Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

1. Hull and Halve the Strawberries: Start by washing the fresh strawberries thoroughly. Remove the green tops (hull) and cut the strawberries in half, especially if they’re large. Smaller strawberries can be left whole if desired.
2. Blend the Strawberries: Place the halved strawberries in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, creating a puree. You may need to scrape down the sides of the blender or processor to ensure everything is evenly blended.

Step 2: Make the Simple Syrup

3. Prepare the Sugar Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Place it over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved. This should take around 2-3 minutes. Once dissolved, remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
4. Optional Lemon Zest: If you like, you can add lemon zest to the syrup for an added citrusy flavor. Stir in the zest once the syrup has cooled.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients for Sorbet

5. Mix the Strawberry Puree with Syrup: Once the sugar syrup has cooled, combine it with the strawberry puree in a large mixing bowl. Add in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 4: Freeze the Sorbet

6. Chill the Mixture: For the best results, place the sorbet mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to chill. This helps the sorbet freeze more evenly.
7. Churn the Sorbet: If you have an ice cream maker, pour the chilled strawberry mixture into the machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This process usually takes 20-25 minutes, depending on the model. The result should be a soft, sorbet-like texture.

Step 5: Freeze Until Firm

8. Transfer to a Freezer-Safe Container: Once the sorbet has reached a soft, ice cream-like consistency, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Cover the container with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent ice crystals from forming on the surface.
9. Freeze for Several Hours: Let the sorbet freeze in the container for 4-5 hours, or overnight, until it becomes firm and scoopable.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

10. Scoop and Serve: Once the sorbet has firmed up, it’s ready to serve! Scoop the strawberry sorbet into bowls or glasses and enjoy. You can garnish with fresh mint leaves or a few sliced strawberries for an added touch of color and flavor.