To clean strawberries: For organically grown strawberries, place in a colander and rinse well under cold running water, tossing occasionally. Drain well. For conventionally grown strawberries, soak in a solution of 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar for 5 minutes. Rinse and drain well in a colander.
Dry each strawberry individually very well with paper towels, then set aside to continue to dry while melting chocolate. If strawberries are wet, chocolate won't stick, and you don't want any water in the chocolate mixture.
For the microwave option: Add chocolate chips and coconut oil to a small microwave-safe mixing bowl. Heat mixture in microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring well between each interval until melted and smooth. If chocolate is runny, let it cool just briefly to thicken up slightly before you begin to dip berries.
For stovetop directions: Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a heatproof bowl (such as glass or stainless steel) that sits well over a saucepan. Bring about 1-inch of water to a simmer in the saucepan, reduce heat to low, and set bowl with chocolate over saucepan. Heat, stirring constantly until chocolate has melted. Remove from heat.
Set a sheet of parchment paper over a baking sheet. Working with one strawberry at a time, hold the strawberry by the leaves and dip into melted chocolate, coating nearly to the top. Tilt the bowl as needed to pool chocolate to one side, and rotate the strawberry to coat all sides as needed.
Lift and let excess chocolate run off, slide the strawberry across the inside edge of the bowl to remove just some of the chocolate, then set that side facing down on parchment paper (if dipping in toppings, then dip before transferring to the baking sheet).
Repeat with remaining strawberries. Transfer dipped strawberries to refrigerator and let chocolate harden, about 15 minutes.
To finish with a chocolate drizzle (optional): Melt (1/2 cup) 2 oz. chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white) with 3/4 tsp coconut oil as directed in step 3 or 5 above. Transfer melted chocolate to a small resealable bag, seal the bag and cut a tiny corner from one point. Drizzle over chocolate-set strawberries and return to fridge to solidify.
How to Store Strawberries: Store strawberries in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results, enjoy within about 12 hours.
