Just less than two weeks ago the annual Peach Festival took place in Palisade, Colorado. We discovered the lushness of these peaches a couple years ago while driving home from Denver on Interstate 70. Palisade is located seven miles east of Grand Junction. Each year we look forward to the Palisade peach harvest.
Most of my friends can their peaches, but we prefer freezing them.
The secret to keeping the flesh of your frozen peaches bright and fresh all winter long is orange juice. Just cut your peaches in half, leaving the skin on. Remove the pit and then dip just the flesh side into the orange juice.
Place the halved peaches on a cookie sheet flesh side up and freeze until hard. Once frozen, place them in a freezer bag (it’s always a good idea to mark the date on the bag).
I usually use a half peach in my daily smoothie. We froze six 18-lb. boxes, which should also yield plenty of peaches for pies and cobblers during the winter. If you place the frozen peach under warm water, the skin will peel easily; they’re now ready to be used in your favorite peach recipe – and most importantly retaining the vibrant fresh peach color!
I hope you’ll try this… it’s great if you have the freezer space, and so much quicker than canning. Not that I don’t love a good canned peach; I’ve done my share of many a jar in my life!
So, what’s your favorite peach recipe? HB made a great Fresh Peach Crisp with Maple Cream Sauce recipe from The Pioneer Woman that you just have to try! Here’s the link: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/07/peach_crisp_wit/ Next Wednesday check back for a yummy blueberry peach cobbler!
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Jani, Your blog is beautiful! The tutorial on freezing peaches looks like something I want to try. Thanks so much for sharing (& in such a beautiful presentation). I’ve never heard of using orange juice…it looks quite pleasant to do and use. I’ll try it for sure if we get peaches!
I’ve been blogging about 7 years and it is such a blessing. I am gluten-free so that limits my baking a good bit. I knit a little and spin my fiber sometimes and read. And read. I’m glad I came by this morning and happened over from your DIL…she is a peach….no pun intended…lol. Have a great day, Maggie
Thanks so much for the visit and sweet thoughts. I do have a wonderful DIL!
Love your blog! I’m a 60 yr. old Nana of 10, Mama to 4…resort owner, quilter, love to cook, but so does my hubby! Your peaches made my mouth water! I have to go get some and freeze em…but northern MN is a tough place to find good peaches!
I will enjoy reading you…thanks!
Thanks Pat, Your Cedar Rapids Lodge looks like fun!
Hi Jani! Stopping by to say Hi! Sweet place you have here ~ I have enjoyed perusing many of your posts. Nice meeting you!
Kindly, Lorraine
Thanks so much, Lorraine. So glad you stopped by!
Wow! What great pictures- I’ve never frozen my own peaches, but I sure do love to stash my freezes with fruit. I’ll have to give this a try.
Thanks Jess! We figured it out and it cost a fourth of what you’d pay in the store!
I am so glad I happened onto your blog. I am always hesitant to buy a case of peaches for fear they will be wasted. But, they are my families favorite fruit. Peaches can be so costly when not in season.
I’m so glad as well. Thanks for your visit and do come back!
Just bought a couple cases of peaches to can but this sounds so much easier….and orange juice never heard that before. Can’t wait to try!
I’m so glad, Nichole. It really is easy and works great if you have the freezer space!
This is such a fantastic idea. I have frozen peaces in the past, but I have always sliced them. I like this way much better! I have a box of peaches just waiting for me to do something with them. I am off to buy some oj! Thanks again!
PS-not sure if you remember me, but we met at evo. I believe we were in the hall and I had on the blue wig…anyway, love your blog!
happy Wednesday!
Tausha
sassystyleredesign.com
I do remember you. Weren’t you in the hall by the Cabin? I’m so glad this has been a help. It works great for me! Thanks again, Tausha for the comment.