Freezing peaches can be a great way to preserve their flavor and texture for later use. However, if you don’t take the right steps, they can clump together in one big frozen block, making it hard to separate and use individual pieces. Here’s how to avoid that:
1. Choose Ripe, Firm Peaches
- Select ripe peaches that are firm but not overripe. Overripe peaches might become mushy once frozen and lose their flavor when thawed.
2. Wash, Peel, and Slice
- Wash the peaches thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides.
- Peel the peaches by blanching them. To do this, make an “X” incision at the bottom of each peach, then briefly submerge them in boiling water for about 30-60 seconds, followed by an immediate transfer to ice water. The skin should peel right off.
- Slice the peaches into wedges or chunks depending on your preference.
3. Prevent Browning (Optional)
- To preserve the vibrant color and flavor, you can treat the peach slices with ascorbic acid or lemon juice.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (or 1/4 teaspoon of ascorbic acid) with a cup of water, and soak the peach slices for a few minutes. Drain well.
4. Flash Freeze the Peaches
- Lay the peach slices in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper. Make sure the pieces don’t touch each other, as this helps them freeze individually.
- Place the tray in the freezer for 4-6 hours or until the peaches are completely frozen.
5. Store in Freezer Bags or Containers
- Once the peach slices are frozen, transfer them into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. Try to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn.
- Label the bags with the date so you know when they were frozen.
6. Return to Freezer
- Store the bags of peaches in the freezer. Since they were flash-frozen, they should remain loose and easy to separate when you need them.
By using the flash-freezing method, you’ll have individual peach slices that won’t clump together, making it much easier to grab exactly what you need later on. Enjoy your peaches in smoothies, desserts, or as a snack all year round!