HOW TO: Preserving Peaches, Dry-Pack Freezer Method

Nothing says Summer In The South like a sweet, juicy peach! In this post I will explain how to preserve that fresh peach flavor for year-round enjoyment.

Peaches are very forgiving when it comes to preservation; they are delicious canned whole or as jam, bulk preserved in syrup, or dry-packed and frozen, which I will explain today.

To enjoy fresh tasting peaches year 'round, it is necessary to begin with ripe, high quality peaches. The farmer's market is your best bet for beautiful, tree-ripened produce. You want peaches that are richly colored, aromatic and that will "give" just a little with a gentle squeeze. Although you are looking for a Perfect Peach, a small bruise is acceptable, as a damaged area can be cut away.

To preserve peaches using the dry-pack freezer method, you will need:
Peaches
Lemons or lemon juice
Granulated sugar
Waxed paper
Zip-close freezer bags

Before freezing, peaches should be peeled, pitted and sliced.

The simplest way I have found to peel the peaches is by blanching. Fill a 6 quart dutch oven half full of water and bring to a boil.  Fill the sink or a tub with ice and water, leaving plenty of room to add peaches.

On each peach, cut a small X into the end opposite the stem. Set a timer for 1 minute and gently lower 6 or 8 peaches into the boiling water. Do not allow the peaches to remain in the boiling water for more than 1 minute - you do not want to cook the fruit!

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the peaches to the ice water.

As the fruit cools, combine 2 Tablespoons of lemon juice with 1/3 Cup of sugar in a large bowl. The lemon juice will help keep fruit from turning brown, and the sugar will protect the peaches from freezer burn, as well as enhance the flavor.

When fruit is cool enough to handle, begin at the X and slip off the peels.

Cut each peach in half and gently pull apart to remove the pit. Slice the peaches into the bowl of lemon-sugar and stir to coat.

Marinate the peaches in the lemon sugar for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently. Arrange slices in a single layer on a waxed paper lined cookie sheet. Lay a second sheet of waxed paper over this arrangement and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. The most accurate way to make sure the peaches are frozen through, is to pop one right in your mouth! (Maybe not the most accurate but definitely the most fulfilling!)

Your frozen peaches are now ready to be packed into zip-close freezer bags and put back into the freezer for later use. Preserving summertime taste couldn't be easier.

These dry-packed frozen peaches should be good for at least 12 months...but they probably won't be around that long! They add fresh fruit taste to pies, homemade ice cream and smoothies, and they are a cool, refreshing treat right out of the bag.

4 Quart bags from 14 peaches!

Do you have a favorite Peach Recipe to share? Your comments are always appreciated!