There are many ways to incorporate peaches into your meals, such as making homemade yogurt or smoothies. However, it can be overwhelming to purchase many peaches, especially if they are on sale, because they may need to be better before you and your family can eat them all.
Can you freeze peaches? Yes, it is possible to freeze peaches to extend their shelf life. When done correctly, freezing peaches can preserve their flavour, colour, and texture for up to 8 – 10 months. This is a good solution if you are worried about the peaches going bad before you have a chance to use them.
Freezing peaches can be a good option if you want to use them in your cooking throughout the year. Peaches are more expensive and of lower quality when not in season, so it is best to freeze them when they are fresh and at their peak. When frozen properly, peaches will maintain their flavour and texture and can be used in various dishes.
How to Freeze Peaches [4 steps]
Freezing peaches is a simple process, but it is essential to do it correctly to preserve the quality of the fruit. Peaches are prone to browning when exposed to air, similar to apples. To prevent this, coat the peaches in lemon juice before freezing. Here are the steps to follow when freezing peaches:
Step 1: Preparation
It is essential to start with high-quality products to achieve the best results when freezing fruit. Choose fresh peaches in good condition, whether purchasing them from a store or picking them from your garden. Wash the peaches under running water and scrub off any dirt or debris. Dry the peaches thoroughly with a towel before freezing.
Step 2: Slicing and Removing the Pit
To remove the pit from a peach:
- Cut the apple in half from the outside inside with a paring knife.
- Gently scoop the pit with a spoon or cut it out with a knife. You can then slice the peach into quarters, wedges, or any size you prefer.
- Coat the slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Step 3: Flash-freezing
To prevent the peaches from clumping together during freezing, you can flash-freeze them. Place the sliced peaches in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with wax paper, leaving enough space between them. The peaches should be frozen in the tray for at least one day or until solid. This will allow you to store the peaches in a bag or container without sticking them together.
Step 4: Storage
Once the sliced peaches are half-frozen, they are ready to be packed for storage in the freezer. Use Ziploc bags or airtight freezer bags to store the frozen peaches. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag. Label the bag with a sharpie, including the contents and the freezing date. This will help you track how long the peaches have been in the freezer.
How to Freeze Peaches in Syrup [4 steps]
If you prefer unsweetened peaches, you can freeze them using the above method. However, if you want to add extra sweetness and flavour to your frozen peaches, you can freeze them in syrup. This will help preserve the peaches and keep them flavorful in the freezer.
Step 1: Preparation
To begin the freezing process, wash the peaches thoroughly and rinse them under running water to remove any dirt or debris. The most challenging part of freezing peaches is often peeling them, but there is an easy method to make this task easier. Follow the next step to easily peel the peaches.
Step 2: Blanching and Peeling the Peaches
Blanching is a process that is used to stop the ripening of vegetables and fruits and prevent them from rotting. It can also help to loosen the skin of peaches, making them easier to peel. To blanch peaches, bring a pot of water to a boil and gently place the peaches in the boiling water for 20 – 45 seconds.
Remove the peaches from the hot water with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a bowl of ice water. Wait until the peaches are cool before attempting to remove the skin. The skin should slide off easily after blanching.
Step 3: Cutting and Removing the Pits
To prepare the peaches for freezing:
- Use a paring knife to cut the fruit in half from the edges to the centre.
- Remove the pits and discard them.
- Cut the peaches into your desired size, and coat the slices with lemon juice to prevent browning. This will help to preserve the colour and flavour of the fruit.
Step 4: Coating the Peaches in Syrup and Storage
To freeze peaches in syrup, prepare the syrup by mixing 3 cups of water with 1 cup of sugar. Let the syrup cool before proceeding. Use freezer-safe plastic containers to store the peaches and syrup. Place the sliced peaches in the containers and pour the syrup over them, ensuring they are fully submerged. Leave a headspace in the containers to allow for expansion during freezing.
Label the containers with the contents and the date before placing them in the freezer to freeze.
How to Defrost Frozen Peaches?
Frozen peaches are versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes. They can be blended into smoothies, baked into pies, made into ice cream, or served over pancakes or waffles. Frozen peaches can also enhance the flavour of wine and cocktails. To defrost frozen peaches, leave them in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.
How to Recognize Spoiled Frozen Peaches?
If your peaches have become very soft and show signs of mould or decay, such as an unusual appearance or smell, they should be discarded. Spoiled peaches may begin to ooze or develop an odd odour. It is important to throw away any peaches that are no longer fresh to prevent food poisoning.
What to do with Overripe Frozen Peaches?
If your frozen peaches are overripe, you don’t have to throw them away. First, check that the peaches are not spoiled. You can use them to make delicious desserts if they are still good. Use the peaches to make cobblers, ice cream, or mini spiced rum peach pies. Overripe peaches that have been frozen can still be used in various sweet treats.
