Don’t Toss Those Tops: 8 Strawberry Top Recipes That Make the Most of Summer
Old-fashioned kitchen wisdom for the cozy, seasonal home
Here on Applewood Way, we believe in simple pleasures, seasonal beauty, and wasting as little as possible. So when strawberry season rolls around and kitchen counters are full of juicy red fruit, we pause before tossing the green tops. Why? Because those leafy crowns still have more to give.
These strawberry top recipes are a gentle invitation to use what you have, savor the small things, and stretch the flavor of summer just a little longer. Whether you’re infusing, blending, steeping, or baking, there’s something quietly satisfying about turning scraps into something special.
🍓 Why Use Strawberry Tops?
The tops of strawberries—the green leaves and the bit of flesh underneath—are:
- Totally edible and surprisingly flavorful
- High in antioxidants
- Perfect for infusions, teas, and natural flavoring
- A beautiful way to cut back on kitchen waste
Plus, using them connects us to a slower, more mindful rhythm of cooking—something we always lean into at Applewood Way.
1. Strawberry Top Salad Vinegar
A pantry staple with a summer twist
This is one of the easiest strawberry top recipes to start with. Simply gather your clean strawberry tops, place them in a jar, and cover with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Let it steep for about a week in a sunny spot, then strain.
Use it in:
- Vinaigrettes
- Marinades
- Summer shrubs (a vinegar-based drink you can mix with sparkling water)
2. Strawberry Top-Infused Water
Pretty, refreshing, and subtly sweet
Add a handful of strawberry tops to a pitcher of cold water. Let it infuse in the fridge for a few hours, or overnight for stronger flavor.
Try pairing with:
- Lemon slices
- Mint or basil
- Cucumber ribbons
This makes a lovely option for porch sipping or summer picnics—no waste, just quiet luxury.
3. Strawberry Top Tea
Herbal and gentle with a hint of fruit
Strawberry tops can be steeped into a simple tea. The taste is mellow—grassy, slightly fruity, and surprisingly soothing.
To brew:
- Rinse the tops well
- Steep in hot water for 5–7 minutes
- Add lemon or honey if desired
Serve hot or chilled. It’s a lovely drink for winding down on a warm evening.
4. Strawberry Top Smoothies
No hulling, no problem
One of the most practical strawberry top recipes is also the easiest: just leave the tops on when you make your smoothies. They blend right in and add a light, earthy note without affecting the taste.
Smoothie idea:
- 1 banana
- ½ cup strawberries (tops on)
- ½ cup plain yogurt or oat milk
- A handful of spinach or kale
- Ice, cinnamon, or honey to taste
No compost bin required—just blend and sip.
5. Strawberry Top Simple Syrup
For drinks, desserts, and drizzle days
Use leftover tops to create a light pink syrup that’s perfect for cocktails, lemonades, or soaking sponge cakes.
How to make it:
- Combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and a handful of strawberry tops in a saucepan
- Simmer for 10–15 minutes
- Strain, bottle, and store in the fridge
It’s one of those strawberry top recipes that feels like a tiny bit of magic. Try it in a berry spritzer or over vanilla ice cream.
6. Strawberry Top Pesto
Savory, surprising, and deeply summery
Swap some of your usual basil or arugula with strawberry tops in your next homemade pesto. It’s a creative way to use greens that would otherwise be tossed.
Pesto base:
- Strawberry tops
- Basil or spinach
- Olive oil
- Garlic, lemon, and a handful of nuts or seeds (sunflower and walnut both work well)
Serve with pasta, roasted veggies, or spread onto a toasted slice of sourdough.
7. Strawberry Top Muffins or Quick Bread
Rustic, simple, and garden-inspired
Finely chop the fleshy parts of the tops and mix them into your favorite muffin or quick bread batter. It’s a charming, farm-style twist that adds a soft, herbal touch.
Tips:
- Use lemon zest or orange peel for brightness
- Add chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for texture
- Dust with cinnamon sugar before baking
These make lovely gifts tied with twine and a handwritten tag—especially if you add a note about the secret ingredient.
8. Strawberry Top Simmer Pot
Old-fashioned scent therapy for the home
When the tops are no longer fresh enough to eat, dry them and use them in a stovetop simmer pot. Combine with orange peels, cinnamon sticks, a splash of vanilla, and a few sprigs of rosemary. Let it simmer on low and fill your home with a soft, nostalgic fragrance.
Perfect for rainy summer days or evenings spent journaling by candlelight.
Simple, Seasonal, and Sweetly Resourceful
These strawberry top recipes aren’t just clever—they’re a love letter to the season. They invite you to slow down, to find joy in the ordinary, and to look twice before throwing something away.
So the next time you’re prepping strawberries for shortcake, smoothies, or jam, pause for just a second. Those tops? They’ve still got more to offer.
