Whether you’re baking a strawberry pie, making strawberry jam, or just want to buy the right amount of strawberries for a recipe, it’s useful to know how strawberry quantities translate between pounds and quarts. While 1 pound of strawberries is close to 1 quart, the exact conversion depends on the size and shape of the particular strawberries. On average, 1 pound of whole strawberries is equal to 3 to 4 cups or 0.75 to 1 quart. However, larger strawberries will result in fewer cups per pound, while smaller berries will pack more densely into a pound. So the conversion can range from 2.5 to 4 cups per pound. Read on for more details on converting strawberry quantities between pounds and quarts.
Average Size of Strawberries
The typical commercially grown strawberry is between 1 to 1.5 inches long. One whole medium strawberry weighs around 1 ounce or 28 grams. Smaller strawberries may weigh closer to 0.75 ounces each, while jumbo strawberries can reach 2 ounces apiece. The average container of fresh strawberries you buy at the grocery store holds about 8 to 12 berries per pint. Knowing the typical size helps estimate how many whole strawberries make up a pound and quart.
Typical Strawberry Sizes
| Size | Individual Berry Weight |
|---|---|
| Small | 0.75 oz |
| Medium | 1 oz |
| Large | 1.5 oz |
| Jumbo | 2 oz |
As you can see, strawberries can vary notably in heft depending on their size grading. This will affect how many berries it takes to make up a pound or quart.
How Many Strawberries in a Pound
Since the average medium strawberry is around 1 ounce, it takes about 16 medium whole berries to make 1 pound (16 ounces). For smaller 0.75 ounce strawberries, you’ll need about 21 berries per pound. With larger 1.5 ounce strawberries, only 10 to 11 berries make a pound.
Whole Strawberries per Pound
| Berry Size | Berries per Pound |
|---|---|
| Small (0.75 oz) | 21 |
| Medium (1 oz) | 16 |
| Large (1.5 oz) | 10-11 |
| Jumbo (2 oz) | 8 |
As you can see, the smaller each individual berry, the more will be required to reach a pound.
How Many Cups of Strawberries in a Pound
When the whole strawberries are sliced or halved, they take up more volume compared to leaving them whole. On average, 1 pound of trimmed and sliced medium strawberries yields about 3 to 4 cups. With smaller berries you’ll get around 4 cups per pound, while larger berries result in 3 to 3.5 cups per pound when sliced.
Sliced Strawberries per Pound
| Berry Size | Cups per Pound |
|---|---|
| Small | 4 cups |
| Medium | 3-4 cups |
| Large | 3-3.5 cups |
| Jumbo | 3 cups |
Cutting the berries into pieces allows them to pack into more cups per pound. The smaller the original berries, the more cups you’ll yield.
How Many Pounds is a Quart of Strawberries?
Since 1 pound of strawberries is around 3 to 4 cups, and 1 quart is 4 cups, 1 pound is approximately 0.75 to 1 quart. So you need about 1 to 1 1/3 pounds of strawberries to equal 1 quart.
With smaller berries that pack into 4 cups per pound, 1 pound is equivalent to 1 quart. For larger strawberries that yield only 3 cups per pound, you’d need 1 1/3 pounds to reach 1 quart.
Pounds per Quart of Strawberries
| Berry Size | Pounds per Quart |
|---|---|
| Small | 1 pound |
| Medium | 1 to 1 1/4 pounds |
| Large | 1 1/4 to 1 1/3 pounds |
| Jumbo | 1 1/3 pounds |
To match a quart, smaller berries require 1 pound while bigger berries need up to 1 1/3 pounds.
Strawberry Measurement Conversions
To summarize the relationship between pounds and quarts of strawberries:
- 1 pound whole medium strawberries = 16 berries
- 1 pound trimmed medium strawberries = 3 to 4 cups
- 1 quart (4 cups) = 1 to 1 1/3 pounds
For quick reference, here are the strawberry conversions for different berry sizes:
Strawberry Measurement Conversions
| Berry Size | Berries per Pound | Cups per Pound | Pounds per Quart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 21 | 4 cups | 1 pound |
| Medium | 16 | 3-4 cups | 1 – 1 1/4 pounds |
| Large | 10-11 | 3-3.5 cups | 1 1/4 – 1 1/3 pounds |
| Jumbo | 8 | 3 cups | 1 1/3 pounds |
Use this handy guide when you need to quickly convert between strawberry weights and volumes.
Tips for Measuring Strawberries
When measuring out strawberries for recipes and other uses, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose evenly sized berries for more accurate measuring.
- Wash and hull strawberries before measuring.
- Pack berries loosely into measuring cups for volumes.
- Slice berries for volumes to allow them to fill the container.
- Weigh whole berries for most accurate pounds.
- 1 pint of strawberries weighs approximately 12 ounces.
- Use digital kitchen scales for easiest weighing.
Follow these best practices to get better precision when portioning strawberries. The moisture content and irregular shape of berries can otherwise make them tricky to measure consistently.
Common Uses for a Pound or Quart of Strawberries
Knowing strawberry equivalents helps you buy and prepare the right amounts for various recipes and uses. Here are some common portions called for in strawberry recipes:
- Shortcake desserts: 1 to 2 pounds or about 2 quarts
- Strawberry pies: 1.5 to 2 pounds or 2 quarts
- Preserves or jam: 2 to 3 pounds or 3 quarts
- Fresh eating: 1 to 2 pounds or 1 to 2 quarts
- Fruit salads: 1 pound or 1 quart
- Smoothies: 1 pound or 1 quart
Adjust quantities based on number of servings needed and berry size. Having a pound or quart handy allows you to conveniently make all kinds of strawberry dishes.
Buying Strawberries in Pound and Quart Containers
When purchasing fresh strawberries, you’ll often find them sold in pound and quart sized clamshell containers at grocery stores and farmers markets. Knowing the berry-to-volume equivalents can help when deciding which is the better buy.
Typical Strawberry Container Sizes
| Container | Volume | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 pint | 2 cups | 12 ounces |
| 1 quart | 4 cups | 1 – 1 1/3 pounds |
| 1 pound | 3 – 4 cups | 16 ounces |
Check the weight versus volume to determine the better value when shopping.
Inspect the berries carefully when buying pre-packaged containers. Check for mold, moisture, and crush damage that could result in waste. Go with the freshest looking berries that are firm and evenly red. Avoid leaky packages or those with excessive room for the berries to shift during transport.
For best quality, use fresh strawberries within 3-5 days of purchase. Or freeze excess amounts to extend the shelf life.
Freezing Strawberries in Pound and Quart Bags
To freeze strawberries for later use, portion them into sealable freezer bags in pound or quart sizes. Here are some tips:
- Wash, hull and pat dry strawberries before freezing.
- Arrange berries in a single layer on a lined baking sheet and freeze solid.
- Transfer frozen berries to labeled freezer bags.
- Exclude as much air as possible and seal bags.
- Use frozen berries within 10-12 months for best quality.
Freezing in liquid measuring cup portions allows you to easily defrost the needed amount for recipes. Or freeze sliced berries in quart sized bags to make them even easier to use straight from frozen.
Summary
While not exactly equivalent, 1 pound of strawberries is reasonably close to 1 quart in volume. The exact conversion depends on the size and shape of the particular berries. On average:
- 1 pound whole strawberries = 16 medium berries
- 1 pound sliced strawberries = 3 to 4 cups
- 1 quart (4 cups) = 1 to 1 1/3 pounds
Smaller berries will be more cups per pound, while bigger berries pack less densely. Know these simple conversions to help you substitute strawberry amounts in recipes and measure portions for cooking, baking, smoothies, and more. Understanding quart and pound equivalents also assists with shopping for fresh berries. Look for evenly sized, uncrushed berries without mold or moisture when buying pre-packaged containers. Follow proper handling methods to get the most out of your strawberries. With this handy guide, you’ll stay equipped to work with pound and quart strawberry quantities for all your berry needs.
