Here’s How To Freeze Peaches Without Them Clumping Together
Freezing peaches is a great way to preserve their deliciousness for later use, whether for smoothies, desserts, or baking. One common issue when freezing peaches is that they tend to clump together, making it difficult to grab individual pieces when needed.
First, you’ll need to start by selecting ripe peaches. The ideal peaches for freezing are firm, but not overly hard, and should be free from blemishes. Wash them thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or chemicals.
Once cleaned, the next step is to peel the peaches. While the skin is edible, it can become tough when frozen, so it’s best to remove it. To do this quickly, you can blanch the peaches. Simply place them in boiling water for about 30 seconds, and then transfer them to an ice bath to cool.
Next, slice the peaches into your desired size, whether in halves, slices, or chunks. The key to preventing clumping is to treat the peaches before they’re placed in the freezer. After slicing, you’ll want to spread the peach slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
This step is crucial because it allows the peaches to freeze individually. Make sure the slices are not touching one another, as this ensures they will freeze separately.
Place the baking sheet with the peach slices into the freezer for a few hours, or until the fruit is frozen solid. Once frozen, transfer the peach slices into freezer bags or airtight containers.
To prevent air from getting in, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bags. Label the bags with the date of freezing, so you know how long they've been stored.
This technique, known as flash freezing, ensures that the peaches remain separate, and you can easily grab just the amount you need without thawing the entire batch.