Can You Freeze Apples?

Wondering if you can freeze apples? This popular fruit does hold up well in the freezer: here’s how to do it!

Got a load of apples and not sure you can use them all in time? Apples last 4 to 6 weeks refrigerated, so the fridge is a great way to store this popular fruit. But don’t think you can use your apples in time? The freezer is your next best bet! Apples last frozen up to 6 months: you can use them in crisps or crumbles, or even eat them as a snack right from the freezer. Here’s how to do it!

Can you freeze apples?

Apples freeze well: the flavor of the fruit is well preserved during the process. Frozen apples don’t work raw, but they’re ideal for adding to baked dishes like crisps and crumbles, or blended recipes like smoothies. They also taste great as a snack right from the freezer! You can use frozen apples in cooked or blended dishes without thawing them first.

Apples freeze for 3 to 6 months. But if you’re simply trying to preserve apples for a few weeks, there’s an easy trick: the refrigerator.

How long are apples good for?

Stored on the counter at room temperature, whole apples last about 1 week. But in the refrigerator, they last 4 to 6 weeks! Refrigerating apples is one of the best ways to extend their life.

If you’d like to preserve apples beyond 6 weeks, you can freeze them for 3 to 6 months. Keep in mind that you can only use them in cooked or blended dishes after freezing.

How to freeze apples

Apples are easy to freeze, once you know a few tricks to preserving them. You can’t freeze apples whole, so you’ll need to prep them and flash freeze prior to popping them in long term storage.

1. Peel and slice: Prepare the apples for the way you’d like to use them in future recipes. For smoothies, leave the skin on and dice them. For crumbles and crisps, peel and slice them.
2. Mix with lemon juice: To prevent browning, mix the apples with a bit of fresh lemon juice (just enough to lightly coat).
3. Flash freeze: Place the prepared fruit on top of a baking sheet in a single layer. Flash freeze for 1 hour.
4. Place the apples in an airtight container or freezer-safe plastic bag. If using a bag, use a straw to suck any remaining air out of the bag and seal it.
5. Mark the “Use by” date. Use a permanent marker to label with a “use by” date that is 3 months in the future.
6. Freeze. Place the container or bag in the freezer and freeze for up to 3 to 6 months. For best results, use in 3 months. You can use frozen apples directly in cooked dishes; no need to thaw. They also work as a tasty snack right from the freezer!

Tips for how to use frozen apples

Frozen apples can be used right from the freezer in cooked or blended dishes: no need to defrost! This makes them super versatile for using in apple desserts! A few tips to keep in mind:

• Use frozen apples only in cooked, baked or blended dishes, like crumbles, crisps, pies, muffins, sauteed apples, and smoothies. The texture becomes softer after freezing, so they’re not fit for eating raw.
• The frozen apples can be added right to dishes: no defrosting is required.
• They’re also a great snack! We love these right out of the freezer (kind of like frozen grapes).
• Use within 3 to 6 months. The flavor and texture can degrade the longer foods are frozen. For best results, use it within 3 months.

Apple recipes

Frozen apples work in so many different apple recipes! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Make Perfect Apple Crumble or Classic Apple Crisp
• Go for Best Apple Pie Recipe
• Opt for a spiced Apple Smoothie
• Mix up Baked Apple Oatmeal
• Go for Apple Muffins with Streusel

More freezing methods

And that’s it! Let us know if you try freezing apples in the comments below. All ingredients hold up differently in the freezer. Here are a few more methods to try:

• Freeze fruits and vegetables like broccoli, spinach, kale, onions, carrots, celery, cabbage, green beans, eggplant, zucchini, corn, potatoes, avocados, tomatoes, strawberries, peaches, blueberries, pumpkin or bananas
• Learn how to freeze dairy products, like cheese, milk, sour cream, ricotta, yogurt, butter, cream cheese, cottage cheese and mozzarella
• Try freezing rice, guacamole or hummus

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