How To Freeze Peaches {no sugar}

Name: How To Freeze Peaches
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 90 min
Ingredients: 25 pounds peaches (A half bushel, I used red haven)

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Freezing peaches is one of the best ways to make the summer last the whole year! Here’s How to Freeze Peaches quickly and easily – and without the need for any sugar.

A peach sliced in half with a bowl of peaches in the background.

Enjoying fresh produce all season long is one of my favorite things about the summer months.

And while the growing season always comes to an end, you can still enjoy the flavors of summertime months later by taking the time to freeze those summer fruits and veggies.

The very best way to freeze peaches

1 peach sliced in half with a few whole peaches nearby.

There's a few different options you have when it comes to freezing peaches.

Blanching
Whether or not to peel them
With or without sugar
Flash Freezing

The method you use to freeze your fruit will depend on how you plan to use it after it’s been frozen.

BLANCHING- Blanching helps to stabilize the color, protects flavor and texture.

PEELING- Removing the skin is going to be a personal preference. There are some health benefits to eating the skin. It's always a good idea to wash the fruit before eating it.

WITH OR WITHOUT SUGAR- It's much healthier to NOT use sugar. Plus you'll save yourself a step. Freezing them with sugar produces a sweeter result and releases the peach juices.

FLASH FREEZING- is freezing individual pieces of food separately. This allows you to use exactly how much you need for a recipe because the peaches are not sticking together in a big clump.

I have found that the very best method for freezing peaches without sugar is flash-freezing them.

It's quick, it's easy, and you still have a lot of choices in how you use the fruit.

Peeling Peaches

AFMT PRO-TIP: Peeling is optional! you don't have to peel the peaches first. And I recommend NOT doing it. It will save you time and you usually won't notice when you use them.

I typically use my frozen peaches for smoothies, cobblers, crumbles, oatmeal, or jam.

In most of those cases, the peel is so blended up or cooked down, you don't even notice it.

HOWEVER, if you do want to peel them, you have two choices.

Peel with a pairing knife- gently slide the knife under the skin at the top of the peach and pull the skin off in strips. Just like you would an apple.
Blanching- bring a pot of water to a boil. Score the peaches in an X pattern at the bottom. Place a few peaches at a time in the boiling water for 30-60 seconds, remove them with a slotted spoon, and place in a bowl of ice water. Now the skins will slide right off.

How to Freeze Sliced Peaches

Slicing the peaches is one of the easiest ways to store and use them. They take up less room in your freezer and are simpler to remove from the freezer and use in your favorite recipes.

STEP ONE: Prepare the peaches

Wash the peaches
Slice the peaches in half, remove the pit, then cut each half into slices

AFMT PROT-TIP: For a stubborn pit, slice the peach in half around the pit and pull the two halves apart. Then slice the half with the pit in it in half again, and pull off one piece. Now you will be left with a quarter of the peach with the pit attached. You should be able to pull pit right out.

STEP TWO: Flash Freeze

Line a rimmed baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper
Lay the peach slices in a single layer on the tray. Make sure they are not touching each other.
Place in the freezer for 3-4 hours or overnight.
Once frozen, transfer to zip lock bags. Be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Don't forget to label and date the bags!

Slices of fresh peaches neatly lined on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper ready to be put in the freezer.

Notes and Tips

Always choose high-quality peaches- make sure to freeze the fruit when it’s ripe for the best flavor.

Ripe peaches are slightly soft with a dark yellow tint. They have a sweet smell and are more round in shape than fruit that isn’t fully ripe.

Line your pans- wax paper will keep the peaches from sticking to the pan.
You can freeze halves, quarters, or slices.

Remove excess air before sealing- This helps prevent freezer burn on your peaches.

I use zip lock bags and get as much air out as possible. Another option is using vacuum-sealed bags.

Label your bags- What it is and when you put it in the freezer.

I speak from experience here. You don't want to find a mystery bag months later, and you won't have to wonder if it's still good.

Peach slices after flash freezing without sugar, on a rimmed baking sheet.

Here's a quick video demonstrating these tips. Please don't judge me, I didn't get fixed up all pretty for this one. 🙂

How can you keep peaches from turning brown?

If your peaches are discoloring when you freeze them and it bothers you, toss them with some lemon juice before laying them on the tray. You'll need the juice of 1 lemon per 8-10 peaches.

How long will peaches keep in the freezer?

6-12 months.

Can you freeze whole peaches?

Yes you can. However, you will need to thaw them fully and remove the pit before using them. It's more of a hassle later, but it can be done.

To flash freeze, after washing the fruit, place on a tray and put in the freezer until frozen. Transfer to a zip lock bag and remove excess air when sealing. Transfer back to the freezer.

Two rimmed baking trays lined with Frozen peach slices that were flash frozen.

How to use Frozen Peaches

Smoothies
Cocktails or Mocktails
As an ice cube or garnish in your water/beverage
Peach Crisp
Peach Cobbler
Add it to your oatmeal or overnight oats

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