Freezing Peaches

Every year we get fresh delicious peaches from a local farm. One of my favorite ways to preserve those peaches is by freezing them. This method is a perfect way to have peaches all year long.

Freezing peaches takes almost no time at all and they'll last in a deep freeze until peach season comes around again.

Freezing fresh peaches

When summertime gives you an abundance of delicious fresh peaches, you want them to last and last.

Freezing fresh peaches is a wonderful way to preserve their vibrant flavor and enjoy their juicy sweetness long after the peak of the harvest season. Whether you have an abundant supply of ripe peaches or want to stock up on this delightful fruit when it's in season, freezing them ensures you can relish their goodness all year round.

In order to make those peaches last, you'll want to preserve them. You can preserve them by freezing them or by canning peaches.

We preserve peaches both ways every year. In order to freeze peaches, you need a deep freezer that doesn't have an auto-defrost. A deep freeze is usually a stand-alone upright or chest freezer that is set at 0° F.

Peaches stored in a deep freeze will maintain good quality for one year. Use these frozen peaches in smoothies, peach muffins, peach bars, blackberry peach cobbler, and just all by themselves as a snack.

What you need for freezing peaches

Peaches. That's it!!! Just peaches. I like to use freestone peaches because it's easy to remove the pit. I don't use lemon juice or citric acid on the peaches. I just don't think they need them. The peaches really don't discolor through this process.

Find the very best peaches you can find. If it's a perfect peach for eating, it will be perfect for freezing.

How to freeze peaches

Peel the peaches

1. Place 3-4 peaches in a pot of boiling water for 30-60 seconds
2. Remove peaches and place in ice water
3. Slip peel off with your hands or a pairing knife

Slice the peaches

4. Slice each peach in half and remove the pit
5. Slice each half into wedges or dice into large chunks
6. Place peaches on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper

Freeze and store

7. Place a baking sheet lined with peaches in the freezer
8. Leave until peaches are fully frozen
9. Remove peach slices from the baking sheet and place them in a freezer bag or container
10. Label and date bag and store in the deep freezer

Tips for freezing peaches

• Use ripe peaches free from blemishes and bruises.
• If the peel doesn't slip easily from the peach, place it back in the boiling water for another 30 seconds.
• Freestone peaches are the easiest peach to remove the pit because the flesh doesn't stick to the pit.
• Work with as many peaches as you have available and as much freezer space as you have available.
• Don't place your peaches directly on the baking sheet. You will have difficulty removing them once they are frozen.
• Be certain to freeze your peaches in individual pieces before adding to your freezer bag. If you add the fresh peaches directly to a freezer bag, you will end up with one large clump of peaches.

How to thaw frozen peaches

• Avoid Complete Thawing: For many recipes, especially baking, it's better to use partially thawed peaches. This helps maintain their texture and prevents them from becoming too mushy. Simply spread them out on a baking sheet and let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
• Drain Excess Liquid: Once peaches are thawed, they can release a lot of moisture. Make sure to drain the excess liquid before using them in recipes. This is particularly important for baking, where too much liquid can affect the final product's texture.
• Thaw in the Fridge: For a more controlled thaw, place the frozen peaches in the refrigerator overnight. This slower thawing process helps preserve their texture and flavor better than a quick thaw at room temperature.
• Use in Frozen Form for Certain Recipes: In smoothies, slushies, or frozen desserts, use peaches directly from the freezer without thawing. This ensures your final product has a thick, cold consistency without needing additional ice.
• Sprinkle with Sugar for Fresh Taste: After thawing, sprinkle the peaches with a bit of sugar and let them sit for a few minutes. This can help enhance their natural sweetness and improve their flavor, making them taste closer to fresh peaches.

Faqs for freezing fresh peaches

More recipes with peaches

If you're looking for more recipes to use up all those delicious peaches, check these out

• Peach Ice Cream
• Peach Cobbler
• Peach Salsa
• Mango Peach Popsicles
• Quinoa, Brown Rice and Peach Salad
• Peach Muffins
• How to Can Peaches
• Peach Liqueur

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

More from Beyond The Chicken Coop

Be certain to check out all my preserving food recipes!