Freezing fruit keeps it fresh for much longer than it would be in the fridge. It’s a great way to keep fruit throughout the season or even throughout the year. You may not want to snack on a frozen nectarine the same as you would a fresh one, but there are still many things you can do with the frozen fruit.
With a little preparation, you can easily freeze nectarines to keep well throughout the months. All that’s needed to do is slice the nectarines and freeze them in an air-tight container.
Freezing Nectarines
- Step 1: Remove any labels that the fruit may have on them and give them a good wash. Some like to run the fruit underwater and some like to give the fruit a baking soda bath.
- Step 2: Slice the fruit into the size you prefer. Slicing the fruit makes it easier to use later on and makes it easier to freeze. You will want to discard the pits of the fruit.
- Step 3: Either place the fruit into an air-tight Tupperware container or lay the fruit flat in a freezer bag. If using a bag, squeeze as much as possible when sealing the bag.
- Step 4: Label the bag with the date of freezing. This is important so you know how long the fruit has been in the freezer and when to throw them away.
- Step 5: Freeze them.
Some Tricks
While it’s already very easy to freeze nectarines, there are some tricks to keep the fruit at its best quality for longer.
Flash Freeze
Flash freezing is putting the fruit in the freezer for a short amount of time before storing it. This helps with keeping the fruit from sticking together in the container or bag.
- Step 1: Place the sliced fruit on a parchment-covered baking tray.
- Step 2: Put in the freezer for 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Move the sliced fruit into the container of your choice, label the container, and put them back into the freezer.
Slice Small
The smaller the fruit slices, the faster they will freeze and later thaw.
How Long Do Nectarines Last?
On the counter, nectarines can last from 3 days to a week. To keep them longer, you can put them in the fridge. However, you should wait until the nectarines are fully ripe before putting them into the fridge.
In the fridge, the fully ripe nectarines last from 5 days to a week. This keeps them fresh for almost another week than if you kept them on the counter.
Keeping your nectarines in the freezer keeps them fresh the longest. In the freezer, nectarines last from 10 months to a whole year. Compared to the few days they last on the counter, freezing the fruit is a very good idea.
You can stock up on nectarines when they are on sale at the store and keep them year-round by putting them in the freezer. That way you can enjoy their deliciousness whenever you want.
Can Nectarines be Frozen Whole?
Technically, they can be frozen whole but it is not recommended. The pit can make the flesh of the fruit taste bitter over time. Freezing the nectarines whole can also make it more difficult to use at a later time. You would have to thaw them in order to get the pits out.
What to Use Frozen Nectarines For
There are many ways to use frozen or thawed nectarines. Each of these foods is great for enjoying the taste of nectarines all year round.
- Smoothies
- Muffins
- Pancakes
- Covered in whipped cream for a chilled dessert
- Pies and cobblers
- Tarts
- Preserves
- Juice
- Frozen fruit popsicles
Final Thoughts
It is very easy to freeze nectarines for future use. They may not have the same fresh texture, but the taste will be preserved for any baking or smoothie purposes.
Freezing fruit is great to keep them in the house longer and can end up being easier on the budget long term.
It is best to slice the nectarines and remove the pit before freezing to keep the fruit from turning bitter. If you want to be eco-friendly, use Tupperware instead of freezer bags, but remember to label them.
If you use these nectarines in baking, you’ll end up with a delicious treat. No one will know that the fruit was ever frozen.
