How to Freeze Peaches

 There’s nothing quite like the sweet, juicy burst of summer peaches. Whether you’ve got your own peach trees or have picked up a few bushels at the farmers’ market, freezing peaches is a fantastic way to enjoy their deliciousness long after the season ends. Wondering how to freeze peaches properly? Today I’m going to share with you exactly how to do that!

 

I love peaches, and one of my favorite peach recipes is this Impossible Peach Blueberry Pie.  But I also love to just eat them just as they are.  Where I live peach season is closer to the end of summer, and we are slowly approaching that time. 

I like to buy some local peaches by the boxload and preserve them by either canning them or freezing them for later use.

Why Freeze Peaches?

Freezing peaches is an excellent way to preserve their flavor and nutritional value. When you freeze them properly, you can enjoy fresh peach taste in smoothies, desserts, and savory dishes throughout the year.

Plus, freezing is a great option if you’ve bought more peaches than you can eat before they spoil.

Choosing the Right Peaches

To get the best results, start with ripe but not overripe peaches. Overripe peaches can become mushy when frozen, so look for ones that are firm to the touch but have a slight give.

If you have peaches that are slightly underripe, they will ripen nicely on the counter over a few days before freezing.  But watch them closely!  You don’t want to let them ripen too much.

How to Freeze Peaches

1. Wash and Prepare the Peaches

Begin by washing your peaches under cool, running water. This will remove any dirt and residues. Pat them dry with a clean towel.

2. Peel the Peaches

To peel or not to peel? That’s a good question. If you prefer skinless peaches, here’s a trick – blanch them. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Prepare a bowl of ice water and set it aside.

Drop the peaches into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. You’ll notice the skins starting to wrinkle. Quickly transfer the peaches to the ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, the skins should peel off easily.

If you don’t mind the skin, you can skip this step and simply cut your peaches as is.

3. Slice the Peaches

Cut your peaches in half and remove the pit. Then slice the peaches into wedges or chunks, depending on your preference. The size of the slices can affect how they freeze and thaw, so choose a size that works best for your intended use.

4. Prevent Browning

Peaches can turn brown when frozen, but you can prevent this by using a simple method. Mix 1/4 cup of lemon juice with 1/4 cup of water. Toss the peach slices in this lemon-water mixture. The acidity of the lemon juice helps to preserve the color and flavor of the peaches.

If you prefer, you can also use ascorbic acid (vitamin C powder) to prevent browning. Follow the instructions on the package for the correct amount.

5. Pre-Freeze the Peaches

To prevent the peach slices from sticking together in one big clump, you’ll want to pre-freeze them. Spread the peach slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the slices aren’t touching each other.

Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 2-4 hours, or until the peach slices are frozen solid.

6. Package and Store

Once the peach slices are frozen, transfer them to airtight freezer bags or containers. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. 

I like to do this by sealing up the bag except for a small hole where I can put a straw in, and then using the straw to suck out the rest of the air.

Label the bags or containers with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored.

7. Enjoy Your Frozen Peaches

Your peaches are now ready to use! Frozen peaches can be used in a variety of recipes, from smoothies and pies to cobblers and sauces. Simply take out the amount you need and return the rest to the freezer. There’s no need to thaw peaches before cooking; you can often use them straight from the freezer.

Tips for Freezing Peaches

• Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure that peach slices are in a single layer during the pre-freezing stage. This helps them freeze evenly and prevents them from sticking together.
• Freeze in Portions: If you plan to use peaches in different recipes, consider freezing them in portions. This way, you can easily grab the amount you need without thawing a large batch.
• Use Quality Bags: Invest in good-quality freezer bags or vacuum-sealed bags. These will help prevent freezer burn and keep your peaches tasting fresh.

Freezing peaches is a simple away to enjoy the taste of summer all year round. With just a few easy steps, you can preserve their flavor and texture for use in your favorite recipes. Whether you’re making a peach pie in the dead of winter or blending up a fresh peach smoothie on a hot summer day, you’ll be glad you took the time to freeze them.

I  love having frozen fruit on hand to whip up a fast dessert when company is coming, like a peach crisp, or cobbler.  I also love to be able to grab a handful of frozen peaches and toss them in a blender with a banana, some oat milk, and a scoop of protein powder.  

Having frozen fruit on hand throughout the year really comes in handy.  Along with peaches I like to freeze blueberries and strawberries.  I also freeze zucchini so I can pull it out for baking and other meal ideas. 

Putting up the harvest doesn’t mean you have to stand over a hot pot canning all day.  If you have the freezer space, freezing is a great way to preserve your fruits and vegetables.

So, the next time you have a pile of peaches on hand, remember these tips and enjoy the taste of summer anytime you please.