple ingredients: strawberries, a banana, maple syrup and canned coconut milk.
Strawberry-Rosemary Yogurt PopsWe planted strawberries a few years ago and these tangy-sweet frozen yogurt pops are my very favorite treats to make with them! The options are endless. Try using other yogurt flavors like lemon, raspberry or blueberry. —Carmell Childs, Orangeville, Utah
Tapioca PuddingThis homemade tapioca pudding is made in a slow cooker, so there's no need to stand and watch the pot as with a traditional recipe.
Rhubarb Fool with StrawberriesA fool is a classic British and Irish dessert that's usually made with whipped cream and cooked fruit. Try my quick version with rhubarb and berries. —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado
Strawberry ShortcakeOur strawberry shortcake is a classic recipe that can be ready by lunchtime. Use those farmers market strawberries for something special.
Homemade Strawberry Ice CreamThis creamy, luscious ice cream will remind you of the signature treat served at church ice cream socials. What dessert could be better? —Esther Johnson, Merrill, Wisconsin—Esther Johnson, Merrill, Wisconsin
Berry Rhubarb FoolA "fool" is a British dessert that's usually made with custard. This is a modified, quicker version I created. My kids love it because it doesn't taste like rhubarb—so I guess it's well named! —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado
Freezer Strawberry Shortbread DessertWhen I’m planning party menus, I appreciate dessert recipes like this; you can make and freeze it up to two weeks before serving. A refreshing slice is welcome after a big meal.—Cassie Alexander, Muncie, Indiana
Cheesecake-Stuffed StrawberriesCheesecake-stuffed strawberries are simple to make and packed full of flavor. They're sure to be a hit at your next party.
Red, White and Blueberry PieThis creamy pie gets dressed up with berries to make a showstopping display at any Fourth of July party or summer get-together. It's as pretty as it is tasty! —Kimberly McFarland, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Strawberry Banana TrifleNo matter where I take this dessert, the bowl is emptied in minutes. It's fun to make because everyone oohs and ahhs over how pretty it is. —Kim Waterhouse, Randolph, Maine
Mixed Berry Sundaes for 2These delightful yogurt sundaes are an easy way to add fruit and calcium to your diet. Berries star in the dish, which I enjoy as a simple breakfast or healthy dessert for two. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Patriotic Frozen DelightMy husband and I pick lots of fruit at berry farms in the area and freeze it to enjoy all year long. This frozen dessert showcases both blueberries and strawberries and has a refreshing lemon flavor. —Bernice Russ, Bladenboro, North Carolina. Learn how to make no-bake strawberry delight.
Chocolate Cinnamon ToastYou might want to sit down for this one. Cinnamon bread gets topped with chocolate and fresh berries, then toasted in a skillet. That's real love. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutella-Stuffed StrawberriesGourmet strawberries are pricey to order but easy to make. We serve strawberries with hazelnut spread as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or dessert. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Strawberry Cheesecake TrifleThis strawberry cheesecake trifle is a striking dessert—especially when it's served in a clear bowl, and every layer of strawberries, cream cheese and pound cake is visible.
Strawberry Cheesecake Ice CreamStrawberry cheesecake ice cream is the perfect summer treat. Pureed strawberries, cream cheese, two types of cream, and graham cracker crumbs give this recipe its fresh flavor and rich texture.
Easy Strawberry Lemonade Freezer PieThree simple ingredients mixed together and spread into a graham cracker crust make magic while your freezer does all the work. Prep this pie ahead and freeze it overnight or even longer. Feel free to vary the fruit if you'd like! —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
Strawberry Rhubarb CreamA friend gave me this recipe a long time ago. It’s rich and creamy yet refreshing. I make this often in early summer when rhubarb is readily available. —Norma DesRoches, Warwick, Rhode Island
Slow-Cooker Strawberry Pudding CakeI had these ingredients in my pantry and thought I'd experiment. The flavors are just like strawberry cheesecake—only in a warm, comforting cake version. It's a whole lot easier than making cheesecake, too! —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
