How to Freeze Peaches

Summertime is the best time of year to enjoy fresh peaches. If you take some time to freeze peaches while they are in season and ripe, you can enjoy them all year long. Follow the steps below to freeze peaches.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Fresh peaches
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Pan of boiling water
• Ice water in large bowl
• Ascorbic acid
• Water
• White sugar
• Freezer bags
• Permanent marker
• Spoon

1. Choose fresh-picked, ripe peaches to freeze. Handle carefully so you do not bruise the delicate flesh.

2. Wash peaches in cool water and then drop for 30 seconds into a pan of boiling water. Immediately remove from boiling water and immerse in cold ice water to stop the heating process.

3. Peel peaches and cut in half. Carefully remove the peach flesh from the pit. If you are not freezing half peaches then cut into the desired slice size. For pies you will want to cut each half into about 6 slices.

4. Add 1/4 teaspoon of ascorbic acid to 1/4 cup cold water and sprinkle over 1 quart of peaches. Add 2/3 cup white sugar to peaches and mix gently.

5. Scoop peaches into freezer bag that has been marked with contents and date then seal well.

Tips & Warnings

• To obtain 1 pint of frozen peaches you will need 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of fresh peaches.

• Use frozen peaches for pies, smoothies, to top cereal and any other way you use fresh peaches.

• Frozen peaches can remain in the freezer up to 6 months.

• Once frozen peaches are thawed, they will turn dark quickly so use them as soon after defrosting as possible.

• Peaches will get softer when frozen but will not get any more ripe.

Resources

• Website will direct you to food preparation