How to Hull Strawberries (3 Ways)

Learn how to hull strawberries! This simple step-by-step guide makes removing strawberry stems quick and easy. No special tools required!

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Ginnie's Take

Strawberries are one of my favorite fruits, and over time, I've learned the best ways to prepare them. When you're snacking on these sweet, juicy berries, it's fine to eat around the stems. But when it comes strawberry recipes, you typically need to remove the hull (the leaves and stem). It might be tempting to simply slice off the whole top, but that wastes so much fruit. Try my simple, step-by-step tips for hulling strawberries instead. It really is easier than you'd think!

Why You'll Love These Tips

• 3 Easy Methods - Learn three tried-and-true methods for quickly removing stems from strawberries (plus, a few bonus ideas). And no special equipment required for two of the methods!
• Helpful Strawberry Tips - Learn how to properly clean and store strawberries so they last longer.
• Recipe Ideas - Use your fresh berries in one of my delicious recipes, which I've linked below.

How to Clean + Store Strawberries

Have you ever bought a package strawberries, only to have them turn moldy within a day or two? I certainly have, and it's so frustrating! If you're not planning to use your precious berries immediately, a little prep will make them stay fresher longer. Follow these tips to make your strawberries last longer:

1. Remove bad strawberries. As soon as you get home from the store, inspect your strawberries, and throw out any mushy or moldy berries.
2. Wash the berries. Cleaning strawberries removes bacteria, which helps them last longer. And you don't need any special tricks, just hot water! Simply fill a bowl with hot water (125°F / 52°C is recommended, but hot tap water also works), then add the berries and swish around for about 30 seconds. Drain the strawberries, then transfer them to a paper or kitchen towel-lined baking sheet, and let dry completely before storing. Tip: To dry the strawberries faster, line a salad spinner with a few layers of paper towels / kitchen towels, then spin dry.
3. Store in Refrigerator. Do not store strawberries at room temperature! This makes them go bad much faster. Once you've washed and dried your berries, return them to the plastic basket they came in, then refrigerate. Tip: These ventilated produce storage containers are specially designed to prevent spoilage, and can also extend the life of your strawberries!

Vinegar + Water Method: Many people swear by washing strawberries with vinegar and water. If you'd like to try this, fill a bowl with one part vinegar and three parts water (for example, ½ cup vinegar and 1 ½ cups water). Swirl the berries around for about 30 seconds, then transfer them to a collandar and rinse with more water. Dry the berries, as directed above, before storing.

How to Hull Strawberries

Strawberry stems and leaves are technically edible, although they're unpleasant to eat. Below, you'll find three simple methods (along with a few bonus ideas) for de-stemming strawberries, while removing as little of the tasty fruit as possible.

Once the strawberries have been hulled, you can slice, chop, or halve the berries (or keep them whole), so they're ready to use in your favorite recipes (or snack on).

1. Using a Knife

Removing the stem with a short-bladed knife is my favorite (and least wasteful) way to hull strawberries. A paring knife works perfectly, although some people prefer to use a bec d'oiseau (bird's beak) knife, which has a curved blade. Either one works great, and the process it the same:

1. Remove the leaves. This step is optional, but removing the leaves first makes it easier to see what you're doing. Simply hold the berry in one hand, then pluck off the leaves with your other hand.
2. Insert knife into berry. Hold the strawberry with one hand, then with your other hand, press the knife into the berry at a 45-degree angle (close to the stem).
3. Remove stem. Keeping the knife at an angle, rotate it around the stem, making a complete circle. Remove the small wedge-shaped piece when you're done.

Video: Watch renowned chef Jacques Pépin hulling strawberries using this method, and learn how he makes a unique jam!

2. Using a Strawberry Huller

If you don't mind using a special gadget, an inexpensive strawberry huller makes this process even quicker. I love using this cute little tool, especially when I need to prep many berries! Here's how it works:

1. Press button on huller. Holding the huller in one hand, compress the button on top. This will open the blades.
2. Push into strawberry. Keep the button pressed, plunge the huller into the berry.
3. Remove hull. Release the huller's button. Once the blades have closed, remove the tool and hull.

Again, this method is perfect for prepping mountains of berries! It's quick, easy, and doesn't make a big mess. The one downside, is that the huller removes more fruit compared to a knife (but not that much more).

3. Using a Straw

If you're looking for strawberry hulling hacks, this next method is for you! Grab a reusable straw, and center it on the bottom side of your berry. Press the straw through the berry (from bottom to top). As the straw comes out the other end, it will remove the stem and leaves.

This unique trick couldn't be easier to master, but it leaves a hole in the berry's core (see all the fruit in the straw below?). For these reasons, a straw isn't my favorite tools, but plenty of people disagree (lol). I recommend trying all of these methods, then seeing which one you prefer!

4. Other Ways to Remove Strawberry Stems

Okay, I've covered the most popular methods, but there are plenty of other ways to stem strawberries:

• Spoon - Scoop out the hull with a small spoon. I recommend using one with a thin, sharp edge.
• Melon Baller - Using the small end of a melon baller, remove out the stem.
• Strawberry Corer - A strawberry corer is another inexpensive specialty tool. It looks similar to a melon baller, but it has a serrated edge, which you'll slice into the strawberry to remove the stem. Bonus: It works on tomatoes, too!
• Potato Peeler - Using a traditionally-shaped potato peeler, press the eye end into the berry to remove the hull.
• Grapefruit Spoon - Slice the serrated edge of a grapefruit spoon into the berry to excise the stem.

Do you have another method for hulling berries? Let me know in the comments. I'd love to hear about it!

Recipe Ideas

Now that your berries are ready to use, what to do with them?

• Sauces - A sweet sauce, like these Macerated Strawberries or this fresh Strawberry Compote, is perfect for topping everything from oatmeal to ice cream!
• Jam - This easy Strawberry Freezer Jam is super quick to prepare and so delish. I make at least one batch every summer.
• Breakfast Recipes - Wake up to this yummy Baked Strawberry Oatmeal or these easy Strawberry Overnight Oats!
• Shortcake - These cute Mini Strawberry Shortcakes are a fun twist on the traditional recipe.
• Frozen Treats - Cool off with a sweet treat, like this easy Strawberry Frozen Yogurt, festive Strawberry Ice Cream Cake, unique Breakfast Cereal Popsicles, or these cooling Strawberry Paletas!
• Other Desserts - Love chocolate? Make my classic Chocolate Covered Strawberries (or these adorable Chocolate Strawberry Hearts), this decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Parfait, or these mouthwatering Strawberry Cream Cheese Crepes.
• Quick Bread - This Strawberry Nut Banana Bread is a fruity twist on the standard recipe!
• Drinks - Sip this refreshing Strawberry Lemonade on a hot day, or make this Banana Strawberry Green Smoothie for a quick breakfast. Craving a cocktail? You'll love these Strawberry Mojitos, icy Strawberry Frosé, and this summery Strawberry Gin and Tonic.

Check out all of my strawberry recipes for even more delicious ideas!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)