How To Freeze Apples?

Do you know how to freeze apples? If you don’t, we have you covered! Today we are exploring the different methods you can use to freeze your apples, especially when you have a surplus.

Although apples are harvested mostly during the fall season. it is enjoyed all year long in the USA. Did you know that apples on the supermarket shelves aren’t usually fresh?

In fact, apples can be stored for long periods at controlled temperatures and low humidity, lasts around 10 months fresh. A gaseous chemical compound called 1-methyl cyclopropane is added to apple bins to extend the life of the fruit by some fruit distributors. Without this gas freshly pick apples stored at room temperature lasts for only a few weeks. Read More About Organic Apple Storage.

One great method I use to store freshly picked organic apples is to freeze them. They will have the same great flavor and can be used in your recipes throughout the year. Also, See How To Freeze Broccoli and How To Freeze Brussels Sprouts.

Apples are demonstrably popular, ranking among the top three fruits produced worldwide. The most iconic American fruit is probably Apples. You’ll find Red and Golden Delicious Apples in the supermarket, which are rich in fiber, Phytochemicals, and Vitamin C. They are undoubtedly good for cardiovascular health, type 2 diabetes, weight control, and cancer.

Is It Ok To Freeze Apples? 

Like Frozen Cauliflower or Frozen Berries, apples can be stored in the freezer for several months, and when thawed, they won’t taste dry or bitter! Although the freezing process helps retain nutrients, a few of those nutrients may decrease substantially if stored for more than six months.

You can add lemon juice to your apples as it is a good preservative and help prevent spoilage. However, It is not entirely necessary, as long as the frozen apples are transferred to a sealed bag just after the following freezing procedure.

How To Freeze Apples?

Depending on whether the apples are whole, sliced, or decided to use for apple pie filling, here are several ways to successfully freeze them.

Freeze Whole Apples

Keeping apple whole is the simplest way to freeze them. Here are the few steps you need to follow:

Step 1.  Wash The Apples 

Thoroughly wash the apples in a colander with cold water to remove all dirt, chemicals, or pesticides.

Step 2. Arrange Them On Cookie Sheet 

Place the apples on a cookie sheet in a single layer. Make sure that the cookie sheet fits flat in your freezer. If your freezer size is small, you can use a big plate.

Step 3. Place The Cookie Sheet In Freezer

Freeze the apples for 2–4 hours on the cookie sheet or until all apples are fully solidly frozen. To prevent the apples from slipping together, place the cookie tray in the freezer on a level surface. The reason for freezing the apples on a cookie sheet first is to avoid having a frozen apple pile that would be difficult to store, detach, and defrost.

Step 4. Transfer The Frozen Apples To A Freezing Bag

Press tightly on one of the apples with your finger to see if it’s frozen solid. Freezing will be done when the apple holds its shape when pressed.  Once the apples have completely frozen solid, transfer them to plastic freezer bags as soon as possible to prevent them from melting. Seal the freezer bags and store them in the freezer for later use.

Step 5. Label The Freezing Date On The Freezer Bags

The last step is to label the date of freezing on bags to know how long the frozen apples will last. You can store the frozen apples in the freezer for up to 6-7 months. Before using your frozen apples, check the date you wrote on your freezer bags. After six months, you should throw away frozen apples. Use your frozen apples within 6 months to make a delicious apple Smoothie or milkshake.

Freeze Apple Slices

Step 1. Wash The Apples 

Thoroughly wash the apples in a strainer with cold water to remove all dirt, chemicals, or pesticides.

Step 2. Peel, Core, And Slice The Apples 

Though peeling is not necessary as apple peels are also enriched with nutrients, which protect blood vessels and the heart from damage, lower blood pressure, and protect the DNA of cells from oxidation, which is one factor that may lead to cancer. However, if you like, you can peel them.

Peel and core the apples. This is a great Apple Peeler. If you plan to use them later in recipes that require sliced apples, slice them into your desired size with a sharp knife.

Dip the apple slices in lemon juice, ascorbic solution, or salted water before freezing to prevent browning the apple slices.

Step 3. Arrange Them On A Baking Sheet 

Place a piece of baking paper on a baking sheet and arrange the apple slices in a single layer on the baking paper so that they don’t touch. This way, you can prevent apple slices from clumping together.

Step 4. Freeze Them 

Place the baking sheet into the freezer and freeze for 3-4 hours or until all the slices are fully solidly frozen. To prevent the slices from slipping together, place the baking tray in the freezer on a level surface. 

Step 5. Transfer The Slices To Freezer-friendly Bags

Put the apple slices in freezer bags once they’ve been frozen. Since the bits won’t stick together due to the flash freezing, you’ll be able to take out only the ones you require later.

Step 6. Label The Date Of Freezing On The Freezing Bags

Finally, mark the bags with the freezing date, so you know how long the frozen apples will last. Frozen apples can last up to 6 months in the freezer. Check the date on the freezer bags before using them.

Freeze Apple Pie Filling

If you want to use the apples in a pie later in the year, you can make the pie filling when the apples are fresh and then freeze it for later use by following these simple steps:

Step 1. Peel And Core The Apples

After washing, peel and core the apples. Chopped finely/coarsely or sliced, and

transfer them into a large mixing bowl. Toss the apple slices with lemon juice.

Step 2. Prepare Apple Pie Filling

Add  4 Apples, 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup coconut sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to a pot and mix over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes until apples are slightly softened.  Combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, mix well to form a slurry. Add the cornstarch slurry to the apples and cook until bubbly and the apples are softened, about 10 minutes stirring constantly.  Apple pie filling is ready. Let it cool completely.

Step 3. Transfer Apple Pie Filling To Pie Trays

Place baking paper/plastic wrap over pie trays and fill with apple pie filling.

Step 4. Freeze 

Put the pie sheet in the freezer, and freeze for 4-5 hours or until fully solidly frozen. Once frozen, transfer the filling in the plastic wrap/baking paper to freezer bags and put it back in the freezer.

Step 5. Label The Date Of Freezing On Freezer Bags

The final step is to mark the bags with the freezing date, so you know how long the frozen apple pie will last. Apple’s pie can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. Before using frozen apple pie, double-check the expiration date you labeled on the freeing bags.

How to Use Frozen Apples

When frozen apples are thawed, they won’t have the same texture as fresh apples, so they’re better cooked. So, here I am going to share with you some fantastic ideas to put them to good use and make any of these delectable treats:

• Apple Smoothie
• Applesauce  
• Apple Crisp
• Baked Apples
• Apple Muffins
• Add in any smoothie recipe to enhance the taste
• Homemade Apple Butter
• Apple lemonade
• Apple cake
• Jams and jelly
• Apple Pie 

To use a frozen apple pie filling, place it in a pie crust and wrap it with dough. Put it in the oven for baking. You don’t need to thaw the apple pie filling before using. However, if you use frozen apples, your pie will take around 20 minutes longer to bake.

So, would you like to try to freeze the apples this weekend?

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