Preserve Fresh Fruit to Guarantee Summer Freshness!
Freezing fruit in season can be an easy and affordable way to enjoy flavor and freshness long after their season is over. To begin, start by thoroughly cleaning and drying selected fruit. Wash in cold running water. Set aside any damaged or blemished fruit then place the chosen fruit in a single layer to allow dryness. Fruit will need to be completely dry before the freezing process begins, or fruit may develop freezer burn.
The next step depends on how you expect your fruit when you are using it. Example: sliced, diced or in wedges. If you are using the fruit for smoothies, aim for a rough chop or wedge. Below are some common examples to guide you per fruit.
Cherries: remove stems, pits, leave whole or slice in halves.
Plums, peaches, nectarines: remove pits and cut into chunks.
Raspberries, blueberries: these can be left whole
Melons: slice into chunks and remove rinds. You can also scoop rounds from the melon.
Apples: core and cut into slices.
Once fruit is sliced, diced and or wedged to perfection, Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Create a single layer of fruit on the tray. Avoid layering fruit where it is touching. This will allow fruit to freeze individually instead of all together.
After the fruit is arranged on a baking tray, freeze until solid. Roughly 4-5 hours. Make sure to remove after that time to prevent freezer burn. Once frozen, create and label freezer bags/containers. Begin with the name and amount of fruit being stored in that bag. Seal bags and containers tightly and return to the freezer. Fruit should last about 3 months.
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