I am going to show you the lazy/easy way to freeze your summer peaches. I am ways pressed for time. I’m sure you are too. I also want to eat as healthfully as possible; which includes eating what’s in season while also trying to minimize my food waste. With my busy schedule this can be challenging. Thankfully, I have found freezing can be the perfect remedy for eating what is in season without letting it go to waste.
Freezing peaches does not need to be complex. My way of freezing can be done with the peach skin on or off. I usually do a batch of each.
First prep several cookie sheets or jelly roll pans with parchment paper or wax paper. I have found both to be equally effective.
Wash the peaches. Then you can go about peeling the fruit. For those leaving the fuzz on the peach, skip to slicing the peaches.
For removing the flesh, you can use the blanching method of peeling, which is very effective, but it does take a good amount of time. Or you can carefully cut the skin off. You may loose a little more meat with that method, but no boiling is necessary, no ice bathes either, which is a real time saver.
Next slice the peaches. I would slice to the width that you like to use when baking with them. This way they will be ready to use when the time comes. If chunks are your thing, go ahead and do it! These are your peaches!
After slicing the peaches, simply lay them on the wax or parchment paper covered trays. I do not add anything to them. No sugar. No ascorbic acid. Simply sliced fruit on a tray.
Pop the trays into your freezer. Freezing over night should guarantee they are frozen all the way through.
Remove peaches from the paper. They pop right off the papers easily. I like to separate my peeled from my unpeeled peaches. I find both are great for smoothies. For baking, I prefer peeled peaches. When I have a small batch, I put them into sandwich bags, then all of those will go into one freezer bag.
Lastly, write the date on your peach bag or bags. They should keep in the freezer for about 4 months.
Frozen peaches can be used in pies, sangria, Bellini’s, tarts, smoothies, and so much more. What will you be using your peaches for?