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!
How to Freeze Peaches
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!
Peach Smoothie: A refreshing drink on a hot day. This recipe is the perfect way to use frozen peaches!
PIN THIS FOR LATER
Even More Food Preservation Posts:
[pt_view id="b9f1c21yzx"]
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
Amanda says
Man, I wish we could grow peaches in northern MN!! Those look so delicious I can almost taste them. I want some peach cobbler now, LOL!
Victoria says
You’re right, they are SO delicious! I’m processing through even more right now and will make peach cobbler for Father’s Day. Better go get you some fresh peaches from the store! <3
Lucy Barber says
Do you peel the peaches first or does it matter.
Victoria says
Hi Lucy, I don’t peel them for freezing! They are delicious in pies or smoothies. If you are canning them though, yes you’ll want to peel them :-)
Enjoy!
Connie says
How do you prevent them from turning brown?
Victoria says
Hi Connie, I’ve never had them turn brown, even after a year or more in the freezer. However, you can help ensure the peaches don’t turn brown by adding the juice of one lemon for every 10 peaches to the bowl and tossing them before freezing. So, 20 peaches would need the juice from 2 lemons, and so on…
Like I said, I’ve never done that and I’ve never had them turn brown! It may depend on the type of peaches or something… I’m not sure. But there you go :-)
Connie says
Do you need to thaw the peaches before using them for baking?
Victoria says
Hi Connie! I don’t! I just shake however many I need into the dish and go from there!
Debra says
Epic fail! Piled the peach slices on a cookie sheet and they froze together in a solid block. Piling them on goes against every other directions from MANY contributors. I had to defrost slightly to be able to even slice through to put in bags. DON’T use this method. I blanched, peeled and sliced, no sugar added.
Victoria says
Whomp whomp! I’m sorry to hear this! I did 50lb of peaches this way already this year and they all came out great! Been doing this for years. Maybe my freezer is a softer freeze than yours? I will test the temp and update if it’s an odd (warmer) temp!