The Easiest Way to Freeze Peaches Without Sugar (No Clumping!)

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Wondering how to freeze peaches without sugar while keeping them easy to portion out? This is the best way to preserve summer's bounty so you can enjoy peaches all year long!

Frozen peaches on cookie tray alongside fresh peaches and a knife.

There is nothing like biting into a perfect, fresh peach in the summertime. Now it's time to freeze them!

Some methods instruct to use sugar to freeze and just add to a bag. This method will help preserve the peach's texture and add sweetness. But there is a downside - that will leave you with a solid block of peaches that you have to thaw all at once. If you want to grab a handful of peaches at a time, that will not be an option.

This is why I love the freeze flat then bag method! It is sugar free, easy to do, and keeps your peach slices separate. Whether you are peeling your peaches or leaving the skins on, this method will work for whatever you decide to with your peaches in the coming months.

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What You'll Need
Preparing the Peaches
How to Freeze Peaches Without Sugar
Tips for Best Results
Storage
FAQ
Related

What You'll Need

In addition to the supplies here, you will want to make sure you have enough room in your freezer to fit 1-2 cookie sheets, depending on how much you want to freeze!

Cookie tray
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
Knife
Cutting Board
Freezer Bags
Paring knife (optional) - if you are using clingstone peaches and need to cut the flesh away from the stone.
Lemon juice or ascorbic acid (pure vitamin C) (optional) - to help prevent oxidation and browning.

Preparing the Peaches

You will want to start with very ripe, ideally freestone peaches since the pits are easy to remove.

Wash and pat dry.
Peel (optional). I have a whole guide on how to peel peaches, but peeling is not required. Some find the peel annoying, but it's up to you.
Decide how you will use your peaches later. This will determine how you will want to chop them.
- Chunks or slices - Best option for portioning out for oatmeal, smoothies, and baking. Easy to thaw. More time consuming to cut and freeze flat.
- Halves - Faster than cutting in chunks or slices.
- Whole peaches - Quickest method - freeze flat then just toss in a bag. You will have to remove the pit but the peel usually slips off easily. You may find it more convenient to peel first, though.

How to Freeze Peaches Without Sugar

Wash peaches and peel if desired.
Chop and arrange flat on baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat. Keep pieces close but try to avoid touching.
Optional: to prevent browning, soak in a lemon juice or ascorbic acid solution right before freezing (see tips below for ratios).
Freeze for several hours or overnight until firm.
Place in freezer bags and remove air if desired.
Label, and use within 1 year.

Tips for Best Results

If you are concerned about browning (oxidation when fruit is exposed to air), soak just chopped fruit in either one of the following ratios for 3-5 minutes.
- ¼ cup of lemon juice per 4 cups of water - this will add a subtle lemon flavor as well.
- ¼ teaspoon ascorbic acid per 4 cups of water - flavorless.
If you do not have a vacuum sealer, remove air from bag by either a straw or submerging the bag in water until the air is displaced. Dry off bag and place in freezer.
Be sure to immediately put frozen trays of fruit in bags to prevent freezer burn.

Storage

Don't forget to label with date.

These peaches will be best if used within the year - no one wants freezer burnt peaches!

Peaches slices that are frozen on cookie sheet.

FAQ

Can you freeze peaches without peeling them?

Yes! It really is up to the cook. Peeled peaches provide a better texture for almost everything you choose to do with them throughout the year, though.

Can I use this method with nectarines?

Yes, absolutely!

Do frozen peaches get mushy?

They will definitely be more mushy than a fresh peach so I would keep your expectations in check there, but they are perfect for baking, smoothies, and other cooking.

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

The Easiest Way to Freeze Peaches Without Sugar (No Clumping!)

Yield: 1 freezer bag of peaches (scales easily)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Active Time: 15 minutes

Additional Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes

Wondering how to freeze peaches without sugar while keeping them easy to portion out? This is the best way to preserve summer's bounty so you can enjoy peaches all year long!

Materials

Fresh Peaches

Tools

Cookie tray
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
Knife
Cutting Board
Freezer Bags
Paring knife (optional) - if you are using clingstone peaches and need to cut the flesh away from pit.
Lemon juice or ascorbic acid (pure vitamin C) (optional) - to help prevent oxidation and browning.

Instructions

Wash and pat dry.
Peel (optional).
Chop and arrange flat on baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat. Keep pieces close but try to avoid touching.
Optional: to prevent browning, soak in a lemon juice or ascorbic acid solution right before freezing (see notes below for ratios).
Freeze for several hours or overnight until firm.
Place in freezer bags and remove air if desired.
Label, and use within 1 year.

Notes

To prevent oxidation: soak just chopped fruit in either one of the following ratios for 3-5 minutes.
¼ cup of lemon juice per 4 cups of water, or ¼ teaspoon ascorbic acid per 4 cups of water.
If you do not have a vacuum sealer, remove air from bag by either a straw or submerging the bag in water until the air is displaced. Dry off bag and place in freezer.
Be sure to immediately put frozen trays of fruit in bags to prevent freezer burn.