How to Make Candied Strawberries Without Corn Syrup?
To make candied strawberries without corn syrup, you can use alternative syrups such as honey, agave nectar, brown rice syrup, golden syrup, cane syrup, or maple syrup.
Instead of corn syrup, you can create a sugar syrup by combining 2 cups of white sugar with ½ cup of water until the sugar reaches 300°F.
Rinse and dry 20 strawberries, then insert toothpicks into them.
Dip each strawberry into the syrup and let it cool on a baking sheet.
For added flavor, you can include ingredients like orange blossom water, lemon zest, honey, mint, or food coloring.
Refrigerate the strawberries for 2 hours before serving.
Other methods to achieve the same result without corn syrup include dipping the strawberries in melted sugar or adding a few drops of lemon juice.
You can also explore using powdered sugar, chocolate, or maple syrup as substitutes for corn syrup.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. Did you know that strawberries are not technically berries, but rather an aggregate fruit? Each seed on a strawberry is actually an individual fruit known as an achene.
2. The first recorded cultivation of strawberries dates back to Ancient Rome, where they were used not just for food, but also for medicinal purposes, such as alleviating digestive disorders.
3. Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, containing more of this essential nutrient per serving than oranges! Just one cup of strawberries provides over 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C.
4. There’s a curious tradition in Belgium where, on the first day of the annual strawberry harvest, a maiden is chosen to be named “Strawberry Queen” for the entire season. She is then tasked with promoting the fruit within her community.
5. In 2007, a chef in Japan named Toyoji Takahashi successfully created a square-shaped strawberry named the “Cube Berry” by growing them within specially designed square molds. These unique strawberries became exceptionally popular and were even considered a luxury gift item.
Alternative Syrups For Candied Strawberries
Candied strawberries are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed on their own or used as a topping for various desserts. Typically, corn syrup is used to create the sweet and sticky coating that gives candied strawberries their signature texture. However, if you prefer to avoid corn syrup for dietary or personal reasons, there are several alternative syrups you can use instead.
One popular option is honey, which not only adds sweetness but also imparts a unique floral flavor to the strawberries. Another alternative is agave nectar, a natural sweetener derived from the agave plant. It has a mild taste and a low glycemic index, making it a great choice for those watching their sugar intake.
Brown rice syrup, golden syrup, and cane syrup are other alternatives that can be readily found in most grocery stores. These syrups offer a similar sweetness to corn syrup and can be used as a substitute.
Finally, if you’re looking for a more distinctive flavor, you can try using maple syrup. Maple syrup will give your candied strawberries a rich and earthy taste, adding a unique element to the traditional treat.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and a floral flavor to the strawberries.
- Agave nectar: A natural sweetener with a mild taste and low glycemic index.
- Brown rice syrup, golden syrup, and cane syrup: Alternatives readily available in most grocery stores.
- Maple syrup: Provides a distinctive, rich, and earthy flavor.
“Candied strawberries are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed on their own or used as a topping for various desserts.”
Recipe For Candied Strawberries With Sugar And Water
If you don’t have access to alternative syrups or simply prefer a classic approach, you can make candied strawberries without corn syrup using just sugar and water. This simple recipe will yield deliciously sweet strawberries with a glossy, candy-like coating.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 20 strawberries
- 2 cups white sugar
- ½ cup water
- 20 toothpicks
Begin by rinsing the strawberries under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry gently with a paper towel, being careful not to crush the delicate fruit.
Next, prepare the syrup by combining the white sugar and water in a medium-sized saucepan. Heat the mixture on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the syrup reaches a temperature of 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer. Remove the saucepan from heat.
To make it easier to handle the strawberries, insert a toothpick into the stem end of each one. Dip the strawberries individually into the hot syrup, swirling them around to ensure they are evenly coated. Place the coated strawberries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, allowing any excess syrup to drip off.
Let the strawberries cool completely at room temperature, or you can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator for about 2 hours.
- Rinse strawberries under cold water
- Pat strawberries dry gently
- Combine white sugar and water in a medium-sized saucepan
- Heat mixture until sugar is dissolved and syrup reaches 300°F (150°C)
- Remove from heat
- Insert toothpick into the stem end of each strawberry
- Dip strawberries individually into hot syrup
- Place coated strawberries on baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Let strawberries cool completely at room temperature (or refrigerate for 2 hours)
Variations For Syrup Flavor And Toppings
While the basic recipe for candied strawberries is delicious as is, you can enhance the flavor and appearance of these sweet treats by adding various ingredients to the syrup and experimenting with different toppings. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
- Add a few drops of orange blossom water or sprinkle lemon zest into the syrup for a refreshing citrus twist.
- For a more intense flavor, replace a portion of the white sugar with honey or even sprinkle in some fresh mint leaves.
- If you want to add a pop of color, consider incorporating a few drops of food coloring into the syrup to create vibrant candied strawberries.
- After dipping the strawberries in the syrup, you can take them to the next level by rolling them in various toppings. Some popular options include white chocolate chips, crushed pistachios, walnuts, almonds, coconut flakes, colorful sprinkles, colored sanding sugar, or even mini chocolate chips.
Feel free to get creative and mix and match different flavors and toppings to suit your taste preferences. The possibilities are endless, and the end result will be visually appealing candied strawberries that are as delicious as they are beautiful.
Nutrition Facts For Candied Strawberries
While candied strawberries may be an indulgent treat, it’s worth noting the nutritional information to make informed choices about portion sizes and frequency of consumption. The following nutrition facts are based on a 100-gram serving of candied strawberries:
- 396 calories
- 0 grams of total fat
- 0 grams of saturated fat
- 0 milligrams of cholesterol
- 2.6 milligrams of sodium
- 2.3 milligrams of potassium
- 99 grams of total carbohydrates
- 0.3 grams of dietary fiber
- 79.2 grams of sugars
- 0 grams of protein
It’s important to enjoy candied strawberries in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The high sugar content in these treats means they should be consumed sparingly, especially for individuals who are monitoring their sugar intake or have certain health conditions.
Improvement:
While candied strawberries may be an indulgent treat, it’s worth noting the nutritional information to make informed choices about portion sizes and frequency of consumption. The following nutrition facts are based on a 100-gram serving of candied strawberries:
- 396 calories
- 0 grams of total fat
- 0 grams of saturated fat
- 0 milligrams of cholesterol
- 2.6 milligrams of sodium
- 2.3 milligrams of potassium
- 99 grams of total carbohydrates
- 0.3 grams of dietary fiber
- 79.2 grams of sugars
- 0 grams of protein
It’s important to enjoy candied strawberries in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The high sugar content in these treats means they should be consumed sparingly, especially for individuals who are monitoring their sugar intake or have certain health conditions.
- Enjoy candied strawberries in moderation
- Part of a balanced diet
- High sugar content means consume sparingly
- Caution for individuals monitoring sugar intake or with certain health conditions
Instructions For Making Candied Strawberries
Now that you have gathered all the necessary information, let’s walk through the step-by-step instructions for making these delicious candied strawberries without corn syrup:
- Rinse 20 strawberries under cold water and gently pat them dry with a paper towel.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine 2 cups of white sugar and ½ cup of water.
- Heat the syrup on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved completely and the mixture reaches a temperature of 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer.
- Remove the saucepan from heat.
- Insert a toothpick into the stem end of each strawberry to make them easier to handle.
- Dip each strawberry individually into the hot syrup, swirling them around to ensure a thorough coating.
- Place the coated strawberries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, allowing any excess syrup to drip off.
- Let the strawberries cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate them for about 2 hours to speed up the process.
- Once cooled and hardened, the candied strawberries are ready to be enjoyed as a standalone treat or used to enhance desserts.
Remember to store any leftover candied strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness.
Substitutes For Corn Syrup In Candied Strawberries
While corn syrup is commonly used in candied strawberries due to its affordability and ability to create a smooth coating, there are several alternatives that can be used to achieve a similar result. If you prefer to avoid corn syrup, consider these substitutes:
- Dip the strawberries in melted sugar, which will create a brittle and shiny coating that is reminiscent of classic candy apples.
- Adding a few drops of lemon juice to the sugar syrup can help prevent crystallization and result in a smoother texture.
- Another option is to use powdered sugar, which, when mixed with water or another liquid, can create a thick syrup that adheres well to the strawberries.
- For a rich and distinct flavor, you can also replace corn syrup with maple syrup, although keep in mind that it will alter the taste profile of your candied strawberries.
It’s important to note that while these substitutes can create delicious candied strawberries, they may not have the exact texture or flavor as when using corn syrup. Experimentation is key in finding your preferred alternative and achieving the desired results.
In conclusion, making candied strawberries without corn syrup is not only possible but also opens up a world of possibilities for flavor variations and toppings. Whether you choose to use alternative syrups such as honey or maple syrup, or opt for traditional sugar and water, the process remains straightforward and rewarding. Remember to enjoy these sweet treats in moderation and get creative with adapting the recipe for other fruits or personalizing the flavors to suit your taste preferences. With these tips and instructions, you’re ready to embark on a journey of creating healthier and more nutritious candied strawberries without corn syrup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my candied strawberries harden?
If your candied strawberries are not hardening, it is likely because the candying mixture was not cooked at a high enough temperature. It is important to let the mixture cook until it reaches a bubbly, thick consistency and turns a golden color similar to caramel. Once it has reached this stage, promptly remove it from the heat to prevent burning.
How do you preserve strawberries in sugar syrup?
To preserve strawberries in sugar syrup, you can opt for either the Whole Berries Syrup Pack or the Whole Berries Sugar Pack methods. In the syrup pack method, place the strawberries in containers and cover them with a cold 50 percent syrup, ensuring to leave some headspace. Seal the containers and freeze them. If you prefer the sugar pack method, mix ¾ cup of sugar with 1 quart of strawberries, making sure to thoroughly coat the berries. Stir the mixture until most of the sugar is dissolved, or allow it to rest for 15 minutes before preserving.
How much sugar to sweeten strawberries?
The amount of sugar required to sweeten strawberries depends on the acidity of the berries. As a general guideline, it is recommended to use at least 2 tablespoons of sugar for every cup of berries. However, if the strawberries are particularly tart, you may need to increase the amount of sugar to achieve the desired sweetness. To store the sweetened strawberries, a covered place in the refrigerator is essential. Personally, I prefer using a glass bowl covered with plastic wrap, as it provides a suitable environment for preserving their freshness.
What makes hard candy hard?
The firmness of hard candy is primarily attributed to the high cooking temperature it undergoes during production. When the sugar-based syrups are boiled to temperatures reaching up to 160°C (320°F), the water content evaporates, resulting in a concentrated mixture of sugar molecules. As the syrup cools down, it solidifies, forming a rigid structure that gives the candy its characteristic hardness. This process has been perfected since the 17th century when candy production began, harnessing the popularity of sugar to create delightful treats with a satisfying crunch.