Do you know how to freeze peaches? Summertime for Southerners isn’t complete without sinking their teeth into a luscious, juicy peach freshly plucked from the orchard. This seasonal delight holds a special place in our hearts, eagerly anticipated all year long. While peaches can be sourced globally throughout the year, there’s something incomparable about enjoying locally grown peaches at their peak. It’s akin to swapping out Duke’s mayonnaise for a generic brand or switching from sweet tea to unsweetened—a sacrilege we simply won’t abide by. And when it comes to pairing, few things rival the heavenly combination of peaches and bacon in Southern cuisine.
When peach season finally arrives at farmers’ markets and roadside stands across the South, we seize the opportunity with gusto. From warm grilled peach cobblers adorned with cold ice cream to stirring them into margaritas or Savouring refreshing iced peach tea, the culinary possibilities are endless. However, like all fleeting pleasures, peach season is brief, typically spanning from May through August, leaving us perpetually craving more. Fortunately, the freezer provides a saving grace, allowing us to preserve peaches for year-round enjoyment in various recipes. Follow these straightforward instructions to make the most of your peach bounty.
How To Choose Peaches To Freeze
For optimal future enjoyment, select peaches at their peak during the season. Look for peaches that are ripe, aromatic, and ideally freestone, if available.
The distinction between freestone and clingstone peaches lies in how easily the fruit separates from its pit. Clingstone peaches, as their name implies, cling tightly to the pit, making them trickier to remove. On the other hand, freestone peaches can be sliced and frozen more effortlessly for preservation and later use.
Why Freeze Fresh Peaches
- Preserving Peak Flavor: Freezing peaches at their ripest preserves their delicious flavor for enjoyment throughout the year.
- Extend Shelf Life: Freezing prevents spoilage and waste by extending the peaches’ shelf life beyond their short season.
- Convenience: Having frozen peaches on hand provides convenience for adding to recipes or enjoying as a snack.
- Versatility: Frozen peaches can be used in various dishes such as smoothies, desserts, sauces, and baked goods.
- Cost Savings: Buying peaches in bulk during peak season and freezing them can be more economical than purchasing out-of-season peaches.
How to freeze fresh peaches without them turning brown
- Select ripe but firm peaches with no soft spots or blemishes.
- Create a solution of water and lemon juice (1 tablespoon lemon juice per 1 cup water).
- Peel (optional) and slice peaches into desired sizes.
- Immediately dip peach slices into lemon water solution to prevent oxidation.
- Drain excess liquid from peach slices after dipping.
- Arrange peach slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place baking sheet in freezer and flash freeze peach slices for 1-2 hours until firm.
- Transfer individually frozen peach slices to freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Squeeze out excess air, seal tightly, and label with date and contents.
How to freeze peaches without sugar
- Select ripe but firm peaches with no soft spots or blemishes.
- Wash the peaches thoroughly under running water.
- Peel the peaches if desired, using a blanching method (briefly boiling and then cooling in ice water) to easily remove skins.
- Slice or dice the peaches, removing pits.
- Prepare a solution of water and lemon juice (1 tablespoon lemon juice per 1 cup water).
- Dip peach slices or pieces in the lemon water solution briefly to prevent browning.
- Drain excess liquid from peach slices or pieces.
- Arrange peach slices or pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Freeze the peaches on the baking sheet until solid (about 1-2 hours).
- Transfer frozen peach slices or pieces to freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Squeeze out excess air, seal tightly, and label with date and contents.
- Store frozen peaches in the freezer for up to 6-12 months.
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