A Simple Guide to Freezing Fresh Peaches Without Losing Flavor
Peach season is short, but that doesnβt mean you have to say goodbye to those juicy summer flavors. With the right technique, you can freeze fresh peaches at their peak ripeness and enjoy them all year longβin smoothies, pies, crisps, and even jams.
Pinterest is full of questions about βhow to freeze peaches without them turning brown,β βfreezing sliced peaches,β and βhow to use frozen peaches.β This guide will walk you through step-by-step how to do it rightβwhether youβre freezing a few or an entire crate.
π What Youβll Need:
- Fresh, ripe peaches (freestone varieties are easiest)
- Sharp paring knife
- Lemon juice or Fruit Fresh
- Large pot (for blanching, optional)
- Slotted spoon
- Freezer bags or containers
- Parchment paper and baking sheet (for flash freezing)
π©βπ³ Methods to Freeze Peaches:
Option 1: Raw, No Blanching
- Wash & peel peaches. You can leave the skin on, but peeled gives better texture.
- Slice or dice as desired and remove pits.
- Toss with lemon juice (about 1 tbsp per 4 peaches) to prevent browning.
- Lay pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Freeze for 2β4 hours, until solid.
- Transfer to labeled freezer bags or containers. Remove excess air.
β Best for: smoothies, sauces, quick baking use.
Option 2: Blanched (Better texture for pies)
- Bring a large pot of water to boil. Prepare an ice water bath.
- Score an βXβ on the bottom of each peach.
- Boil for 30β60 seconds, then immediately submerge in ice water.
- Slip off the skins easily. Slice, pit, and toss in lemon juice.
- Flash freeze and store as above.
β Best for: pies, crisps, jamsβwhen texture matters more.
β Why Freeze Peaches?
- Saves perfectly ripe fruit from going bad
- Great for bulk buys or garden harvests
- Preserves nutrients and flavor
- Reduces waste and saves money
- Makes baking and smoothie prep faster year-round
π Storage Tips:
- Use within 8β12 months for best quality.
- Label bags with date and quantity.
- For syrup-pack freezing: store sliced peaches in a sugar syrup in freezer-safe containers.