The Secret To Sweeter Strawberries Is Sitting Next To Your Salt Shaker

Aren't strawberries just delicious? Unless you're one of the unlucky ones who happen to be allergic to them, chances are you can't get enough of how sweet, juicy, and amazingly tart they are. However, even if you're familiar with all the right tricks for picking the ripest strawberries at the store, there's no guarantee they'll be as sweet as you want them to be. Luckily, there's an easy way to bring that sweetness out. And the best part? It involves a pinch of a common kitchen staple: black pepper. 

Needless to say, black pepper is probably the last thing you'd think to sprinkle over strawberries. But there's actual science behind why it works. Black pepper contains up to 10% piperine, the alkaloid responsible for its signature heat. Once it comes into contact with our taste buds, this antioxidant compound activates nerves in our tongues and yields that pleasant tingle, offering a dynamic contrast that makes accompanying flavors pop. In strawberries, it enhances their sweetness and balances their tartness. 

At the same time, black pepper's naturally earthy, citrusy, and slightly floral notes will add another layer of complexity to each bite. In other words, you don't need to roam through the supermarket aisles to find the sweetest strawberries there. Just grab the container that catches your eye, bring it home, and reach for that pepper shaker sitting beside the salt in your cupboard. 

Of course, pre-ground black pepper will do the trick. But switching to fresh ground pepper will change your food for good, which is why it's always the better choice. So, once you've got your pepper sorted, start by washing and hulling the strawberries. The best way to do this is to place them in a colander and give them a proper rinse under cold running water, right before you're ready to eat them. Once that's taken care of, slice the strawberries in half and grab your pepper grinder. Each pepper grinder is different, but three grinds of fresh pepper for 2 cups of sliced fruit should generally be a good starting place; then you can taste them before adding any more. 

While you can enjoy your strawberries immediately, there are plenty of ways to take the combination to the next level. For a light, easy-to-make dessert, try coating them in some sugar, balsamic vinegar, and black pepper, and let them macerate. This will allow them to soften, release their natural juices, and eventually create their own syrup. If regular sugar is not your thing, you can try honey, maple syrup, cane sugar, or even stevia for an extra touch of sweetness. Grab a clean kitchen towel to cover the bowl with your strawberries, stir them occasionally, and check them after half an hour. When they're ready, just serve them over your favorite ice cream, Greek yogurt, or those pancakes you've been meaning to make all week. All that's left then is to dig in and savor each bite.