How to Freeze Peaches

Freezing peaches is a wonderful way to enjoy them all year long! Learn how to freeze peaches the easy way!

3 years ago our peach trees really started producing enough peaches to "put up". Before that, we might get enough for one peach cobbler, or to eat fresh over a few days.

But as soon as we were getting hundred pounds of peaches all at once, it was time to start preserving those peaches for later!

Though I am a big fan of canning, I do also like to freeze things from time to time!

Generally, I will can about 1/3 of the peaches, freeze another 1/3, and then enjoy 1/3 of them fresh!

Fortunately, freezing peaches is pretty darn simple!

Step One:

First, harvest or buy all the peaches you would like to freeze and check them for ripeness.

If you have harvested your own peaches (versus store bought) you might need to wait on some of them, as they might be a little too green for peak deliciousness.

Gently squeeze the peach in your hand, it if gives well and doesn't feel rock hard, then it is likely ready to preserve. If parts of the peach are still green, let them sit on the counter for an extra day or two to continue ripening.

Step Two:

Take all the ripe peaches and wash them well.

Be careful with very ripe peaches that you don't tear the skin when washing them.

Dry the peaches well. This helps them from sticking together as much during the freezing process.

Step Three:

Now it's time for the fun part!

Slice all the peaches as desired for freezing. I like to slice them in large cobbler slices, but you can also dice them if you'd like.

Place the sliced peaches on a lined baking sheet. Feel free to pile them high! The natural sugars in the peaches keep them from freezing too hard and they break apart easily after freezing.

So, don't worry about freezing them in a single layer.

NOTE: Keep the peach pits to start growing your own peach trees!

Step Four:

Once you've filled up a tray or sliced all the peaches, place your baking tray into the freeze. Keep the tray flat, if possible.

Freeze the peaches for 4-8 hours, or until completely frozen. Break them up and store the frozen peaches in gallon freezer bags until you're ready to use them!

How Long Do Frozen Peaches Last?

Some people would say that you'd need to use your frozen peaches within 3-6 months. However, we regularly use them up to a year after initially freezing them with excellent results!

Use your judgement when baking with or eating your frozen peaches and I would say eat them within a year!

Additional Ways to Preserve Peaches

If you are like me and run out of freezer space easily, there are additional ways you can preserve peaches!

Canning Peaches

I adore canned peaches in light syrup, and I have ever since I was a little girl. It wasn't until I was about 18 that I started home-canning my own peaches!

Two of my favorite recipes for canned peaches are Brandied Whole Peaches and Peach Pie Filling - both of which I share in my Quick Start Guide to Water Bath Canning.

Or check out how to can peaches in light syrup here!

Freeze Drying Peaches

Another fabulous way to preserve peaches is to freeze dry them!

Last year I finally bought my own freeze dryer and it has been the best thing ever! One of the very first things I tried were peaches, and they became an instant favorite.

All the tart sweetness of the peach, along with the crisp snap of freeze dried fruit.

Like I said, instant classic!

You can learn more about how easy it is to freeze dry food at home in this post on home freeze drying!

Delicious Peach Recipes

Now, once you have all your peaches preserved, how should you go about using them?

Here are a few of my favorite peach recipes for you to try!

Southern Peach Cobbler: A classic recipe for peach cobbler with pie crust. Perfect for any occasion. Serve with vanilla ice cream for the full experience!

Peach Iced Tea: Another Southern classic, peach tea is a staple in most households down here. Make your own with this simple recipe!

5 Minute Peach Crumble: When you want a delicious dessert in a hurry, this peach crumble really shines! Oven ready in just 5 minutes and on the table in less than 30!

PIN THIS FOR LATER

Even More Food Preservation Posts:

How to Make Squash Flour

Canning Tomatoes

How to Can Homemade Grape Juice

How to Store Flour Long Term

This post is part of the blogger roundup Preserving the Harvest.

Do you love preserving the harvest as much as we do? Click the links below and get detailed instructions for preserving 23 of the most popular fruits and vegetables

Preserving Vegetables (in alphabetical order)

How to Preserve Carrots by Freezing, Canning, and More from Oak Hill Homestead

4 Easy Ways to Preserve Cauliflower from Dehydrating Made Easy

Cucumber Fresh Pack Garlic Dill Pickles Recipe from The Self Sufficient HomeAcre

Make Your Own Garlic Powder and Other Ways to Preserve Garlic from Learning & Yearning

How to Freeze Your Green Bean Harvest from The Reid Homestead

How to Preserve Leafy Greens from Homespun Seasonal Living

Preserving Okra by Freezing, Canning, Fermenting, and Dehydrating from Schneider Peeps

5 Ways to Preserve Onions for Storage from Rockin W Homestead

How to Dehydrate Parsnips & Make Parsnip Chips from The Purposeful Pantry

3 Ways to Preserve Peppers from Grow a Good Life

5 Ways to Store Potatoes from A Modern Homestead

Ways to Preserve Radishes from The Purposeful Pantry

How to Freeze Squash (and Other Preservation Methods) from Our Inspired Roots

Freezing Tomatoes for Preserving Later in the Year from Stone Family Farmstead

3 Easy Ways to Preserve Zucchini from Grow a Good Life

Preserving Fruit (in alphabetical order)

Guide to Preserving Apples from Oak Hill Homestead

3 Ways To Preserve Fresh Summer Berries from Better Hens & Gardens

How to Make Cherry Jam from Scratch from The Self Sufficient HomeAcre

3 Quick Ways to Preserve Grapes from Homestead Lady

3 Best Ways To Preserve Mulberries from My Homestead Life

How To Preserve Oranges On The Homestead from 15 Acre Homestead

How to Freeze Peaches from A Modern Homestead

How To Preserve Strawberries On The Homestead from 15 Acre Homestead

How to Freeze Peaches - Plus Recipes and More! (2024)

FAQs

What do you add to peaches when you freeze them? ›

Freeze Peaches In Sugar

If you like, sprinkle lemon juice or dissolved ascorbic acid over peaches to reduce browning. Add 2/3 cup of sugar to each quart of prepared peaches and gently mix. Allow to stand for 15 minutes so the sugar can dissolve. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze.

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How do you keep peaches from turning brown when freezing? ›

Toss the juice of 1 lemon for every 8-10 peaches and ½ teaspoon of sugar for each peach added. The lemon juice will help prevent browning and the sugar will release juices from the peaches, helping prevent air pockets when freezing. After tossing with lemon and sugar, place in a gallon-sized zipper freezer bag.

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Is it better to freeze peaches with or without sugar? ›

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.

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How much lemon juice to water for freezing peaches? ›

Use a 1:4 ratio of lemon juice to water. Place your freshly bathed peaches on a cookie sheet. Be sure they each have their own spot on the sheet to prevent peaches from sticking together. Place the cookie sheet in the freezer.

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What is the best and easiest way to freeze peaches? ›

The best way to freeze peaches is to cut them in half with a paring knife, remove the pits, and slice. Then you can add to a freezer bag, press flat into an even layer, and remove as much air as possible.

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Can I freeze peaches in Ziploc bags? ›

I often pick or buy peaches fresh when in season. I then peel, pit and slice them. Toss with a bit of lemon juice package in ziplock bags and freeze.

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How do you freeze peaches for beginners? ›

To prevent discoloration from oxidation, toss the peaches with lemon juice or a mix of lemon juice and water; ascorbic acid or some kind of produce protector may also be used. Arrange the peaches on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe resealable plastic bag.

Can you freeze fresh peaches without blanching? ›

You can peel them raw, but it is easier to blanch the peaches first so the skin falls right off. But, if you're in a rush and just want to seal in that fresh summer flavor as soon as possible, you can place whole peaches right into a freezer bag.

How much sugar syrup for freezing peaches? ›

To make light simple syrup, gradually add 2 cups of sugar into 6 cups of water and heat just until dissolved. Chill the syrup before using to pack fresh fruit. Whichever liquid you use, layer as much fruit as possible into the container before filling all the crevices with “syrup.”

Can I freeze raw peaches? ›

Peaches can be tightly wrapped and frozen whole, or even pureed. However, slicing peaches before freezing will make them extremely easy to use later on after thawing. Locate the natural indentation along the midline of the peach. Cut it in half using this line as your guide with a sharp knife.

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How much lemon juice and sugar to freeze peaches? ›

Twist the two halves to release one from the pit and then use the tip of a knife or fork to pry the pit out from the remaining side. Slice each half into 4-8 wedges and place in a bowl. Toss the juice of 1 lemon and a ½ teaspoon of sugar for every 8-10 peaches added.

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What does lemon juice do to peaches? ›

Ascorbic acid, commercial mixtures of fruit fresh or fruit preserver and lemon juice keep the color of peaches fresh and bright when serving fresh and in frozen storage.

How do you freeze peaches taste of home? ›

Simply cut the peach open, remove the pit, and slice. Line the slices up on a parchment-lined sheet pan and place in the freezer until solid.

How do you freeze fresh peaches with fruit fresh? ›

Mix the sugar and fruit fresh together. Gently toss the peaches until coated. Let sit for ten minutes to let the juices develop. Pack in quart freezer bags.

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How much lemon juice to keep peaches from turning brown? ›

Mix 3 tablespoons of lemon juice in each quart of cold water. (You can also use 1/4 teaspoon crystalline citric acid instead of lemon juice.) Dip the prepared fruit in the solution and let sit for 1 to 2 minutes. Drain and pack with water, sugar, syrup or fruit juice.

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Does lemon juice keep peaches from turning brown? ›

This is known as enzymatic browning. Keep cut fruits, such as apples, pears, bananas, and peaches from turning brown by: Coating them with an acidic juice such as lemon, orange, or pineapple juice. Use a commercial anti-darkening preparation with fruits, such as Fruit-Fresh®*, and follow the manufacturer's directions.

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How to Freeze Peaches - Plus Recipes and More! (2024)