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How to freeze Peaches

How to Freeze Peaches

How to Freeze Fresh Peaches

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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

How to freeze Peaches.

From blanching to flash freezing to lemon juice, there are many different ways you can freeze peaches to use for later.
Depending on your use of the peaches, I have outlined my 3 favorite methods below.
Choose your method based on how much time you have (though none of them take very long) and what you plan to use your peaches for. Sometimes I will even freeze using a few different methods at the same time, so there are options throughout the year.

What do I need to Freeze Peaches?

Peaches (Preferably very ripe)*
Parchment Paper
Baking Sheet (with a lip)
Gallon/Quart sized freezer bags. (Ziplock are my favorite).
Large pot (Optional)
Lemon Juice (Optional)
*Once frozen, peaches will not ripen anymore, so if you freeze your peaches too soon, you may get a less than desirable flavor and texture upon using.

How long does it take for a peach to freeze?

This mainly depends on the method you choose, but on average, peaches will be frozen in about 6-8 hours.
If your peach is cut up and in smaller pieces the freezing will occur closer to 6 hours. If your peach is whole it may take closer to 8 hours or even overnight.

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).

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.

Prep Time30

Active Time6

Total Time6 30

Course: Appetizer, Dessert, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Freezing Peaches, Fresh Peach, How to Freeze Peaches

Materials

peaches as many as you want to freeze

Instructions

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

Do you need to thaw frozen peaches before using them?

You likely will not need to thaw your peaches before using them. Most desserts or recipes can handle peaches straight from the freezer.

6 Best ways to use Frozen Peaches

Grill frozen peaches
Peach Smoothie
Peach Cocktail
Peach Cobble
Peach Pie
Peach Puree Sauce

Is it important to peel peaches before freezing?

This is totally personal preference. If you skip peeling the process will go faster however I am not a fan of peach skin so I prefer to peel.
If you are planning on peeling the peach after freezing I would recommend peeling before instead. It can be harder to peel after frozen.

Is it important to blanch peaches before freezing?

It is only necessary to blanch your peaches before freezing if you would like an easy way to peel your peaches. Peaches can be frozen without blanching, you can even peel your peaches by hand. However this can take a long time and be very labor intensive. My goal is always the easiest and fastest way.

How to freeze fresh peaches without them turning brown?

There are two ways to prevent peaches from turning brown as you prep them for freezing.
1. you can immerse your peaches in a bowl of water to keep them from being exposed to air.
2. Soak them or mix with a water lemon juice combination to treat your peaches and prevent browning.

Will the freezing methods above work for all types of peaches?

Yes, there are two different types of peaches you can commonly find at the grocery story or farmers market. One is called freestone peach and the other is a clingstone. The main different being how the peach flesh sticks to the pit. Which ever peach you get these freezing peach methods will work great.

Do I need sugar to freeze peaches?

Not at all. I do not use any sugar or syrup when freezing peaches. I think the fruit when ripe is sweet enough and preserving in the freezer makes this unnecessary.