How to Freeze Peaches
Learn how to freeze fresh peaches at home without making the top major mistake.
How to freeze Peaches
How to Freeze peaches at Home
Peaches are one of the best fruits to enjoy when in season. There is nothing quite like a fresh, juicy, seasonal, and ripe peach. Every year I look forward to all the recipes, desserts, and dinners I can make using this luscious ingredient.
Many people enjoy canning to preserve this tasty fruit. However, as a mom of 4 and family of 6, I generally do not have time for that. Not to mention all the bulky expensive canning supplies necessary.
So what’s the best alternative?
Freezing peaches!
Freezing your fresh peaches is the best solution to preserving peaches to use year round. Keep reading to find out what’s the best way to freeze your peaches.
One of my favorite ways to use frozen peaches is in smoothies.
Peaches are one of the most versatile fruits because they are commonly used in sweet and savory dishes. Peaches can go from dessert to dinner, and even to drinks.
Why you will love freezing Peaches at home.
- Takes 5 Minutes
- Reduces Food Waste
- Saves Money
- Easy Healthy Snack
- Always have Ripe Peaches on Hand
Methods to Freezing Peaches
Method #1: Freeze Sliced Peaches
Freezing sliced peaches is great for making smoothies, or desserts. If you prefer leaving the skin on, you can. However, I like to peel my peaches because I enjoy them better in baking and desserts.
If you are only using the peaches for smoothies feel free to leave the skin on as it is a great source of nutrition and you will not notice any texture to the peach skin once blended.
Step 1: Prepare a Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper
Cover a baking sheet (with a lip) with parchment paper. This will keep your peaches from sticking and make it easy to transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen.
Step 2: Wash peaches and boil a large pot of water (if peeling peaches).
If you are not planning on peeling your peaches and plan to leave the skin on then you do not have to boil a large pot of water. However if you do wish to peel your peaches this is the easiest way to do so.
Step 3: Slice peaches in half and remove pit. Once water is boiling, drop pitted peach halves into boiling water.
Now that you have your peaches washed and ready for peeling, cut them in half and remove the pit. Drop your peach halves into boiling water for 30-45 seconds.
After 30-45 seconds pull peach halves from water and run under cold water for a few minutes or until peaches are cool.
This method is known as blanching and will help make peeling the peaches extremely easy. Simply use a spoon to get a bit of skin up and then peel the peach halves.
Step 4: Slice peaches or use peach halves.
Take your peach halves and slice them or leave them as halves.
OPTIONAL: Toss 1 lb peaches in a bowl with 1 tbsp lemon juice to prevent peaches from browning.
Throwing the peaches into a freezer bag at this point is the one huge mistake people make when freezing fruits and vegetables.
In the next step we will flash freeze your peach halves/slices. If you do not flash freeze your peaches may stick together in the freezer bag as one big blob.
Step 5: Place peaches slices onto parchment paper and freeze.
Set baking sheet with peach slices into the freezer for about 6 hours. You can leave them in the freezer up to overnight if preferred. I do not like to freeze for too long, so I can avoid freezer burn on the peach slices.
Step 6: Transfer frozen peach slices into a freezer bag.
Once peach slices are in a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible and seal.
TIP: Don’t forget to label the freezer bag and write an expiration date on the bag. (Today’s date plus 6 months)
Method #2: Freeze Whole Peaches
Freezing a peach whole (skin on or off) can be the fastest prep method. If you are really busy or tight on time you can throw a whole peach right in the freezer. Be sure to wash first.
Although I recommend peeling the peaches if you have the time, so you don’t have to peel the peaches once frozen.
Many people enjoy the texture, flavor, and health benefits of a peach skin so if you prefer to eat it with skin on, you are good to go.
Whole frozen peaches can work well for grilling, roasting, or desserts. You can also use them in smoothies or to make a peach puree for baby food.
NOTES: Follow the steps below if you are planning on peeling your whole peaches before freezing. However if you are not peeling simply putting the peaches in a freezer bag and setting in the freezer is all you need to do.
Step 1: Get a freezer bag ready for peaches.
Be sure to label and add an expiration date. (Today’s date plus 6 months.)
You can use a permanent marker to label the bag or find a printable freezer label online.
Step 2: Wash peaches and boil a large pot of water (if peeling peaches).
If you are not planning on peeling your peaches and plan to leave the skin on then you do not have to boil a large pot of water. However if you do wish to peel your peaches this is the easiest way to do so.
Step 3: Once water is boiling drop whole peaches into boiling water.
Now that you have your peaches washed and ready drop your whole peach into boiling water for 30-45 seconds.
After 30-45 seconds pull peaches from water and run under cold water over peaches for a few minutes or until peaches are cool.
This method is known as blanching and will help make peeling the peaches extremely easy. Simply use a spoon to get a bit of skin up and then peel the peaches.
OPTIONAL: Toss 1 lb of peaches in a bowl with 1 tbsp lemon juice to prevent peaches from browning.
Step 4: Place whole peaches onto parchment paper and freeze.
Set baking sheet with whole peaches into the freezer for about 6 hours. You can leave them up to overnight if preferred. I do not like to freeze for too long, so that I can avoid freezer burn on the peach.
Step 5: Transfer frozen peaches into a freezer bag.
Once peaches are in a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible and seal.
TIP: Don’t forget to label the freezer bag and write an expiration date on the bag. (Today’s date plus 6 months
Method #3: Freeze Peach Puree
If your peaches are at the point of being so ripe they are almost unusable then mashing them is the way to go.
This is also the best method of freezing peaches to be used for baby food. You can freeze peach puree in ice cube trays or silicone trays for perfect baby portions.
Step 1: Get a freezer bag ready for peach puree.
Because your peaches will be pureed, it is best to use quart size freezer bags for this method. You can also use ice cube trays or silicone trays of any size.
(Dealing with a huge chunk of frozen peach puree in a gallon freezer bag would not work out too well.)
Step 2: Wash peaches and boil a large pot of water.
It is highly recommended to peel peaches when making this peach puree. Especially if you will be using it for baby food.
Step 3: Slice peaches in half and remove pit. Once water is boiling drop pitted peach halves into boiling water.
Now that you have your peaches washed, you’re ready for peeling. Cut them in half and remove the pit. Drop your peach halves into boiling water for 30-45 seconds.
After boiling pull peach halves from water and run under cold water for a few minutes or until peaches are cool.
This method is known as blanching and will help make peeling the peaches extremely easy. Simply use a spoon to get a bit of skin up and then peel the peach halves.
Step 4: Throw peeled peach halves into a high speed blender and blend.
Blend your peaches at this point in a food processor or high speed blender and then blend. At this point you are done and you have a delicious peach puree ready to freeze.
Step 5: Place Peach Puree in labeled quart freezer bags.
Now, pop those freezer bags with your peach puree into the freezer and you’re all done.
*See FAQ’s and specific tips following recipe card below.
*Frozen peaches will last for 4-6 months in the freezer, if frozen properly. Be sure to use freezer bags when storing or any other air tight container.
3 Methods for Freezing Fresh Peaches. ????
How to Freeze Fresh Peaches
Learn how to freeze fresh peaches at home without making the top major mistake.
Materials
- peaches as many as you want to freeze
Get Recipe IngredientsInstructions
Method #1: Freeze Slicced Peaches
- Cover a baking sheet (with a lip) with parchment paper. This will keep your peaches from sticking and make it easy to transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen.
- Optional: Boil a pot of water. (This step is only necessary if you are peeling the peaches)
- Wash peaches while water boils.
- Now that you have your peaches washed and ready for peeling. Cut them in half and remove the pit. Drop your peach halves into boiling water for 30-45 seconds. After 30-45 seconds pull peach halfs from water and run under cold water for a few minutes or until peaches are cool.
- At this point you are ready to slice your peaches. You can also leave your peaches as halves if you would like. Now it is time to flash freeze your peach slices so they do not stick together as one large blob in the freezer.OPTIONAL: Toss 1 lb peaches in a bowl with 1 tbsp lemon juice to prevent peaches from browning. Throwing the peaches into a freezer bag at this point is the one huge mistake people make when freezing fruits and vegetables.If you do not first freeze in a layer on a baking sheet your fruit or vegetables will all stick together and be un-usable later on after frozen.
- Place peaches slices onto parchment paper and freeze.Set baking sheet with peach sliced into the freezer for about 6 hours. You can leave up to overnight if preferred. I do not like to freeze for to long so that I can avoid freezer burn on the peach slices.
- Transfer frozen peach slices into a freezer bag. Once peach slices are in a freezer bag remove as much air as possible and seal.
Method #2: Freeze Whole Peaches
- Get a freezer bag ready for peaches. Be sure to label and add an expiration date. (Today’s date plus 6 months.)You can use a permanent marker to label the bag or find a printable freezer label online.
- Wash peaches and boil large pot water (If peeling peaches).If you are not planning on peeling your peaches and plan to leave the skin on then you do not have to boil a large pot of water. However if you do wish to peel your peaches this is the easiest way to do so.
- Once water is boiling drop whole peaches into boiling water. Now that you have your peaches washed and ready drop your whole peach into boiling water for 30-45 seconds. After 30-45 seconds pull peach from water and run under cold water over peaches for a few minutes or until peaches are cool. This method is know as blanching and will help make peeling the peaches extremely each. Simply use a spoon to get a bit of skin up and then peel the peaches. OPTIONAL: Toss 1 lb peaches in a bowl with 1 tbsp lemon juice to prevent peaches from browning.
- Place whole peaches onto parchment paper and freeze.Set baking sheet with whole peaches into the freezer for about 6 hours. You can leave up to overnight if preferred. I do not like to freeze for too long so that I can avoid freezer burn on the peach.
- Transfer frozen peaches into a freezer bag. Once peaches are in a freezer bag remove as much air as possible and seal.
Method #3: Freeze Peach Puree
- Get a freezer bag ready for peach puree. Because your peaches will be a puree, it is best to use quart size freezer bags for this method. You can also use ice cube trays or silicone trays of any size. (Dealing with a huge chunk of frozen peach puree in a gallon freezer bag would not work out too well.)
- Wash peaches and boil large pot water.It is highly recommended to peel peaches when making this peach puree. Especially if you will be using it for baby food.
- Slice peaches in half and remove pit. Once water is boiling drop pitted peach halves into boiling water. Now that you have your peaches washed and ready for peeling. Cut them in half and remove the pit. Drop your peach halves into boiling water for 30-45 seconds. After boiling pull peach halfs from water and run under cold water for a few minutes or until peaches are cool. This method is know as blanching and will help make peeling the peaches extremely each. Simply use a spoon to get a bit of skin up and then peel the peach halves.
- Throw peeled peach halfs into a high speed blender and blend. Blend your peaches at this point in a food processor or high speed blender and then blend. At this point you are done and you have a delicious peach puree ready to freeze.
- Place Peach Puree in labeled quart freezer bags. Now pop those freezer bags with your peach puree into the freezer and you’re all done.
Freezing (food) FAQ’s
Don’t forget to pin this recipe and save for later! ????
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