Peach season may be short, but the good news is that you can enjoy the taste of fresh, juicy peaches all year long by freezing them.
Whether you picked them fresh from the orchard or scored a great deal at the farmers’ market, freezing peaches is an easy and effective way to preserve their flavor and nutrients.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to freeze peaches step-by-step, so you can enjoy that summer sweetness even in the middle of winter.
Why Freeze Peaches?
Freezing peaches is one of the best ways to keep them at peak ripeness.
It prevents spoilage, reduces food waste, and gives you the flexibility to use them in smoothies, pies, cobblers, sauces, or just as a frozen snack.
Unlike canned peaches, frozen ones retain more of their natural flavor and texture.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these simple tools:
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Fresh, ripe peaches (freestone peaches are easiest to work with)
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A sharp paring knife
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A pot for blanching
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A bowl of ice water
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Peeler (optional)
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Baking sheet
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Parchment paper
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Freezer-safe bags or containers
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Lemon juice or ascorbic acid (optional, to prevent browning)
Step-by-Step: How To Freeze Peaches
1. Choose Ripe Peaches
Look for peaches that are fragrant, slightly soft to the touch, and free of bruises or blemishes.
Underripe peaches won’t be sweet, and overripe ones may turn mushy when frozen.
2. Wash and Peel
Wash the peaches thoroughly under running water. To remove the skins easily, blanch them by boiling for 30–60 seconds, then transferring to ice water.
The skins should slip right off. Alternatively, you can use a peeler if you prefer to skip blanching.
3. Slice and Pit
Cut the peaches in half, remove the pit, and slice them into desired sizes—halves, quarters, or thin slices.
If you’re freezing them for smoothies, you can even dice them.
4. Prevent Browning (Optional)
To keep your peaches looking fresh and bright, toss them in a solution of lemon juice and water (1 tablespoon lemon juice per 4 cups of water) or sprinkle with ascorbic acid.
This step is optional but recommended.
5. Flash Freeze
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay the peach slices in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch.
Freeze for 2–3 hours or until solid. This step prevents the peaches from clumping together in storage.
6. Pack and Store
Once frozen, transfer the peaches into freezer-safe zip-top bags or containers.
Label them with the date, remove as much air as possible, and seal. Store in the freezer for up to 12 months.
Tips for Best Results
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Use within a year for optimal flavor and texture.
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Freeze in portion sizes for easier use in recipes.
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Don’t skip flash freezing, or your peaches will stick together in one big clump.
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No need to thaw for smoothies—just toss them right in!
How To Use Frozen Peaches
Frozen peaches are incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ideas:
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Smoothies – Blend with yogurt, banana, and honey.
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Pies and cobblers – Bake straight from frozen.
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Peach jam or sauce – Simmer into a sweet spread or topping.
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Peach ice cream – Add to homemade or store-bought vanilla for a fruity twist.
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Frozen snacks – Eat them right out of the freezer for a refreshing summer treat.
FAQs About Freezing Peaches
Can you freeze peaches without peeling them?
Yes, but the texture of the peel can become unpleasant after freezing. Peeling is recommended for best results.
Do peaches need to be blanched before freezing?
Not necessarily, but blanching helps with peeling. It’s not required for preservation.
How long do frozen peaches last?
Frozen peaches can last up to 12 months if properly stored in airtight containers or bags.
Can I freeze peaches in syrup?
Yes, you can pack sliced peaches in a simple sugar syrup before freezing. This helps maintain texture and sweetness but adds sugar.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to freeze peaches, you can make the most of peach season and enjoy their delicious flavor year-round.
This simple method saves time, reduces waste, and opens the door to countless recipes that call for this juicy fruit.
Stock your freezer today—you’ll thank yourself when you’re savoring peach cobbler in the middle of winter.
