Ingredients-Any amount of ripe fruit
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Freezer
- Freezer bags or containers
- Spatula
Instructions
1.Wash and dry the fruit: Rinse the fruit under cool running water, using a bit of soap or fruit wash if you prefer. Lay the fruit on a single layer on a clean dish towel and allow to dry. The fruit needs to be completely dry before freezing or the fruit will quickly develop freezer burn.
2.Slice the fruit: In general, prepare the fruit the way you expect to be using it. If you will be using the fruit in a pie, slice it into chunks or wedges. If you will be blending it into smoothies, roughly chop. Here is a general guide for the most common kinds of fruits:
• Apples
and Pears: Core and cut into slices or chunks. Peels can be left on or removed as preferred.
• Peaches, Nectarines, Plums and other Stone Fruit: Remove the pits and cut into slices or chunks. Peels can be left on or removed as preferred.
• Cherries: Remove the pits and stems from all the fruits. Leave whole or slice in half.
• Blueberries, Raspberries, and other Berries: Berries can be left whole
• Strawberries: Hull the strawberries and cut into chunks or slices as preferred
• Melons: Remove the rinds and slice into chunks or use a melon baller to scoop rounds.
3.Arrange the fruit on a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment, then arrange the fruit in a single layer on top. It’s ok if the fruits are touching slightly, but avoid layering or overlapping the fruits. This allows the fruits to freeze individually, making them easier to store and, eventually, use.
4.Freeze until the fruits are solid: Clear some space in your freezer and slide the tray of fruit inside. Freeze until the fruits are solid, about 4 hours. You can leave the fruits overnight, but be sure to package them within a day or two or they will start to develop freezer burn.
5.Label the freezer containers: When ready to pack the fruit, label your freezer bags or other containers with the name of the fruit and the amount. This makes it easier to find the fruit you want (and identify similar-looking fruits!) and pull out the specific quantity that you need.
6.Pack the fruits into freezer containers: Once the fruits have frozen solid, pack them into freezer containers. Lift the edges of the parchment to dislodge sticky fruits and use a spatula to transfer the fruits to the freezer container. Avoid touching the fruit as it will start to thaw quickly. Seal tightly, pressing out as much air as possible, and return the fruit to the freezer.
7.Freeze fruit for up to 3 months: Fruits will keep for several months — at least 3 months and sometimes longer — before starting to develop ice crystals and freezer burn. There is usually no need to thaw the fruit before using it.
Resources: Cooking Lessons from The Kitchn
http://www.thekitchn.com/categories/how_to
http://allrecipes.com/howto/how-to-freeze-fruits-and-vegetables/
