Almonds adds nutty richness and texture that gives strawberries more contrast and substance.
strawberries
+ Add to WorkbenchAbout this ingredient
The world's most popular berry (Fragaria × ananassa, a cultivated hybrid) — with a flavor defined by dozens of volatile esters (particularly furaneol, DMHF, me…
88 pairings
Editorial
Flavor profile
Strawberry flavor comes primarily from two compounds: 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone (DMHF/furaneol — caramel-strawberry note) and methyl and ethyl esters (fruity, floral). The best strawberry flavor requires field-ripening: the sugars, acids, and volatile compounds develop fully only on the plant, not after picking. Supermarket strawberries, picked underripe for shipping and shelf life, lack the volatile complexity of peak-ripe fruit. The acidity (malic and citric acids) must be in balance with the sweetness — underripe strawberries are mouth-puckeringly sour; overripe are insipid. Macerating sliced strawberries with a pinch of sugar and a few drops of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for 30 minutes draws out the juices and concentrates the flavor through osmosis. Classic preparations: strawberries with cream (the English Wimbledon standard), shortcake, tarts, jam, and sorbets. Strawberries lose nearly all their fresh volatile character when cooked — the distinctive fresh-strawberry aroma is not reproduced by heat.
Pairings
Flavor relationships
Pairs well with
almonds
amaretto
apricots, pureed
bananas
berries
biscuit
blackberries
blueberries
boysenberries
brandy
buttermilk
caramel
cardamom
champagne
chartreuse
cheese, queso de los beyos
cheese, ricotta
chocolate, dark
chocolate, white
cinnamon
cloves
cognac
coriander
cream and ice cream
cream cheese
crème de cassis
crème fraîche
crust, pastry
crust, pie
custard
elderflower syrup
gelatin (for texture)
ginger
gooseberries
grapefruit
grapes
grappa
guava
hazelnuts
honey
kirsch
kumquats
lemon, juice
lemon, zest
lemon verbena
lime, juice
lime, zest
liqueurs, berry or orange
loquats
mangoes
maple syrup
mascarpone
melon
mint
nutmeg
oatmeal
orange, juice
orange, zest
papaya
passion fruit
peaches
peanuts
pecans
pepper, black
pies
pineapple
pine nuts
pistachios
plums
pomegranates
port
raspberries
rhubarb
rum
sake
sherry
shortcake
sour cream
sugar, brown
sugar, white
tarts
vanilla
vinegar, balsamic
walnuts
wine, red or rosé
yogurt
zabaglione
grand marnier
almonds
Almonds adds nutty richness and texture that gives strawberries more contrast and substance.
amaretto
Amaretto adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
apricots, pureed
Apricots, Pureed adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
bananas
Bananas adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
berries
Berries adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
biscuit
Biscuit gives strawberries a starchy, baked, or structured base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel more substantial.
blackberries
Blackberries adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
blueberries
Blueberries adds salt, fat, and savory depth that give strawberries more structure and make the combination feel fuller.
boysenberries
Boysenberries adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
brandy
Brandy adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
buttermilk
Buttermilk adds richness and helps carry strawberries's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
caramel
Caramel adds seasoning or sweetness that balances strawberries's sharper, richer, or earthier qualities.
cardamom
Cardamom adds spice, warmth, or aromatic complexity that plays against strawberries's natural base notes.
champagne
Champagne adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
chartreuse
Chartreuse adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
cheese, queso de los beyos
Cheese, Queso De Los Beyos adds salt, fat, and savory depth that give strawberries more structure and make the combination feel fuller.
cheese, ricotta
Cheese, Ricotta adds salt, fat, and savory depth that give strawberries more structure and make the combination feel fuller.
chocolate, dark
Dark chocolate grounds strawberries' bright sweetness with roasted bitterness, making the pairing vivid rather than merely sugary.
chocolate, white
Chocolate, White adds roasted bitterness and depth that balances strawberries's sweetness, richness, or aromatic intensity.
cinnamon
Cinnamon adds spice, warmth, or aromatic complexity that plays against strawberries's natural base notes.
cloves
Cloves adds spice, warmth, or aromatic complexity that plays against strawberries's natural base notes.
cognac
Cognac adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
coriander
Coriander adds spice, warmth, or aromatic complexity that plays against strawberries's natural base notes.
cream and ice cream
Cream softens strawberries' acidity and turns their fruitiness into a classic dessert pairing.
cream cheese
Cream Cheese adds richness and helps carry strawberries's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
crème de cassis
Crème De Cassis adds richness and helps carry strawberries's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
crème fraîche
Crème Fraîche adds richness and helps carry strawberries's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
crust, pastry
Crust, Pastry complements strawberries by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
crust, pie
Crust, Pie complements strawberries by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
custard
Custard adds richness and helps carry strawberries's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
elderflower syrup
Elderflower Syrup complements strawberries by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
gelatin (for texture)
Gelatin (For Texture) complements strawberries by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
ginger
Ginger adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
gooseberries
Gooseberries adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
grapefruit
Grapefruit brings acidity and brightness that sharpens strawberries's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
grapes
Grapes adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
grappa
Grappa adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
guava
Guava adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
hazelnuts
Hazelnuts adds nutty richness and texture that gives strawberries more contrast and substance.
honey
Honey adds seasoning or sweetness that balances strawberries's sharper, richer, or earthier qualities.
kirsch
Kirsch adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
kumquats
Kumquats adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
lemon, juice
Lemon, Juice brings acidity and brightness that sharpens strawberries's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
lemon, zest
Lemon, Zest brings acidity and brightness that sharpens strawberries's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
lemon verbena
Lemon Verbena brings acidity and brightness that sharpens strawberries's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
lime, juice
Lime, Juice brings acidity and brightness that sharpens strawberries's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
lime, zest
Lime, Zest brings acidity and brightness that sharpens strawberries's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
liqueurs, berry or orange
Liqueurs, Berry Or Orange brings acidity and brightness that sharpens strawberries's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
loquats
Loquats complements strawberries by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
mangoes
Mangoes adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
maple syrup
Maple Syrup adds seasoning or sweetness that balances strawberries's sharper, richer, or earthier qualities.
mascarpone
Mascarpone adds richness and helps carry strawberries's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
melon
Melon adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
mint
Mint adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping strawberries from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
nutmeg
Nutmeg adds spice, warmth, or aromatic complexity that plays against strawberries's natural base notes.
oatmeal
Oatmeal gives strawberries a starchy, baked, or structured base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel more substantial.
orange, juice
Orange, Juice brings acidity and brightness that sharpens strawberries's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
orange, zest
Orange, Zest brings acidity and brightness that sharpens strawberries's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
papaya
Papaya adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
passion fruit
Passion Fruit adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
peaches
Peaches adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
peanuts
Peanuts adds nutty richness and texture that gives strawberries more contrast and substance.
pecans
Pecans adds nutty richness and texture that gives strawberries more contrast and substance.
pepper, black
Pepper, Black brings heat, sharpness, or tang that wakes up strawberries's milder flavors and adds contrast.
pies
Pies gives strawberries a starchy, baked, or structured base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel more substantial.
pineapple
Pineapple adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
pine nuts
Pine Nuts adds nutty richness and texture that gives strawberries more contrast and substance.
pistachios
Pistachios adds nutty richness and texture that gives strawberries more contrast and substance.
plums
Plums adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
pomegranates
Pomegranates adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
port
Port adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
raspberries
Raspberries adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
rhubarb
Rhubarb's tartness gives strawberries structure, while strawberries soften rhubarb's sharp edge.
rum
Rum adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
sake
Sake adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
sherry
Sherry adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
shortcake
Shortcake gives strawberries a starchy, baked, or structured base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel more substantial.
sour cream
Sour Cream adds richness and helps carry strawberries's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
sugar, brown
Sugar, Brown adds seasoning or sweetness that balances strawberries's sharper, richer, or earthier qualities.
sugar, white
Sugar, White adds seasoning or sweetness that balances strawberries's sharper, richer, or earthier qualities.
tarts
Tarts gives strawberries a starchy, baked, or structured base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel more substantial.
vanilla
Vanilla rounds strawberries' acidity and highlights their floral sweetness.
vinegar, balsamic
Vinegar, Balsamic adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
walnuts
Walnuts adds nutty richness and texture that gives strawberries more contrast and substance.
wine, red or rosé
Wine, Red Or Rosé adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
yogurt
Yogurt adds richness and helps carry strawberries's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
zabaglione
Zabaglione adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
grand marnier
Grand Marnier complements strawberries by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
amaretto
Amaretto adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
apricots, pureed
Apricots, Pureed adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
Bananas adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
Berries adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
biscuit
Biscuit gives strawberries a starchy, baked, or structured base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel more substantial.
Blackberries adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
Blueberries adds salt, fat, and savory depth that give strawberries more structure and make the combination feel fuller.
Boysenberries adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
brandy
Brandy adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
Buttermilk adds richness and helps carry strawberries's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
Caramel adds seasoning or sweetness that balances strawberries's sharper, richer, or earthier qualities.
Cardamom adds spice, warmth, or aromatic complexity that plays against strawberries's natural base notes.
Champagne adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
chartreuse
Chartreuse adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
cheese, queso de los beyos
Cheese, Queso De Los Beyos adds salt, fat, and savory depth that give strawberries more structure and make the combination feel fuller.
Cheese, Ricotta adds salt, fat, and savory depth that give strawberries more structure and make the combination feel fuller.
chocolate, dark
Dark chocolate grounds strawberries' bright sweetness with roasted bitterness, making the pairing vivid rather than merely sugary.
Chocolate, White adds roasted bitterness and depth that balances strawberries's sweetness, richness, or aromatic intensity.
Cinnamon adds spice, warmth, or aromatic complexity that plays against strawberries's natural base notes.
Cloves adds spice, warmth, or aromatic complexity that plays against strawberries's natural base notes.
Cognac adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
Coriander adds spice, warmth, or aromatic complexity that plays against strawberries's natural base notes.
cream and ice cream
Cream softens strawberries' acidity and turns their fruitiness into a classic dessert pairing.
Cream Cheese adds richness and helps carry strawberries's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
crème de cassis
Crème De Cassis adds richness and helps carry strawberries's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
Crème Fraîche adds richness and helps carry strawberries's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
crust, pastry
Crust, Pastry complements strawberries by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
crust, pie
Crust, Pie complements strawberries by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
custard
Custard adds richness and helps carry strawberries's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
elderflower syrup
Elderflower Syrup complements strawberries by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
gelatin (for texture)
Gelatin (For Texture) complements strawberries by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
Ginger adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
gooseberries
Gooseberries adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
Grapefruit brings acidity and brightness that sharpens strawberries's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
Grapes adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
grappa
Grappa adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
guava
Guava adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
Hazelnuts adds nutty richness and texture that gives strawberries more contrast and substance.
Honey adds seasoning or sweetness that balances strawberries's sharper, richer, or earthier qualities.
kirsch
Kirsch adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
Kumquats adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
lemon, juice
Lemon, Juice brings acidity and brightness that sharpens strawberries's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
lemon, zest
Lemon, Zest brings acidity and brightness that sharpens strawberries's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
Lemon Verbena brings acidity and brightness that sharpens strawberries's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
lime, juice
Lime, Juice brings acidity and brightness that sharpens strawberries's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
lime, zest
Lime, Zest brings acidity and brightness that sharpens strawberries's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
liqueurs, berry or orange
Liqueurs, Berry Or Orange brings acidity and brightness that sharpens strawberries's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
loquats
Loquats complements strawberries by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
Mangoes adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
Maple Syrup adds seasoning or sweetness that balances strawberries's sharper, richer, or earthier qualities.
Mascarpone adds richness and helps carry strawberries's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
melon
Melon adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
Mint adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping strawberries from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
Nutmeg adds spice, warmth, or aromatic complexity that plays against strawberries's natural base notes.
Oatmeal gives strawberries a starchy, baked, or structured base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel more substantial.
orange, juice
Orange, Juice brings acidity and brightness that sharpens strawberries's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
orange, zest
Orange, Zest brings acidity and brightness that sharpens strawberries's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
papaya
Papaya adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
Passion Fruit adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
Peaches adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
peanuts
Peanuts adds nutty richness and texture that gives strawberries more contrast and substance.
Pecans adds nutty richness and texture that gives strawberries more contrast and substance.
Pepper, Black brings heat, sharpness, or tang that wakes up strawberries's milder flavors and adds contrast.
pies
Pies gives strawberries a starchy, baked, or structured base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel more substantial.
pineapple
Pineapple adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
Pine Nuts adds nutty richness and texture that gives strawberries more contrast and substance.
Pistachios adds nutty richness and texture that gives strawberries more contrast and substance.
Plums adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
Pomegranates adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
port
Port adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
Raspberries adds fruitiness and natural sweetness that rounds out strawberries's sharper, richer, or more aromatic side.
Rhubarb's tartness gives strawberries structure, while strawberries soften rhubarb's sharp edge.
Rum adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
Sake adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
sherry
Sherry adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
shortcake
Shortcake gives strawberries a starchy, baked, or structured base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel more substantial.
Sour Cream adds richness and helps carry strawberries's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
sugar, brown
Sugar, Brown adds seasoning or sweetness that balances strawberries's sharper, richer, or earthier qualities.
sugar, white
Sugar, White adds seasoning or sweetness that balances strawberries's sharper, richer, or earthier qualities.
tarts
Tarts gives strawberries a starchy, baked, or structured base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel more substantial.
Vanilla rounds strawberries' acidity and highlights their floral sweetness.
Vinegar, Balsamic adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
Walnuts adds nutty richness and texture that gives strawberries more contrast and substance.
wine, red or rosé
Wine, Red Or Rosé adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
Yogurt adds richness and helps carry strawberries's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
zabaglione
Zabaglione adds acidity, sweetness, or aromatic depth that helps strawberries work in drinks, sauces, desserts, braises, or cooked preparations.
grand marnier
Grand Marnier complements strawberries by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.