Freezing fresh peaches is a great way to enjoy their sweet, juicy flavor all year round. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to freeze peaches effectively.
Materials Needed
- Fresh, ripe peaches
- A large pot
- Ice water
- A colander or strainer
- A sharp knife
- A cutting board
- A baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Lemon juice or ascorbic acid (optional, to prevent browning)
- Freezer bags or airtight containers
- Paper towels or a clean kitchen towel
Steps
- Select Fresh Peaches:
- Choose ripe, firm peaches that are free from blemishes and bruises.
- Wash the Peaches:
- Rinse the peaches thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Blanching (Optional but Recommended for Easy Peeling):
- Boil Water:
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Prepare Ice Bath:
- Fill a large bowl with ice water.
- Blanch the Peaches:
- Using a sharp knife, make a small “X” on the bottom of each peach. Place the peaches in the boiling water for about 30-60 seconds until the skins start to peel away.
- Cool the Peaches:
- Quickly transfer the blanched peaches to the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Let them sit in the ice water for a few minutes.
- Peel the Peaches:
- Once cooled, the skins should easily peel off. Use a knife to assist if necessary.
- Boil Water:
- Slice and Pit the Peaches:
- Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits. Then, slice the peaches into desired sizes (e.g., wedges, halves, or cubes).
- Prevent Browning (Optional):
- To prevent the peaches from browning, you can toss them with lemon juice or a solution of water and ascorbic acid. Use about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice per quart of water, or follow the instructions on the ascorbic acid package.
- Flash Freeze:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (optional) and spread the peach slices in a single layer. Make sure the slices are not touching to prevent them from sticking together.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 2-4 hours, or until the peach slices are completely frozen.
- Package for Freezing:
- Transfer the frozen peach slices to freezer bags or airtight containers. Remove as much air as possible from the bags to prevent freezer burn. If using containers, make sure they are well-sealed.
- Label the bags or containers with the date.
- Freezing:
- Place the packaged peaches in the freezer. They can be stored for up to 10-12 months for best quality.
Tips
- Portion Control:
- Freeze peaches in portion sizes that you typically use for your recipes. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need.
- Avoid Overcrowding:
- Ensure that the peaches have enough space in the freezer bags or containers to maintain their shape.
- Vacuum Sealing:
- If you have a vacuum sealer, use it to remove all air from the packaging for even better preservation.
How to Use Frozen Peaches
Frozen peaches can be used in a variety of dishes, including smoothies, pies, cobblers, crisps, and other baked goods. They can also be added to oatmeal, yogurt, or salads.
