How To Freeze Peaches

Freezing peaches is one of the best ways to hold on to summer’s sweet bounty a little longer. Whether you picked up a big basket at the farmers market or found a great deal at the store, freezing them means you don’t have to rush to eat them all before they turn soft and spotty. And the best part? Frozen peaches are incredibly handy for smoothies, crisps, cobblers, sauces, and more—all without the mess of peeling or slicing later.

If you’ve never frozen peaches before, don’t worry—it’s super simple once you know the steps. I’ll walk you through everything, from how to choose the right peaches to different methods of freezing (sliced, halved, or with syrup). So grab a bowl, a little lemon juice, and let’s preserve that juicy goodness for later!

What You’ll Need

Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need before we dive in:

• Ripe but firm peaches
• A sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Lemon juice or ascorbic acid (to prevent browning)
• Freezer-safe bags or containers
• Baking sheet (if flash freezing)
• Optional: sugar or syrup

Step-by-Step: How to Freeze Fresh Peaches

1. Wash and Prep

Start by rinsing your peaches under cool water to remove any dirt or fuzz. Pat them dry with a towel.

2. Peel (Optional)

If you prefer skinless peaches, blanching is the easiest way to peel them. Just score a small “X” at the bottom of each peach, dip them in boiling water for 30–60 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath. The skins will slide right off.

Not a fan of peeling? You can totally freeze them with the skin on—it’s all about personal preference and how you plan to use them later.

3. Slice or Halve

Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits. From there, you can slice them, dice them, or leave them in halves—whatever works best for how you’ll use them later.

4. Prevent Browning

Toss the peach slices in a bit of lemon juice (about 1 tablespoon per 4 cups of fruit) or a mixture of water and ascorbic acid. This step helps keep them from turning brown in the freezer.

5. Choose a Freezing Method:

Flash Freezing (Best for Individual Pieces):
Lay your slices or halves in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid (about 3–4 hours), then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This keeps them from sticking together in clumps.

Freezing with Sugar or Syrup (Great for Desserts):
Place your peach slices in a bowl and gently toss them with a little sugar (about ½ cup per quart of fruit). Let them sit for about 15 minutes so the juices start to release. Then pack them into containers or freezer bags, pressing out excess air.

You can also freeze peaches in a light syrup (1 cup sugar dissolved in 4 cups water) if you want them ready for cobblers or crisps.

FAQ

How Long Do Frozen Peaches Last?

When stored properly, frozen peaches can last up to 10–12 months in the freezer. Try to use them within that time for the best texture and flavor.

How to Use Frozen Peaches

You don’t need to thaw frozen peaches if you’re tossing them into a smoothie or baked dessert. Just use them straight from the freezer. For recipes that call for thawed fruit, place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water until soft.

Final Tips

• Label your bags or containers with the date so you don’t forget how long they’ve been in the freezer.
• Use freezer-safe storage to avoid freezer burn.
• Avoid over-packing bags—it helps the fruit freeze faster and more evenly.

Freezing peaches is honestly one of the easiest ways to make summer last just a little bit longer. It takes just a bit of prep, and you’ll be thanking yourself months from now when you’ve got juicy peach slices ready to go. Give it a try and let me know how it works out for you!