• The peach, a succulent summer fruit, can be enjoyed fresh or included in popular treats such as smoothies, cobblers or pies. And the taste of juicy summer peaches (or nectarines) can last through the fall and winter with a little planning and preparation. Whether you choose to store the peaches sliced or crushed, in sugar or fruit juice, the steps in this guide will show you how to freeze with ease.HowtoDoThings.com: Freezing Peaches

• Pot of boiling water
• Large bowl of ice water
• Large bowl for mixing
• Cutting board
• Kitchen knife
• Large slotted spoon
• Plastic freezer bags

• Peaches are divided into two categories: freestone (cling-free) and clingstone.BouquetofFruits.com: Peach Facts TonyTantillo.com: Peaches Either variety can be used, but as the name suggests, freestone peaches have a pit that is easier to remove.PickYourOwn.org: Freezing Peaches

1. Look for fruit that is soft to the touch (but not mushy or bruised) and has a slightly sweet fragrance.PickYourOwn.org: Freezing Peaches
2. If the peaches are not ripe enough, place them in a brown paper bag at room temperature for a day or two.BouquetofFruits.com: Peach Facts
3. Avoid green, hard peaches as they will not ripen properly.TonyTantillo.com: Peaches PickYourOwn.org: Freezing Peaches

• Now that you have chosen the perfect peaches, prepare them for the freezer. Dipping peaches briefly in boiling water (blanchng) will help remove the skins easily and will help the peaches preserve their quality longer while frozen.TonyTantillo.com: Peaches

1. Rinse the peaches in cool tap water.eHow.com: Freezing Peaches
2. Place the peaches in a pot of boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds, remove promptly with a slotted spoon and put them in a bowl of ice water so they do not cook.TonyTantillo.com: Peaches PickYourOwn.org: Freezing Peaches eHow.com: Freezing Peaches
3. One peach at a time, make a small incision with the knife and gently slide the skin off of the peach.PickYourOwn.org: Freezing Peaches
4. Discard skins.
5. Place the peaches on a cutting board and slice down the center to the pit, all the way around the fruit. Carefully separate the peach halves from the pit and then either keep them as halves, slice into quarters or cubes, mash with a potato masher or blend in a food processor.TonyTantillo.com: Peaches PickYourOwn.org: Freezing Peaches eHow.com: Freezing Peaches
6. Discard pits.
7. Place the peaches in a large bowl.

1. The peaches are sliced, peeled and ready to be mixed in a solution that will help retain flavor and keep the fruit from browning.
2. The common ingredient in all the freezing mixtures is ascorbic acid, also known as Vitamin C. It is water-soluble and helps prevent the fruit from turning brown in color.

Freezing Peaches in Sugar

In a bowl, for every four cups of peaches, combine 2/3 cup of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of ascorbic acid and 1/4 cup of cold water. Mix softly to prevent mashing or bruising.HowtoDoThings.com: Freezing Peaches

Freezing Peaches in Syrup

• Make a sugar syrup solution and allow to cool before mixing with the peaches. Use one cup of simple syrup and 1/4 teaspoon of ascorbic acid for every four cups of peaches.HowtoDoThings.com: Freezing Peaches PickYourOwn.org: Freezing Peaches

Freezing Peaches in Juice or Water

• Mix two cups of water, apple or white grape juice and 1/4 teaspoon of ascorbic acid for every four cups of peaches.HowtoDoThings.com: Freezing Peaches

• Scoop the mixed peaches and liquid into freezer-safe plastic bags such as ones made by Ziploc or Glad, or use a vacuum food sealer.PickYourOwn.org: Freezing Peaches eBay.com: Vacuum Food Sealers

1. Squeeze out excess air while sealing the bags.
2. If using a vacuum sealer, freeze the peaches in an upright position overnight before sucking out the air.PickYourOwn.org: Freezing Peaches
3. Peaches can be stored for 6 months.eHow.com: Freezing Peaches
4. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before using.HowtoDoThings.com: Freezing Peaches
5. Frozen peaches, once thawed, will have a softer texture than fresh peaches.eHow.com: Freezing Peaches