As we move into the fall season and begin bidding a bittersweet farewell to this summer’s peaches and other stone fruit, freezing is a great way to enjoy the sweetness of summer throughout the year. You can use frozen peaches for cooking, baking, smoothies, ice cream – skys the limit. So without further ado, here’s a step by step guide on how to freeze your Frog Hollow Peaches.
Step 1:
Slit the skin on each peach Use a sharp knife to make a shallow X on the bottom of each peach. This step al- lows for expansion of the fruit when the peaches get blanched in Step 2.
Step 2:
Blanch the peaches Set out a large pot of water to boil and then fill a large bowl with ice water. Work- ing in batches, carefully lower 3 to 4 peaches into the boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds.
Step 3:
Quickly cool peaches Use a slotted spoon to transfer the peaches from boiling water to the bowl of ice water.
Step 4:
Peel peaches When the peaches are cool enough to handle, use a knife or your fingers to peel the skin from each peach.
Step 5:
Remove peach pits Use a sharp knife to cut each peeled peach in half around the pit. Then, gently twist each half to expose the pit. Use the knife to pry the pit out of the peach.
Step 6:
Cut peaches If you like you can cut each peach half into slices or chunks depending on whatever works for your favor recipes. This is optional.
Step 7:
Prepare peaches for freezing There are several ways to freeze peaches. We use the water pack method to avoid adding any additional sugar. Pack the peaches into a pint- or quart-size freezer container or bag, leaving 1/2-inch headspace for pints and 1-inch headspace for quarts. Pour water over the peaches, maintaining the specified headspace.
Step 8:
Freeze peaches Wipe down the rims of your container or the seal of your bag. Then, make sure to seal the containers or bags according to manufacturer’s directions, pressing out as much air as possible. If necessary you can use freezer tape around lid for a tight seal. Before placing your peaches in the freezer, make sure to label each container or bag with its contents, amount, and date. Lay bags flat; add bags or containers to freezer in batches to make sure they freeze quickly and leave space between containers or bags so air can circulate around them. Once they are frozen solid, the containers or bags can be placed closer together.
