How to Freeze Peaches
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By harnessing the power of freezing, you can enjoy perfectly ripe peaches all year round. We’ll walk through the steps of how to freeze peaches so you can use every last bit of this amazing fruit.
Why Freeze Peaches?
There are only a few months of the year peaches are in season. They are absolutely delicious in this short window. Outside of that, not so much.
The good news is that you can buy them in bulk and stock the freezer with them!
I do this every year and hope you can use this hack as well.
Do I Need to Peel Peaches Before Freezing?
I almost never peel peaches before freezing them.
Since I primarily use frozen peaches in smoothies, overnight oats, or baked recipes like our Peaches and Cream Baked Oatmeal, peeling isn’t necessary. The peel provides a pop of color and some added nutrition.
Step-by-Step: How to Freeze Peaches (Without Peeling)
Slice Peaches and Remove Cores
Use a sharp knife and slice the peach into small pieces. This doesn’t have to be pretty. Remove the core and discard.
Place Peaches on Parchment Lined Baking Sheet
I like to use parchment paper to make clean-up easier. You can always use a silicone mat too.
Line the peaches up so they aren’t touching. This makes them easier to move into a freezer container in the next step.
Flash Freeze Peaches
Flash freeze means simply placing the baking sheet in a freezer and letting the peaches freeze until they are hard enough to move to a freezer container. This takes 1-2 hours.
We use flash freezing in many of our freezer meals, such as Baked Italian Meatballs or English Muffin Pizzas.
Move Frozen Peaches to Freezer Container
Since air is the enemy of freezer meals, select a container that will allow minimal air exposure to the peaches. I prefer to use reusable freezer bags for frozen produce.
FAQs
Here are common questions and our answers about how to freeze peaches.
If you can freeze them with minimal air exposure, peaches will last anywhere from 6-12 months in the freezer. They will be safe indefinitely, but they will begin to get freezer burn after an extended stay in the freezer.
Yes, the texture of peaches will change a bit after freezing and thawing. Because of their high moisture content, they will be a bit mushier than before they were frozen. The taste will not change though.
There are two main types of peaches—freestone and clingstone. This refers to how much the flesh of the peach “clings” to the pit. If you are stocking up on peaches for the freezer, you want to look for freestone peaches. This variety makes it MUCH easier to remove the pit.
Absolutely. If they are in season, they will be naturally sweet.
I like to use reusable freezer bags for freezing produce. Here are the freezer containers we use and recommend.
Freezer Tip
If you have the option, use freestone peaches for stocking up the freezer. They are easier to process.
Ways to Use Frozen Peaches
- Throw them in smoothies (no need to thaw). Adding fresh peaches to almost any smoothie will give it a boost of flavor and nutrition. Try our Very Berry Smoothie or Tropical Smoothie.
- We also love them diced up in Peach Pie Overnight Oats. Or, stir the thawed peaches into your cooked oatmeal. They would also go great in baked oatmeal recipes!
- Make Homemade Freezer Jam.
- Use them in desserts like Peach Crisp or Peach Pie.
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How to Freeze Peaches
Do you have an abundance of fresh peaches? Try this simple method for freezing them so you can eat them all year long!
Ingredients
- freestone peaches (any amount)
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Instructions
- Optional but not necessary: You can peel the peaches using the method in the article above.
- Cut peaches in half and remove the pits.
- Slice the peaches.
- Place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they don’t touch.
- Place the sheet pan in the freezer for 1-3 hours, until they are frozen solid.
- Once the peaches are frozen, transfer to a freezer safe bag or container. Store 6-12 months.
Notes/Tips
- Use freestone peaches for easier processing.
- No need to peel peaches before freezing.
- Flash freezing will help the peaches to not clump together.
- The texture of frozen and thawed peaches will change. This makes them perfect for baking and smoothies.
Thanks for this! Love being able to freeze fresh peaches for later. Going to use them for cobblers in the fall and winter.
When I have tried to freeze peaches I always have a problem with them turning brown. Any hints?
Did you parboil them and they still turned brown?
My dad told me he adds a little vitamin C to them which prevents them turning brown. Ever heard of that?