Do you often have leftover fruit and not sure what to do with it? Or have you spied some reduced-to-clear strawberries, mango, or pineapple in the supermarket and wondered how to use it? Don't let that delicious fruit go to waste! Freezing fruit is a fantastic way to preserve its goodness and enjoy it later.
Freezing fruit not only prevents food waste but also saves you money in the long run.
Stop Food Waste: Freeze Your Fruit! 🍇
Most fruits freeze really well. Blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries are excellent candidates, as are banana, grapes and mango pieces. Pineapple is another great option and can be used in a multitude of recipes. Frozen fruit is also perfect for adding straight into a breakfast smoothie for a quick and healthy boost! 🍓
Freezing fruit not only prevents food waste but also saves you money in the long run. Buying in bulk or taking advantage of deals on ripe fruit becomes much more practical when you know you can preserve it. Plus, having a stash of frozen fruit on hand means you can enjoy your favorite flavors year-round, regardless of the season.
💡 SuperSavvy Tip! When freezing fruit, rather than tipping your fresh fruit straight into a bag or tub, lay your fruit out on a tray lined with parchment paper and pop the tray into the freezer. Make sure the fruit pieces aren't touching each other. Once frozen solid (this usually takes a couple of hours), scoop the frozen fruit into a freezer bag or airtight container. This simple step will prevent your fruit (or fruit pieces) from clumping together, making it much easier to use later. No more hacking away at a solid block of frozen berries!
What Fruits Freeze the Best?
While most fruits freeze well, some perform better than others. Soft fruits like berries and bananas are ideal. Fruits like peaches, plums, and nectarines can also be frozen, but they might have a slightly softer texture after thawing. Consider freezing these in slices or chunks. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons can be frozen as segments or juice.
How to use frozen fruit:
🧋 Smoothies: Frozen fruit is a smoothie game-changer! It adds thickness and coolness without the need for ice.
🍰 Baking: Add frozen berries to muffins, cakes, or pies. They can often be used directly from frozen.
🍨 Desserts: Use frozen fruit to make crumbles, cobblers, or ice cream.
🫙 Jams and preserves: Frozen fruit works perfectly well for making jams and jellies.
🍡 Snacks: Enjoy frozen grapes or blueberries as a refreshing and healthy snack.
Tips for freezing different types of fruit:
🫐 Berries: Wash and dry berries thoroughly before freezing. For larger berries like strawberries, you can remove the stems.
🍌 Bananas: Peel bananas and slice them into chunks before freezing. You can also freeze them whole (peeled or unpeeled) for baking.
🥭 Mangoes and Pineapples: Peel and chop into desired sizes before freezing.
🍑 Peaches, Plums, and Nectarines: Wash, pit, and slice before freezing. Consider blanching them briefly in boiling water before freezing to help preserve their texture.
🍇 Grapes: Frozen grapes are perfect for school lunchboxes!
So, next time you find yourself with an abundance of fruit, don't hesitate to freeze it! It's a simple and effective way to reduce food waste, save money, and enjoy your favourite fruits all year round.
✨ Additional Money Saving Fruit Freezing Tips ✨
How to Freeze Strawberries
Frozen strawberries are great for adding to a morning breakfast smoothie 😋
How to Freeze Bananas
Frozen bananas are great for adding to a morning breakfast smoothie or try whizzing up frozen banana with some peanut butter for an instant ice cream!
How to Freeze Apples
How to Freeze Grapes
Frozen grapes are delicious on their own as a refreshing snack, but they also add a burst of flavour and coolness to porridge, yogurt, or even salads. They're a healthy and convenient treat anytime! Frozen grapes are also perfect for school lunchboxes! Or pop a couple of frozen grapes into your wine glass instead of using ice cubes!
Happy freezing!
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