Strawberry Wine Blend or not?

[parrothead]

Recipe calling for 18 pounds of strawberries .for 5 gallons. Is it best to blend them up or just mash them? Also would if you blend ,do you need less berries? THANKS!!!!!!

 

[Julie]

Actually I would use 20 to 25 pounds for a 5 gallon batch and mashed them and put them into a fruit bag. You can buy 5 gallon paint strainer bags for about $5 for 2 at Home Depot or Lowes.

 

[Arne]

If you freeze them before you mash em, it is easier to get the juices out o f them. Like Julie says, put them in a strainer bag. Much easier to get back out when you want to take them out. Strawberry gets much better after it sits on the shelf for a year or so. Arne.

 

[Turock]

You can also buy some Leggs knee-length hosiery to use as bags--they work great.

 

[parrothead]

Thanks!!! Like the idea on the strainer bags.Will do