Seedless fruits have become more popular in recent years due to their durability and long shelf life. They also have a better and softer texture, making them easy to consume and incorporate into menus like purees and smoothies.
While seedless oranges, grapes, and watermelons are popular in the market, seedless strawberries are not easy to find since they don’t occur naturally. If you are looking for seedless strawberries, this article has all you need to know, including how to make your own seedless strawberries and their nutritional value.
Online Stores Selling Seedless Strawberries and Products
Since seedless strawberries do not exist naturally, it is difficult to find them in your local grocery stores and farmers’ markets. The best place to source them is from online stores that get them from overseas or directly from companies that create them. However, note that seedless strawberries that result from processes like genetic mutation may not be completely seedless, but lack mature seeds.
Keep in mind it can be difficult to track your products, as some of the products are purely synthetic and may not be safe. Therefore, it is advisable to do your research on the company or seller you are buying from to ensure they are reputable and trustworthy.
Below are a few examples of online stores where you can buy seedless strawberries and products, including jams and spreads. Just head over to the websites and search for the products you want.
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Alibaba
- Etsy
- eBay
- FreshDirect
If you are uncertain about getting your strawberries online or are skeptical about the quality, you can make your seedless strawberries from scratch using natural strawberries. Not only will you be sure about what you consume, but you can easily access strawberries from local grocery stores or farmers in your locality.
How to Remove Seeds from Strawberries
Since you can’t grow your own seedless strawberries, it is much simpler to create your own seedless strawberries by removing the seeds. What’s more, the process doesn’t require any special tools or skills. Here are ways you can use to remove seeds from strawberries.
1. Toothpick Method
The toothpick method is a simple way to de-seed your strawberries. As the name suggests, you only need a toothpick, which you can easily find in your home, for the task. When using the toothpick method, always go for fully ripened strawberries to make it easier.
To remove the seeds, hold your strawberry firmly and use a toothpick to pop out the seeds from the cavities. The toothpick should be sharp so you don’t damage your strawberries, and you also need to be careful not to pull out a lot of the strawberry’s flesh.
Since you have to manually remove the seeds from each strawberry, this method may not be suitable for many strawberries as it can be time-consuming.
2. Freezing Method
To use the freezing method, put your strawberries in an ice tray and cover using a cling film. Place the tray in the freezer and let it sit for a few hours until the strawberries freeze completely. Once frozen, the flesh hardens and the skin tightens, causing the seeds to pop out of their cavities. You can then scrape off the seeds using a sharp object like a knife.
Since you get to remove multiple seeds at a time, this method is less time-consuming compared to the toothpick method. To avoid frozen strawberries clumping up together, place each strawberry individually in the ice-tray slots instead of grouping them.
3. Blending Method
If you want to make seedless strawberries for your jams, sauces, or cakes, this method is the best. The blending method involves placing your strawberries into a food processor or blender with a little water and blending it. This will crush the strawberries together with the seeds.
The seeds will float on top, and you can scoop them off or use a sieve to separate them from the resulting puree. This is a straightforward way to de-seed your strawberries. However, if you are looking for seeds to propagate, it is not the best option as you end up with crushed and damaged seeds.
5. Peel with a Knife
You can also create your own seedless strawberries with the help of a knife. Peel off a thin layer of strawberry skin together with the seeds so you remain with the pulp. You can then place the pulps in a bowl or preserve them in a jar, and discard the strawberry skins together with the seeds.
Using the knife method requires you to be super careful so you remain with as much pulp as possible. Also, it is advisable to use strawberries that are just ripening. You will end up peeling off too much pulp if you use overly ripe ones.
You can preserve your seedless strawberries in jars and freeze them for later use in juices, jams, smoothies, and even cakes. You can also enjoy them as they are, without the gritty texture of the seeds.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Are seedless strawberries really seedless?
Natural seedless strawberries do not exist. However, artificial seedless strawberries do and are usually a result of de-seeding. You can find seedless strawberries in dehydrated forms in online stores.
Do seedless strawberries have any health benefits?
Yes. While they may be seedless, seedless strawberries have the same nutritional value as those with seeds. They are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that are beneficial to the body. Seedless strawberries also contain manganese, Vitamin K, calcium, folate, and potassium, making them a valuable addition to your diet. Studies show that strawberries can help reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and stroke.
Can seedless strawberries be made?
Since it is currently impossible to naturally grow seedless strawberries, it is safe to say that they can be made. Strawberries have to undergo specific processes, such as manually removing the seeds, to create seedless strawberries. You can also create your own seedless strawberries at home using the toothpick method, the freezer method, blending your strawberries and straining out the seeds, or peeling the skin with seeds off.
Seedless Strawberries: Conclusion
Finding seedless strawberries can be a challenge since you won’t get them in your local grocery stores or farmers’ markets. However, with the above information, you can easily access seedless strawberries for your jams, purees, juices, and desserts!
