When the apples are ready, it’s time to harvest! But not all apples are great for long-term storage. So, what are some options for preserving apples to use throughout the year? Freezing them! Learn how to freeze apples with this simple guide and enjoy that fresh apple flavor all year long.
You know I love everything preserving. It’s the reason I wrote my book Everything Worth Preserving. It’s the preservation book I always wished I had… and now I do!
If you grow apple trees at home you’re probably wondering the best ways to preserve apples at home. Freezing apples is a great way to preserve them for later. It’s also a great method to hit the “pause” button if you’re not quite ready to turn them into jam or fruit butter. Freezing apples only takes a little bit of time and lets you enjoy apples all year.
You can use this method for freezing apples, then use your frozen apples in many recipes, like homemade apple dump cake or smoothies. The best part: there is no need to cook them before freezing, so it’s super easy to store this fruit.
Selecting the Best Apples for Freezing
Picking the right apples is the first step. Go for types that are flavorful when fresh, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady.
Make sure the apples are ripe and top-quality for the best outcome in your dishes later on. Look for firm apples that are free of blemishes (or at least remove them when slicing).
Soft apples don’t freeze well. They can turn into mush. That being said, a frozen apple that’s thawed will not have the same texture as when fresh. Depending on the variety, sometimes freezing apples causes them to become mealy and soft.
This is why freezing apples is great for making recipes like applesauce, fruit butter, and cobbler, where you don’t mind if the apples are soft.
How to Freeze Apples
Freezing apples the right way maintains their delicious flavor. Follow the step-by-step directions below on how to freeze apples for the best results.
- Preparing the Apples – First, wash the apples well. You can then peel and core them, too, if you like. Cut them into pieces about 1/2 inch thick. This step makes sure the slices freeze evenly. To prevent browning, dip them in a bowl of water and lemon juice.
- Freeze – Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the apple slices in a single layer. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze fresh apples for about 2 hours or until they’re frozen throughout.
- Package & Store – Once frozen, put the slices in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container. Take out as much air as you can to avoid freezer burn. You can keep them frozen like this for up to a year.
How to Use Frozen Apples
Frozen apples can be used in so many ways. It’s one of my favorite ways to hit “pause” on the preservation process for recipes like homemade apple butter or a quick and easy applesauce.
If you don’t mind the slightly mushier texture of the apples, you can absolutely use frozen apples to make homemade apple pie (you’ll want this flaky pie crust recipe!), apple cobbler or an apple dump cake.
Recipes for Frozen Apples
Frozen apples are great for homemade apple pie jam, quick and easy apple pie filling (though I wouldn’t recommend canning it as the apples would get too mushy), or homemade applesauce (to use in my blueberry zucchini applesauce muffins!).
To make a great fall-flavored smoothie, blend frozen apples with some homemade yogurt, cinnamon and maple syrup. Then top it with crushed walnuts and a drizzle of caramel for a delicious apple pie smoothie.
Tips and Tricks for Freezing Apples
- Remember to freeze in a single layer to prevent sticking and speed up the freezing process.
- Always label and date your bag. You think you’ll remember what’s in there, but six months from now, it may not be so clear!
- Freezing in a deep freezer is best. Temps at 0°F or lower means they’ll flash freeze faster.
- Dice or slice your apples based on how you’ll use them. Sliced apples will look pretty in recipes like apple pie or apple cobbler. Whereas diced apples will work better if turning into apple butter or smoothies.
- If you don’t mind the brown color of the apples, you can skip the lemon water dunk. But if you’d like to keep your apples nice and white, then dunking them in lemon water prior to freezing can help.
Freezing apples is easy and can buy you some time if you’re not quite ready to preserve them in other ways. It’s especially handy if you have varieties that aren’t good storage apples or if you have a couple of apples that are about to go bad.
So, why not try freezing apples? Summer flavors all year long, and less waste to apples falling to the ground.
FAQ
What are the benefits of freezing apples?
Freezing apples is a smart way to save them for later. You can use them in many recipes, like smoothies and apple butter. It’s also a good way to reduce waste and enjoy apples anytime.
Do I need to pre-cook the apples before freezing them?
No, you don’t need to cook the apples first. Just wash, slice, and freeze them. It’s as simple as that.
What are the best apple varieties for freezing?
Apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Pink Lady freeze well. They should be ripe and blemish-free.
How do I properly freeze apples?
First, wash and slice the apples. You can peel them if you want. Then, freeze the slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen, store them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
How can I use frozen apples?
There are many ways to use frozen apples. Try them in pies, smoothies, or even oatmeal. Cooking or baking with them is best, as their texture might change slightly.
How can I prevent browning in frozen apples?
To stop apples from turning brown, dunk them in a bowl of water with lemon juice. Storing the apples correctly in the freezer keeps them fresh longer.
Do you have any additional tips for successfully freezing apples?
Yes, to keep apples from sticking, freeze them in a single layer. Make sure your freezer is set to the right temperature. Also, label the frozen apples. You can freeze them whole or cut, based on what you’ll use them for later.
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