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Mistakes Everyone Makes When Freezing Fruit
Freezing fruit is a great way to preserve it when you have too much to eat before it spoils. It’s also a convenient way to enjoy your favorite fruits when they’re out of season and no longer available at the market. However, there are several common mistakes that many people make when freezing fruit. By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure that your frozen fruit stays in good shape and retains as much nutrition as possible. In this article, we’ll discuss the do’s and don’ts of freezing fruit to help you avoid these common pitfalls.
Not cleaning the fruit first
Regardless of your views on washing fruit you’re about to eat, any fruit you’re going to freeze needs to be clean for a couple of reasons. One is that it’s harder to wash frozen dirt off frozen fruit. That dirt is not going anywhere until both it and the fruit thaw enough to separate. And if you let the fruit thaw, you run the risk of crushing the fruit, no matter how lightly you scrub the surface when you clean it. This will only allow dirt, germs, and whatever else is on the surface to seep into the fruit. Do you really want to spend time cleaning frozen fruit? Clean it before freezing so you can use it right out of the freezer.
Failure to dry fruit thoroughly after cleaning
No matter what process you use to wash fruit, water will be involved somehow. One big mistake you can make is not letting the fruit dry completely before attempting to freeze it. Wiping the water off the fruit or letting the excess water drip off in a colander for a few minutes isn’t enough, although it’s a start. Any moisture on the surface of the fruit will freeze when surrounded by these cold temperatures, and this can cause everything to freeze together in one block. After washing, you can still wipe the excess water off the larger fruit and leave the smaller fruit in a strainer. But then you need to take drying a step further. For larger fruits such as apricots, give them a good but gentle rub with a dry paper towel. For smaller fruits, such as cherries and berries, place the fruit in a single layer on paper towels and gently press another layer of paper towels on top. If possible, try to turn the fruit so that you can dry all sides. Let them sit for a while to completely air dry.
Do not freeze in a single layer at first
If you put fresh fruit all together in a bag or container and throw it in the freezer, you won’t actually get a bag of individually frozen fruit. You’ll get a bag that looks like a frozen bowling ball. And one that’s very difficult to break up into smaller pieces, we might add. You can avoid this by using a method called tray packing. Spread out a single layer of fruit on a tray, place the tray in the freezer, and let it sit for a while until the pieces appear to be mostly frozen. Place them in a bag or container and repeat the process with any other fruit you’d like to freeze. By freezing the pieces in this single layer, you’ll allow any moisture to freeze before the pieces come in contact with each other, and you’ll end up with frozen fruit that isn’t stuck in one big lump.
Not cutting large fruit first
Space in a home freezer is usually limited in some way, both by the size of the freezer and by the fact that most of the space is taken up by other food. This requires some chopping and slicing if you’re going to freeze anything larger than a berry. Storage becomes more organized when you break fruit into smaller, more easily packed chunks. Cutting fruit has two additional benefits. One is that if you cut the fruit into pieces that are about the same size, they will freeze at the same rate. If you freeze the fruit in a single layer, some of the fruit won’t freeze as quickly as the rest. This difference in freezing time can be the difference between having a bag full of individually frozen chunks and a bag of chunks that are still frozen together because you didn’t want to wait for the larger pieces to freeze when they were in that single layer. The other is that having uniform chunks stored together makes retrieving chunks of a specific size a breeze. If you know you need diced mango for a recipe, you don’t have to dig out small dices from around larger spears and chunks. Of course, you can freeze fruit in different sizes; just put the different sizes in different containers.
Not freezing in portions
Make your life easier and pack frozen fruit in pre-portioned bags. Sure, you can measure out a portion of blueberries from a bag, but it’s nice to know that you can grab a pre-portioned bag of fruit when you need it. This is especially helpful if you’re using frozen fruit for smoothies or baking, where precise measurements are important. Invest in small resealable bags or containers and divide your fruit into portions before freezing. Label each portion with the fruit type and date for easy identification. This way, you can grab exactly what you need without having to thaw and refreeze the entire bag of fruit.
Not using proper freezer storage
When it comes to freezing fruit, proper storage is the key to maintaining its quality. Freezer burn is the enemy and can ruin the flavor and texture of your frozen fruit. Be sure to use airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent air from getting in and causing freezer burn. Squeeze any excess air out of the bags before sealing. If you’re using containers, choose ones specifically designed for freezer storage. These containers are usually made of thicker plastic and have tight-fitting lids to keep moisture out. It’s also a good idea to label your containers or bags with the type of fruit and the date it was frozen so you can keep track of how long it’s been in the freezer.
Not using frozen fruit within a reasonable amount of time
While frozen fruit can last a long time in the freezer, it’s best to use it within a reasonable time frame for optimal quality. Over time, frozen fruit can develop freezer burn and lose its flavor and texture. It’s recommended that frozen fruit be used within 8-12 months for best results. Keep track of freezing dates and try to rotate your inventory, using the older fruit first before moving on to the newer batches. This will help you enjoy the freshest tasting frozen fruit and minimize waste.
In conclusion
Freezing fruit is a convenient way to preserve and enjoy your favorite fruits throughout the year. By avoiding common mistakes such as not cleaning the fruit, not drying it thoroughly, not freezing it in a single layer, not cutting large fruits first, not freezing in portions, not using proper freezer storage, and not using the fruit within a reasonable time frame, you can ensure that your frozen fruit stays in great shape and retains its flavor and nutritional value. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious frozen fruit whenever you want, whether it’s in a refreshing smoothie, a delicious cake, or simply as a healthy snack.
FAQS
Is it necessary to wash the fruit before freezing?
Yes, it is important to wash the fruit before freezing. Washing the fruit removes dirt, germs, and other contaminants that may be on the surface. It also allows you to sort and remove any damaged or moldy pieces before freezing.
Should I dry the fruit after washing?
Yes, it is important to dry the fruit thoroughly after washing. Any moisture left on the fruit can cause the fruit to clump together and freeze. After washing, gently pat larger fruits dry with a paper towel and allow smaller fruits to air dry on paper towels in a single layer.
Can I freeze fruit without cutting it into smaller pieces?
While you can freeze fruit without cutting it, it is recommended that you cut larger fruits into smaller, easier-to-pack pieces. This helps with organization and ensures that the fruit freezes at a similar rate, allowing for individual freezing and easy retrieval of specific sized pieces.
How should I store frozen fruit?
Proper storage is important for maintaining the quality of frozen fruit. Use airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent air from entering and causing freezer burn. Squeeze excess air out of bags before sealing. When using containers, choose ones specifically designed for freezer storage. Label containers or bags with the type of fruit and the freezing date for easy identification.
How long can I keep frozen fruit in my freezer?
Frozen fruit can be stored in the freezer for 8-12 months. However, for optimal flavor and texture, it is best to use it within a reasonable time frame. Rotate your inventory and use older fruit first before moving on to newer batches to ensure you enjoy the freshest tasting frozen fruit.