Frozen peaches add sweetness, nutrients, and thickness to smoothies. Here’s the best way to freeze peaches for maximum freshness.
Freezing Peaches
If you enjoy the sweet flavor of peaches in smoothies, try freezing them. It’s a simple way to extend their shelf-life and to always have peaches on hand.
Ripe, fresh peaches will only last about 1-3 days on the countertop. They’ll keep a bit longer in the fridge, about 3-5 days. When frozen, peaches will last much longer, about 6-12 months.
Plus, freezing peaches cuts down on prep time, as you won’t have to remove the pits every time you need one.
The nutrient content of frozen peaches is similar to fresh ones. The low temperature of the freezer will protect the nutrients.
RELATED: Peach Smoothie
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
Step 2: Wash the peaches under cool running water. Dry the peaches with a clean towel.
Step 3: Cut each peach into quarters, moving from top to bottom. Twist the peach to remove the pit.
Step 4: Place the peaches on the baking sheet in a single layer.
Step 5: Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer. Freeze until the peaches are frozen.
Step 6: Store the peaches in a freezer-safe silicone bag.
Photo Credit: amazon.com
Expert Tips
Use ripe fruits.
When freezing peaches, choose ripe ones. They’ll have the best flavor and texture. To tell if a peach is ripe, give it a gentle squeeze. It should be slightly soft, smell lightly sweet, and have dark yellow skin.
Cut into smaller pieces.
If your blender isn’t very powerful, cut the peaches into cubes instead of wedges. The smaller frozen pieces will be easier for your blender to puree.
Use a plate.
Instead of a baking sheet, you can freeze peaches on a freezer-safe plate. An aluminum foil tray or pie pan work too. These options are helpful if you don’t have a lot of space in your freezer.
Peeling the peach is optional.
Peach skin is edible and high in fiber. You don’t need to remove it before freezing the fruit, but you can remove it if you’d like.
Related
- How to Freeze Cherries Properly
- How to Freeze Pineapples
- How to Freeze Strawberries
- How to Freeze Kale
- How to Freeze Grapes Properly
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How to Freeze Peaches
INGREDIENTS
- Peaches
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare baking sheet.Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
- Wash and dry the peaches.Wash the peaches under cool running water for 10 to 20 seconds. Dry the peaches with a clean towel.
- Cut the peaches and remove the pit.Slice each peach in half, moving from top to bottom and cutting straight down along the pit. Cut each half in half again to make quarters. Twist the peach to remove the pit.
- Place the peaches in the freezer for 1-2 hours.Put the peach quarters on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they aren't touching. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer. Freeze for 1 to 2 hours, or until the peach quarters are frozen.
- Put frozen peaches into a freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer.Transfer the peaches into a freezer-safe bag. Push out the extra air and press the seal to close. Use frozen peaches in 8-12 months for the best flavor.
NOTES
- To tell if a peach is ripe, give it a gentle squeeze. It should be slightly soft, smell lightly sweet, and have dark yellow skin.
- If your blender isn’t very powerful, cut the peaches into cubes instead of wedges. The smaller pieces will be easier for your blender to puree.
- Instead of a baking sheet, you can freeze peaches on a freezer-safe plate. An aluminum foil tray or pie pan work too.
- Peach skin is edible and high in fiber. You don’t need to remove it before freezing the fruit, but you can remove it if you’d like.