Bringing Out the Flavor of Ripe Berries

Get the most flavor out of ripe berries with a natural light sugar syrup, whether you plan to serve them on their own, over ice cream or with shortcake. Here’s how:

Toss hulled fresh strawberries or other berries, whole, sliced or quartered, in a small amount of sugar, preferably superfine.

Let the berries stand at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes, tossing them from time to time. The sugar will help draw out some of the berry juices, forming a light syrup and concentrating the berry flavor.