Concentrated Strawberry Syrup

Instructions

1. Prepare strawberries: Wash the strawberries thoroughly at least twice to remove impurities, especially under the veins. Drain the water.
2. Remove green veins and hull: Using a funnel or by hand, remove all green veins and hulls from the strawberries.
3. Grind strawberries: Grind or blend the strawberries in batches until completely mashed and dissolved to a smooth texture.
4. Extract juice: Place the mashed strawberries in a very fine sieve and press with a spoon to extract as much juice as possible, leaving behind the pulp.
5. Combine juice with sugar and lemon: Pour the extracted juice into a high-heat resistant saucepan. Add 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
6. Cook the syrup: Heat the mixture on medium-high heat until it boils, then reduce to low heat. Let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove any foam that forms on the surface to ensure a clear syrup.
7. Cool and store: Turn off the heat once the syrup thickens and becomes sticky. Pour into clean glass bottles (avoid plastic due to acidity). Let it cool for about 20 minutes before sealing. Store in the refrigerator; it can last for more than a year.
8. Serve the drink: To serve, mix approximately 2 tablespoons of the concentrated syrup into a cup of cold water. Stir well and add ice cubes for a refreshing strawberry drink.