How To: Freeze peaches

Eat wonderful peaches all year long. Freezing fruit is easy and a great ways to preserve and retain nutrients. Freeze your peaches now and thaw them when you are ready to make a peach pie or smoothies. This is the perfect way to make the most out of your fruit.

In a few simple steps, you can enjoy the taste of fresh peaches even in the dead of winter.

You Will Need

* 4 medium peaches
* 1½ tsp. ascorbic acid
* 1½ c. sugar
* A mixing bowl
* A peeler
* A knife
* A quart-sized freezer bag
* A measuring cup (optional)

Step 1: Freeze whole peaches for 1½ to 2 hours

Place whole, ripe peaches in the freezer for 1½ to 2 hours, until they are firm but not completely frozen.

Step 2: Mix ascorbic acid and sugar in a large bowl

Combine the ascorbic acid with the sugar in the mixing bowl.

Use ascorbic acid to prevent the peaches from browning during the mixing or freezing process.

Step 3: Peel and slice the peaches

Remove the peaches from the freezer. Peel and slice them into the mixing bowl with the sugar and ascorbic acid.

Step 4: Combine peaches and sugar mixture

Mix the peaches with the sugar and acid, being sure to completely coat all of the slices. Then let the mixture stand for 5 to 10 minutes, until the peaches start to release their juices.

Step 5: Label freezer bag and add 2 cups fruit

Label a quart-sized freezer bag with the date. Place 2 cups of the fruit and sugar mixture into the bag.

Place an empty freezer bag inside a medium-sized measuring cup and fold the top of the bag over the lip of the cup to make the filling process easier.

Step 6: Remove air from the bag and seal

Remove all of the excess air from the freezer bag and seal it.

Step 7: Freeze peaches

Place the bag in the freezer. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator to thaw, and enjoy a little taste of summer anytime.

California is the leading peach-producing state in the United States. South Carolina ranks sec