Wondering how to freeze peaches? Keep reading! There are multiple ways to freeze peaches when you end up with a surplus on hand, and you know anytime peaches are involved, PeachTown will weigh in.
In this article, we’re going to look at not just 1, but 3 easy methods for freezing peaches you can try at home with basic supplies. Get ready to discover the secrets of peach preservation using temperature control. Let’s dive into #thejuice!
How to Freeze Peaches
Before We Begin
You only need a few basic supplies to get started freezing peaches. Some sources online tell you to peel them first, but this has no effect on the process other than making it more complicated. Whether or not you peel them is a matter of personal preference.
If you want to try all three methods, have the following items ready:
- Peaches
- Lemon juice (1/4 cup per peach)
- Spoon or stirrer
- Spatula
- Bowl
- Dish or tray
- Plastic storage bags
- Plastic storage container
Method #1 – Freezing Whole Peaches
Pros
- Easy
- Requires few supplies
- Great for short-term storage
- Great for long-term storage
Cons
- Waste of plastic
- Wastes freezer space
- Tough to de-thaw
Place the entire peach in a plastic baggie and place it in the freezer.
Yes, freezing peaches whole is a thing!
The only issue with this method is they are tough to de-thaw. They can contain up to 88% water, so in many ways, they become fruity blocks of ice! For this reason, most people cut them into slices before freezing. You also waste a lot of freezer space by not cutting them down and packing in a storage-friendly shape first.
They’ll stay good for weeks, or even months, frozen whole as long as you place them in plastic storage bags for frostbite protection. We recommend freezing peaches whole as a fool-proof method for newbies and pros alike, even if it’s not the best method.
Method #2 – Lemon-treated Peaches
Pros
- Perfect for short-term storage
- Easy to de-thaw
- Lemon juice reduces browning
Cons
- Not optimal for long-term storage
- Can’t release air from plastic container
Step 1. Cut peaches into slices and place in bowl.
Step 2. Add 1/4 cup of lemon juice per whole peach to bowl and stir. Let sit for 5 minutes.
Step 3. Lay peaches flat in plastic storage container and place in freezer.
You can try freezing peaches after they’ve been cut into slices and treated with lemon juice to keep them edible for a few months. The lemon juice helps reduce browning, and placing them in the plastic containers gives them extra cold resistance. It’s easy to use them as needed, since they’re already cut up into slices, and if you lay them out correctly, they won’t stick to each other.
Method #3 – Lemon-treated Peaches & Sugar
Pros
- Best for long-term storage
- Best for bulk storage
- Best use of freezer space
- Easy to de-thaw
- Lemon juice reduces browning
Cons
- Waste of plastic
- Lengthy process
Steps 1-2. Same as Method #2.
Step 3. Lay peaches flat on tray and place in freezer for at least 1 hour (overnight for best results).
Step 4. After preliminary freeze, separate peaches from tray with spatula.
Step 5. Organize peach slices in storage bag, squeeze out air, and place in freezer.
If you end up with an abundance of peaches, you can preserve them without canning using this technique. Some people recommended sprinkling sugar onto the slices as an extra step (often done with canning). Once in bags, you can squeeze the excess air out to compress your peach supply for an economical fit in your freezer. Your peaches will last up to a year in storage using this treatment.
Final Words
There’s more to freezing peaches than meets the eye! That’s for sure! Now, you should be able to keep and enjoy the golden fruit all year round. Craving homemade peach ice cream? Ready to make your own peach cobbler? Keep some frozen peaches around, all you’ll always be ready for peachy goodness!
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