One of the best things about Michigan in the summer is all the fresh, local produce. We have summer for such a short time, and I do my best to take advantage of it. This week it’s all about peaches. I’m sharing How To Freeze Peaches the easiest way, and, without sugar!
How to freeze peaches
Whenever the local produce is out, we just eat gobs of it and enjoy it as much as we can. I only wish the season was longer. But, to ensure that awesome taste of summer, we load tons of produce in the freezer. You may remember this post during cherry season. We also freeze about 40 pounds of blueberries to enjoy throughout the year.
To can or not to can?
Not a canner? Then this post is for you! All you canners out there~ you are my heroes!! Every year, I dream about canning. I’m going to can tomatoes and peaches and everything! Yes, these are my ambitious thoughts. The reality is, it just doesn’t happen.
So, I’m not saying “I’m going to can” anymore. Just like I quit picking strawberries and started buying them instead. It’s okay. I think there will be a season when I’ll be able to do it and love it. No one does it all people. No. One. I find comfort in this. 🙂
Freezing is my answer to the canning dilemma! Yes, it’s different. But the point is, it’s another way to preserve your food. And in my opinion it’s easier and faster. And for now, it just works for me! To clarify, I’m not saying one is better than the other. But you canners–I love ya!!! If any of you would can for me? Let me know!
Let’s Freeze!
Okay, not literally. Winter is my least favorite because I’m always so cold!! Let’s freeze peaches! Here are some tips, but check out the whole list of instructions in the recipe card below.
Tips & Tricks
- Line your pans with wax paper so the peaches don’t stick to the pan. I do about 4 rimmed baking sheets at a time. That’s what fits in my deep freezer.
- Freezing with the skin on is optional. If you want to peel them, feel free, but that is another (long) step.
- You can freeze halves, quarters, or slices.
- For a stubborn pit, slice the peach in half around the pit and pull apart. Then slice the half, with the pit in it, in half again and pull off one piece. Now you should be able to pull even a stubborn pit right out.
- Flash freezing is simply freezing items individually so that when you place them in a bag, they are easy to use as much or as little as you want.
And… Action!
Here’s a quick video demonstrating these tips. Please don’t judge me, I didn’t get fixed up all pretty for this one. 🙂
- ½ bushel of peaches (I used red haven)
- Pit and cut peaches in halves, quarters or slices.
- Lay out on a wax paper lined baking sheet(s).
- Flash freeze for a couple hour or until frozen.
- Remove peaches from baking sheets and store in an airtight sealed freezer bag.
The time it takes to prep these depends on how many peaches you do. I used 1/2 bushel of Red Haven peaches. I did 4 trays at once, 2 times, and I yielded about 6 (1) gallon size freezer bags of peaches.
Here’s one of my favorite recipes that includes both peaches and blueberries!
What’s your favorite way to preserve fresh summer produce?
Blessings, Chellie
This is the way I freeze my peaches too. I love grabbing a handful and tossing them into a breakfast smoothie.
Great way to save seasonal produce for later in the year. Thanks for sharing on Creative k Kids #TastyTuesdays
Hey Chellie! This would be way easier than canning for sure. Perfect for frozen drinks and smoothies. Doubt you would need any ice either. Thank you for linking up at Funtastic Friday!
Yes, Lacie, great tip! I typically don’t need ice when I’m using frozen fruit. 🙂
Do you ever have issues with the peaches turning brown?
I haven’t. I did just find a bag from last year as I was making room for our beef and they were definitely not as bright, but not brown either. Are they turning brown for you or were you just wondering?
I assume you wash peaches, let them dry and then pit and freeze them. I would not want to wash the peach quarters or halves after they are frozen. Just want to throw them in a smoothy.
Yes Robin, that’s exactly right. And if you’re leaving the skins on the water kind of just rolls off of them so it doesn’t take too long to dry.
This is helpful since I just picked peaches from my two trees
Oh how awesome you have your own peach trees!