To freeze peaches, follow these steps for best results:
- Rinse the fresh peaches and pat them dry.
- Optional: If peeling is preferred, blanch peaches by boiling them for 1 minute, then plunge into ice water to cool, and peel off the skins.
- Cut the peaches in half, remove the pit, and slice them to desired thickness.
- Toss the peach slices with about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice per pound of peaches to prevent browning.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 4 hours.
- Transfer the frozen slices to zip-top freezer bags or airtight containers, remove as much air as possible, label with the date, and store in the freezer.
- Frozen peaches can last up to 6-12 months in the freezer.
This method helps retain flavor, prevents clumping, and makes it easier to use portions as needed for recipes like smoothies or baking.
