As summer draws to a close and fall begins to take its place, one of the sure signs is the abundant presence of fresh peaches in the market. These sweet and succulent fruits are a delight to eat fresh, but wouldn’t it be nice to preserve some of that summer sweetness to enjoy during the colder months? Freezing peaches is a great way to accomplish this. Here’s how to do it.
Supplies Needed
Before you get started, make sure you have the following items:
- Fresh peaches
- Large pot
- Large bowl
- Ice
- Sharp knife
- Lemon juice
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Freezer bags or containers
- Straw (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Select Your Peaches
When freezing peaches, it’s best to use ripe, fresh peaches. They should have a vibrant color and yield slightly to gentle pressure. Avoid peaches that are overly ripe or have any signs of bruising or mold.
Step 2: Blanch the Peaches
Blanching is a process that helps preserve the texture, color, and flavor of the peaches. To blanch, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Place the peaches in the boiling water for about 30-60 seconds.
Immediately after blanching, transfer the peaches to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This is called shocking. The drastic change in temperature loosens the skin, making it easier to peel.
Step 3: Peel, Pit, and Slice the Peaches
Once the peaches are cool enough to handle, make a small slit in the skin and peel it off. It should come off easily due to the blanching process. Next, cut the peaches in half and remove the pit. You can then slice the peaches into your desired size.
Step 4: Prevent Browning
To prevent the peaches from turning brown, toss them in a solution of lemon juice and water (about a quarter cup of lemon juice for every quart of water). This step is optional, but it helps maintain the color of the peaches.
Step 5: Freeze on a Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the peach slices in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other. This process is known as flash freezing and it prevents the peaches from sticking together when you store them.
Put the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze until the peaches are firm, which usually takes about 4 hours.
Step 6: Pack and Store
Once the peaches are frozen, quickly transfer them to freezer bags or containers. If you’re using bags, a straw can be helpful to suck out any extra air before sealing. This vacuum-sealing technique helps prevent freezer burn.
Finally, label your bags or containers with the date and place them back in the freezer.
Conclusion
That’s it! Now you have a stash of summer sweetness ready to be enjoyed throughout the colder months. Remember, properly stored, these frozen peaches will retain their best quality for about 12 months in the freezer, though they’ll remain safe to eat beyond that time.
From smoothies to pies to simply thawing and eating, there are endless ways to use your frozen peaches. So next time peaches are in season, freeze some and enjoy their delicious taste year-round.