There's nothing quite like biting into a juicy, sweet peach during the summer months. Unfortunately, the peach season doesn't last long, which often leaves us missing their juicy sweetness once colder months arrive. The good news is that freezing peaches is a simple way to lock in that peak-of-summer flavor so you can enjoy them year-round.
Jump To
- What are the best peaches for freezing?
- How to remove the pits from peaches?
- How to freeze peaches with the skin on
- How to freeze peaches with the skin off
- How long can you freeze peaches?
- Should peaches be defrosted before use?
- How to prevent peaches from browning
- Will freezing change the texture of the fruit?
- What is the best way to thaw frozen peaches?
- Delicious ways to use peaches
- Final thoughts
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Instead of buying bland, out-of-season peaches, preserve the best ones when they're fresh and bursting with flavor. By freezing them at their ripest, you'll have sweet, vibrant peaches ready to use whenever you crave a taste of summer.
Whether you freeze them whole, halved, or sliced, the method is straightforward and preserves both color and taste. With a handful of simple steps and smart tips, you'll stock the freezer like a pro. And while you are freezing your summer bounty, don't forget about freezing corn.
"I always have frozen peaches in the freezer. Fresh peaches out of season generally have no flavor to them, and I love to bake with peaches to make everything from a traditional peach kuchen to peach scones and so much more. I blanch and peel them, then slice them before I freeze them so they're ready for me to use no matter what I choose to make."
- Michelle Price, Honest and Truly
What are the best peaches for freezing?
Begin with peaches that smell sweet and feel ripe but still slightly firm.
- Peaches from orchards, fruit stands, and farmers' markets are picked ripe and usually taste better; supermarket peaches are often harvested early and can be bland.
- Freestone peaches are easy to pit and peel, which makes them the best alternative for freezing.
- Clingstone peaches are smaller and very sweet, but can sometimes be a challenge to remove the pits.
How to remove the pits from peaches?
There are two main categories-freestone and clingstone-each with many varieties.
With freestone peaches, the flesh doesn't cling to the pit, so removal is simple.
- Slice the peach along the natural crease line from the stem all the way around.
- Twist the two halves of the peach apart, and the pit should fall out.
Clingstone peaches are trickier because the flesh clings to the pit, but it can be done. The goal is to loosen the pit first, then lift it out. Here's how:
- Don't cut the peach where the natural crease is; instead, cut the peach to the side of the crease, starting at the stem and then ending on the other side of the stem.
- Cut all the way around the peach. Gently twist the peach, and one side should loosen and come off, leaving the pit attached to the other half.
- Now cut that half again from top to bottom and pull the sections apart from the pit.
How to freeze peaches with the skin on
Follow these steps to freeze peaches without peeling:
- Rinse whole peaches under cool water and pat completely dry.
- Choose your cut: keep them whole, halve, wedge, or dice.
- Arrange pieces in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they don't stick together.
- Place the tray in the freezer for four to eight hours or until the peaches are completely frozen. Whole peaches can take up to eight hours to freeze.
- Transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out excess air before sealing.
- Then freeze until you are ready to use.
How to freeze peaches with the skin off
Blanching makes peeling effortless and takes just a couple of minutes.
- Bring a large pot to a full boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Next, place the peaches in the simmering water for 30 seconds.
- With a slotted spoon, remove the peaches and place them in a bowl of ice water.
- Once the peaches have cooled enough to handle, the skins will be easy to peel off.
- After peeling, freeze peaches whole, halved, sliced, or diced.
- Place the prepped peaches on a parchment-lined baking sheet and then freeze for four to eight hours or until fully frozen. Whole peaches can take up to eight hours to freeze.
- Pack into airtight containers or freezer bags, remove as much air as possible, and store for up to 12 months.
"Since I usually make downscaled recipes for just one or two people, freezing fruit allows me to keep it on hand without spoiling. It's also much easier to grab only the amount needed from the freezer."
- Lisa MarcAurele, Little Bit Recipes
How long can you freeze peaches?
For the best quality, use airtight packaging and press out the air before sealing. Frozen peaches will last for six to 12 months.
Should peaches be defrosted before use?
For most recipes, like these peach raspberry bars, you do not need to defrost first. Because peaches release a lot of juice, plan to increase thickeners (flour or cornstarch) when baking-especially for pies.
If you are using peaches for drinks like smoothies, you can use them frozen or defrosted. Frozen pieces make extra-thick smoothies that stay colder longer.
How to prevent peaches from browning
Peaches brown when exposed to air, much like avocados. Toss slices with 1 tablespoon lemon juice to slow discoloration.
Will freezing change the texture of the fruit?
Yes. Thawed peaches are softer than fresh, but as a sturdy stone fruit, they freeze well and shine in baked desserts, sauces, and smoothies.
What is the best way to thaw frozen peaches?
The simplest method is to thaw frozen peaches in the refrigerator, which can take six to eight hours. For a faster option, seal peaches in a bag and submerge in cold water; they'll thaw in about 30-60 minutes.
Delicious ways to use peaches
Put your frozen stash to work with these ideas:
- Blend into smoothies or cocktails.
- Drop frozen slices into drinks to chill without dilution.
- Peach pandowdy is easier to make than a pie and is perfect for using frozen peaches, or make this fruity peaches and cream ice cream with frozen peaches any time of the year.
Final thoughts
Freezing peaches is a simple preservation method that stretches summer's best fruit across the whole year. With proper prep and storage, they keep their flavor and nutrients for months. From smoothies and cobblers to jams and sauces, frozen peaches are endlessly versatile-perfect whether you're saving a bumper crop or stocking up for winter.
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