How to Freeze Peaches

Extend peach season in your household by freezing fresh peaches for later! In this post, I’ll explain How to Freeze Peaches fresh, blanched, or cooked and also give my top tips for success.  

Can You Freeze Peaches? 

Sweet, juicy peaches are one of my favorite summer fruits but unfortunately the harvest lasts for just a few short weeks. 

Here in Colorado we’re lucky enough to have easy access to Palisade peaches. Palisade is the best-known growing area for Colorado peaches. 

The peaches from Palisade are extra sweet and juicy thanks to the hot days and cool nights of Colorado summers – this helps the sugars in the peaches develop and makes them juicier! 

No matter where you buy your peaches, freezing them is very easy and is a great way to extend their shelf life. 

Definitely consider freezing peaches this year if you:  

• Bought too many and don’t want them to spoil
• Want to take advantage of sale pricing and buy in bulk 
• Went peach picking or grew your own peaches in your backyard

In this post, I’ll share how to freeze peaches whole or in slices, plus my top tips for preventing peeled frozen peaches from turning brown. 

When Are Peaches in Season? 

The exact growing season for peaches varies depending on where they are being harvested. 

Georgia peaches are harvested from mid-May through August, but Colorado peaches are in a cooler climate and therefore are harvested from late-June to late-August. 

Want to check out more info about seasonal fruits and veggies? Head over to my Produce Guides:

• Spring Produce Guide
• Summer Produce Guide
• Fall Produce Guide
• Winter Produce Guide

How to Select Peaches for Freezing 

When selecting fresh peaches for freezing, note that different varieties of peaches will be slightly different sizes and colors so that’s not necessarily an indication of ripeness.

Generally speaking, ripe peaches will smell fragrant. The colors will be vibrant and not muted. 

To test the ripeness of a peach, gently press your thumb near the flesh at the stem of the peach – it should give slightly. If very soft, the peach is bruised or has gone bad. If very hard and doesn’t give under your thumb, it’s not yet ripe. 

Your local farmers market will have the best peaches! They’ll have been grown in the area and picked when ripe, versus grocery store peaches which are picked before ripening, then shipped and left to ripen at the grocery store. 

Supplies Needed for Freezing Peaches

You won’t need all of the tools listed below when freezing peaches. I’ve just listed all the possible tools you could need for optionally blanching, freezing, and storing the peaches.  

• Large pot: You’ll only need a pot if you plan on blanching the peaches before freezing them.
• Chef’s knife: A larger knife makes it easier to slice the peaches quickly. 
• Paring knife: A smaller knife is needed to remove the peach skins. 
• Cutting board: Use a cutting board that hasn’t been cross-contaminated with garlic or onion. 
• Baking tray: I recommend freezing the peach slices in a single layer on a baking sheet prior to sealing it in freezer bags. 
• Parchment paper: Prevents the peaches from sticking to the baking sheet during the flash freezing process. 
• Slotted spoon: Make it easier to remove the peaches from the hot water after blanching. 
• Large mixing bowl: Necessary for making an ice bath, which is part of the (optional) blanching process. 
• Colander: You’ll need to drain the blanched peaches after they sit in the ice bath. 
• Vacuum bags: Freezing peaches in vacuum bags keeps it fresher for longer and is the best method for avoiding freezer burn. 
• Zip-top freezer bags: Make sure to suck all the air out of the bag before sealing it. 

How to Blanch Peaches for Freezing 

You can freeze peaches raw or you can blanch them first. You do NOT have to blanch peaches prior to freezing them, but I recommend doing so if you plan on storing them for more than 2 months. 

I also recommend blanching peaches if you want to peel them before freezing. Blanching makes the skins easy to peel off and wastes none of the juicy peach flesh! 

1. Wash the peaches under running tap water to remove any dirt or debris. 
2. Using a paring knife, cut a shallow “X” into the bottom of each peach.  
3. Fill a large pot ⅔ full with water. Heat over high heat until boiling. 
4. While the water comes to a boil, prepare an ice bath. To do this, simply fill a large mixing bowl with tap water and ice cubes. 
5. Once the water comes to a boil, transfer the prepared peaches to the pot. 
6. Cook for just 30 seconds to blanch. 
7. Remove the peaches from the boiling water using a slotted spoon. Immediately transfer to the ice bath. Let it sit in the ice bath for 3 to 5 minutes. 
8. Drain the peaches (a colander is great for this!). Pat dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels. 
9. Gently pull the skin off of the peaches. If you blanched them correctly, the skin should come off using just your fingers! 
10. Freeze the peaches as instructed below. 

How Long to Blanch Peaches for Freezing 

You only need to blanch peaches for 30 seconds in boiling water. Note that you should only ever blanch whole peaches, with the skin on. 

Do You Have to Blanch Peaches Before Freezing? 

No! Only blanch peaches before freezing if you want to remove the skin prior to freezing and / or know that they’ll be frozen for more than 2 months. 

If you skip blanching and they sit in the freezer for longer, they’ll start to break down and will lose their juicy texture. Blanching also helps create even slices for freezing. 

How to Freeze Peaches 5 Ways

There are five main ways to freeze peaches: fresh / raw, blanched, blanched in a sugar pack, or fully cooked. I’ve also given instructions on how to freeze peaches whole! 

Below you’ll find an overview of how to freeze fresh peaches without them turning brown.

1. Flash Freezing Fresh Peaches 

Can you freeze fresh peaches? Yes! Peaches can be frozen when they’re fresh (i.e. no blanching or cooking necessary). 

This is my favorite method for freezing peaches when I don’t know what I plan to make with them. 

Flash freezing peaches is great because it keeps them in individual slices rather than a solid mass. Flash frozen peaches can be added directly to cake, cupcake, and quickbread batters, used in galettes and pies, blended in smoothies, and more. 

However, flash frozen peaches only last about 2 months in the freezer. If you’re freezing the peaches to enjoy in the winter, flash freezing isn’t recommended. 

1. Wash the peaches under running tap water to remove any dirt or debris. 
2. Completely dry the peaches using a clean kitchen towel.
3. Run a knife around each peach to cut in half. Gently twist the peaches to expose the pit. 
4. Remove each peach pit with your fingers. 
5. Either slice the peaches into uniform slices OR leave as halves. 
6. Spread the sliced or halved peaches onto a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet (tip: How to Line Pans with Parchment Paper). The peaches should be in a single layer so they don’t stick together.
7. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the peaches. This will help prevent them from turning brown. 
8. Place the baking tray in the freezer, keeping it level to prevent the peaches from sliding around.
9. Freeze the peaches just until solid, about 1 hour – this is called flash freezing.
10. Transfer to a freezer-safe zip-top bad or container. Label the container or bag with date, contents, and amount, and then freeze. 

2. Freezing Blanched Peaches 

Blanching peaches takes just a few extra minutes, but it deactivates the enzymes that would otherwise break them down over time. I recommend blanching your peaches before freezing them if you know they will be stored for more than 2 months. 

Blanching peaches also helps prevent them from oxidizing (turning brown).

1. Follow instructions above for blanching the peaches. 
2. Once the peaches have been thoroughly dried and peeled, either halve them or cut them into uniform slices. 
3. Spread the sliced or halved peaches onto a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet (tip: How to Line Pans with Parchment Paper). The peaches should be in a single layer so they don’t stick together.
4. Place the baking tray in the freezer, keeping it level to prevent the peaches from sliding around.
5. Freeze the peaches just until solid, about 1 hour – this is called flash freezing.
6. Transfer to a freezer-safe zip-top bad or container. Label the container or bag with date, contents, and amount, and then freeze. 

3. Freezing Peaches in a Sugar Pack

Can you freeze peaches in sugar? Yes! 

Freezing peaches in a sugar pack involves blanching, slicing, and then tossing them with sugar before freezing. 

The sugar is added insurance against freezer burn and oxidation (browning). Obviously, the sugar pack freezing method adds sweetness, so I only recommend this freezing method if you plan on adding the peaches to desserts or eating on their own in the future. 

1. Follow instructions above for blanching the peaches. 
2. Once the peaches have been thoroughly dried and peeled, cut them into uniform slices or chunks. 
3. Add the peach slices or chunk to a large bowl. Sprinkle with granulated sugar and gently stir to combine.
4. Transfer the sugar and peach mixture to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. If using glass jars, make sure to leave 1 inch of headspace to allow for expansion. Seal with a lid.
5. Label the container with the date, contents, and amount.
6. Then, transfer to the freezer and freeze.

4. Freezing Cooked Peaches

Can you freeze cooked peaches? Yes! 

Another option for longer term (2+ months) storage without needing to blanch the peaches is to cook them prior to freezing. You have two options for cooking peaches: baking and grilling. 

Roasting or stewing peaches will limit what you can do with them after they’ve been defrosted, but it’s good for jams, compotes, adding to oatmeal or yogurt, etc.. 

1. Baked peaches: Wash and dry the peaches. Then, cut in half and remove the pit. Place cut side-down in a baking dish and bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 400ºF, or until softened. 
2. Grilled peaches: Wash and dry the peaches. Then, cut in half and remove the pit. Preheat a grill to medium heat. Place the peaches cut side-down and grill for about 5 minutes. Flip and grill on the other side for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until soft. 
3. To freeze either baked or grilled peaches, let cool completely to room temperature before portioning into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, labeling, and freezing. 

5. Freezing Whole Peaches 

Can you freeze whole peaches? Yes! 

You can blanch whole peaches before freezing them — or not! It depends on how long you plan on keeping them frozen. 

The main downside is that frozen whole peaches take much longer to defrost and also take up more room in the freezer. But you can thaw and eat a defrosted whole peach like you would a freshly picked peach in the dead of winter! 

1. Wash the peaches under running tap water to remove any dirt or debris. 
2. Completely dry the peaches using a clean kitchen towel.
3. Blanch the peaches, if desired (this step is optional!). You may choose to leave the skin on the peaches, or you can peel them if you decide to blanch them. 
4. Seal the peaches inside a zip-top freezer bag. Try to remove as much of the air as possible to prevent freezer burn! 
5. Label, date, and freeze the peaches. 

Tips for Freezing Peaches 

• Only freeze ripe peaches – Freezing won’t make unripe peaches magically taste any better, so be sure to select ripe peaches. 
• Don’t remove the skin if you don’t want to – The skin doesn’t affect the frozen peaches at all, it’s just an aesthetic choice. I often freeze peaches with the skin on because I mostly add them to cobblers, crisps, and smoothies where the skin isn’t seen. 
• To blanch or not to blanch? Flash freeze fresh peaches only if you’ll be freezing them for a shorter period of time. You’ll want to blanch peaches before freezing for longer term storage. 
• All peaches freeze the same — No matter the color of the peach flesh or the shape of the fruit, all varieties of peaches can be frozen using the methods outlined in this post. 
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning — If your peaches oxidize in the freezer, they’ll still be safe to eat. They’ll just look kind of gross! You can prevent frozen peaches from browning by squeezing a little lemon juice over them before freezing. 

How to Freeze Peaches FAQs

Got any questions about how to freeze peaches? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.

Should you wash peaches before freezing?

At minimum, peaches need a really good rinsing with water before freezing. If you want a deeper clean, here are my 2 favorite methods:

Cleaning Peaches Before Freezing

• Branch Basics is my favorite non-toxic cleaner for washing produce. (Use code KATIEGLE for 15% off Branch Basics Products). Spray peaches with All-Purpose Cleaner, let soak 2 – 3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cold water.
• DIY Cleaning Solution for Peaches using 1/2 cup vinegar per 3 cups water. Let the peaches soak in a large bowl of the solution for 2 – 3 minutes. Then, give them a good rinse.

Make sure you completely dry the peaches after washing. Otherwise, they can develop freezer burn if you’re using the flash freezing method. I like to lay the peaches on a dry, clean dish towel after draining and let it air dry.

Do you need to peel peaches before freezing?

You don’t have to, but if I’m going to bake something that calls for peeled peaches (like a pie), then it’s best to do it before freezing. In which case, go ahead and blanch the whole peaches, peel, slice, and freeze. 

But even that is up to your own discretion because there’s nothing that says you can’t make a peach pie/crisp/cobbler with peaches that have the skin on!

With all that being said, definitely don’t bother peeling the peaches if you’re freezing them to use in smoothies. That would be wasted time since they’ll be blended up anyways. 

What is the easiest way to peel peaches for freezing?

By blanching them! Submerging the peaches in boiling water for about 30 seconds makes the skin come right off in your fingers. 

Blanching peaches is much easier and faster than using a vegetable peeler, plus it wastes none of the flesh. 

What is the best way to cut them for freezing? 

It depends on how you plan on using the frozen peaches. 

Slices are often better for baking, especially for desserts where you’ll see the peaches, like in a galette. Peach chunks are great for crisps, cobblers, pies, and dessert where the peaches won’t be seen. Either way works! 

Or, you can freeze peach halves if you don’t yet know how you’ll be cutting the peaches later on. 

How do you keep peaches from turning brown when freezing?

Blanching the peaches will help prevent them from turning brown, but you can also opt to squeeze some lemon juice over the peaches just before freezing them.You can do this when flash freezing or with blanched peaches. 

You do NOT need to add lemon juice if freezing using the sugar pack method or when freezing cooked peaches. 

Should you add lemon juice to peaches before freezing them? 

If you’re concerned with the peaches oxidizing (turning brown), then yes. 

However, peaches that have turned brown are still safe to eat! I don’t always add lemon juice because my frozen peaches often land in smoothies or fruit crisps — for those kinds of recipes, the color doesn’t matter. 

Can you freeze peaches without sugar?

Yes! You can skip the sugar pack method entirely if desired. I typically just flash freeze or blanch my peaches and call it good. 

How long do peaches last in the freezer?

Frozen peaches will last up to 2 months if flash frozen (i.e. frozen raw, without blanching). If blanched or packed in sugar, they’ll last up to 12 months. 

Do frozen peaches go bad?

Frozen peaches don’t really spoil, per se, but longer storage increases the potential for freezer burn. They’ll become less fresh over time, and you’ll notice more formation of ice crystals.

Should you thaw before using?

Only thaw frozen peaches if you’re adding them to quick cooking recipes, like pancakes or even cookies. 

Quick breads, fruit crisps, galettes, jams, oatmeal, etc. don’t require thawed peaches.  

However, you might want to toss the frozen peaches with a spoonful of flour to absorb any excess moisture released as they thaw in the oven 

Can you bake with frozen peaches?

Yes! If you’re making a peach cobbler, pie, cake, quick bread, or muffin, you don’t usually need to thaw frozen peaches before using them.

But, it is a good idea to toss the frozen peaches in a spoonful of flour or cornstarch before using in a recipe – frozen peaches can release a lot of liquid when cooked. This can sometimes cause soggy baked goods!

Also, when baking with frozen peaches, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the total cook time. The temperature of the batter or dough is lower when adding frozen peaches than if you used fresh peaches – that means they’ll need more time in the oven.

How do you thaw frozen peaches?

The best method for thawing peaches is by placing them in the fridge overnight.

If you’re in a rush, transfer them to a zip-top bag and submerge the bag in cold tap water, changing water every 20 to 30 minutes as needed until thawed. 

Recipes Using Frozen Peaches 

Now that you know how to freeze peaches, you can begin eating them! Swap fresh peaches for frozen in any of the recipes below: 

Want more peach recipe ideas? Browse all of the peach recipes over in the Peach Recipe Category.

More Tutorials Sharing How to Freeze Fruit: 

Freezing raspberries is a wonderful way to enjoy summer’s harvest year-round! This guide explains how to freeze raspberries, plus it answers the most commonly asked questions about thawing frozen raspberries and using them in recipes.

Learn how to freeze strawberries so you can enjoy the taste of summer all year long! Here are my top tips and tricks for freezing strawberries. 

Do you know how easy it is to freeze fresh blueberries? You can then use them in smoothies, pies, bars, and more! 

Can you freeze grapes? Absolutely! Frozen grapes make for great snacks on hot days, and they can be thrown into smoothies. Here’s how to freeze grapes the easy way!

This tutorial will show you how to freeze blackberries using the dry method (unsweetened) and sugar pack methods. You’ll also learn how to thaw and use frozen blackberries.

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