What To Know
- Freezing plums allows you to buy them in bulk when they’re in season and at their most affordable, saving you money in the long run.
- To blanch, bring a pot of water to a boil, add the plums for 30 seconds, and then immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can thaw the plums in the microwave using the defrost setting.
The sweet, juicy taste of fresh plums is a delightful treat, but their short season can leave you craving them long after they’re gone from the market. Luckily, you can enjoy the flavor of plums all year round by freezing them. But can you freeze plums? The answer is a resounding yes! Freezing plums is a simple and effective way to preserve their deliciousness and enjoy them later.
Why Freeze Plums?
Freezing plums offers several advantages:
- Extend their shelf life: Plums are a delicate fruit with a limited shelf life. Freezing allows you to preserve them for months, so you can enjoy their flavor long after they’re out of season.
- Preserve their freshness: Freezing locks in the flavor, texture, and nutrients of the plums, so you can enjoy them at their peak ripeness even after months of storage.
- Save money: Freezing plums allows you to buy them in bulk when they’re in season and at their most affordable, saving you money in the long run.
- Convenient: Frozen plums are ready to use whenever you need them. You can quickly thaw them for fresh eating, baking, or adding to smoothies.
How to Freeze Plums: A Step-by-Step Guide
Freezing plums is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort. Here’s a detailed guide:
1. Select the right plums: Choose ripe but firm plums for freezing. Avoid bruised or overripe plums, as they won’t freeze well.
2. Wash and prepare the plums: Wash the plums thoroughly under cold running water. Remove the stems and cut them into halves or quarters, depending on your preference. If you’re using the plums for baking, you can leave them whole.
3. Blanch (optional): Blanching plums before freezing helps retain their color and texture. To blanch, bring a pot of water to a boil, add the plums for 30 seconds, and then immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process.
4. Dry the plums: Pat the plums dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Moisture can cause freezer burn, so it’s important to remove as much water as possible.
5. Freeze in single layers: Spread the prepared plums in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
6. Transfer to freezer bags: Once frozen, transfer the plums to freezer-safe bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date and contents.
7. Store in the freezer: Place the sealed bags in the freezer and store for up to 12 months.
Tips for Freezing Plums
Here are some additional tips for successful plum freezing:
- Use sugar or syrup: Adding sugar or syrup to the plums before freezing helps prevent them from becoming too soft and mushy.
- Freeze plum puree: If you prefer, you can blend the plums into a puree before freezing. This is a great option for smoothies or sauces.
- Freeze plum jam or preserves: You can also freeze homemade plum jam or preserves for later use.
- Use frozen plums in various recipes: Frozen plums can be used in a variety of recipes, including pies, tarts, jams, sauces, and smoothies.
Thawing and Using Frozen Plums
Thawing frozen plums is simple and can be done in several ways:
- Refrigerator: The safest and most recommended method is to thaw the plums overnight in the refrigerator.
- Cold water: You can thaw the plums in a bowl of cold water for a couple of hours.
- Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can thaw the plums in the microwave using the defrost setting.
Once thawed, frozen plums can be used in a wide range of recipes. They can be eaten fresh, added to baked goods, or used to make jams, sauces, and smoothies.
Beyond Freezing: Other Ways to Preserve Plums
Freezing isn’t the only way to preserve plums. Here are some other options:
- Canning: Canning plums in jars allows you to store them for longer periods.
- Dehydrating: Dehydrating plums creates dried plums, which can be enjoyed as snacks or used in baking.
- Making jam or preserves: Making jam or preserves is a delicious way to preserve the sweet flavor of plums.
The End of the Harvest, Not the Flavor: A Final Word on Frozen Plums
Freezing plums is a fantastic way to enjoy the taste of summer all year round. It’s a simple and effective method that preserves the flavor, texture, and nutrients of these delicious fruits. Whether you’re a home cook or a seasoned baker, freezing plums offers a convenient and versatile way to incorporate their deliciousness into your culinary creations. So, don’t let the plum season pass you by without stocking your freezer with these sweet and juicy treasures.
Questions You May Have
Q: Can I freeze plums with pits?
A: It’s not recommended to freeze plums with pits. The pits can release a bitter flavor into the fruit during freezing.
Q: How long can I store frozen plums?
A: Frozen plums can be stored for up to 12 months in the freezer. However, their quality may start to decline after 6 months.
Q: Can I freeze plums for smoothies?
A: Yes, frozen plums are perfect for smoothies. They add a sweet and refreshing flavor and a thick, creamy texture.
Q: Can I freeze plum jam?
A: You can freeze plum jam to extend its shelf life. However, it’s best to freeze it in small portions to prevent it from becoming too hard.
Q: Can I freeze plums with other fruits?
A: Yes, you can freeze plums with other fruits, such as peaches, nectarines, or berries. This allows you to create a variety of fruit combinations for smoothies, baked goods, and other recipes.
