Apricots are one of the best summer fruits, which are widely used in desserts and salads. They contain a high amount of fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and many other nutrients which make them very healthy. Apricots are good for health because they contain essential vitamins and minerals that reduce the risks of certain diseases.
Apricots, like other fruits, tend to not last very long once it’s harvested. For that reason, you will need to store them for later. Would freezing apricots be one of the options?
So, can you freeze apricots? Yes, you can freeze apricots. The fruit will need to be frozen without the pit and placed in a freezer bag. Properly stored, the apricots will last for up to 4 months in the freezer.
Does Apricots Freeze Well?
The answer is yes, apricots do freeze well. This is due to the high content of water that it has.
Frozen apricots have a slightly different taste than fresh ones. When they are thawed, they take on a sweeter taste. Some people also eat them raw for their unique texture and color.
Putting an apricot directly into water or juice will cause it to rot quickly. Before freezing the fruit, you should cut it in half and remove the stone before putting them in your freezer. This prevents moisture from building up inside of your freezer which could lead to mold growth or bacterial contamination.
How To Freeze Apricots
You can freeze apricots in a variety of ways. You can freeze the whole fruit, the juice, just the pits, or just the flesh.
The safest way to freeze apricots is to wrap them in a plastic bag and put them in your freezer for about two hours.
Below are the steps to freeze apricots.
Step 1: Preparation
Only use fresh apricots to freeze. Doing so will yield the longest shelf life in the freezer.
Step 2: Wash and Dry
Wash the apricots thoroughly with cold water for a few minutes. It’s a good idea to wash each fruit individually to prevent bruising.
After washing the fruit, with a clean paper towel, pat them until they are dry.
Step 3: Remove the Pit
After the apricots are dried, with a sharp knife, cut the fruit in half. Then remove the pit from the fruit.
Step 4: Flash Freezing
On a tray, lay a sheet of parchment paper on it. Then place the apricot halves on the tray. Make sure to place them so that they don’t touch each other.
Sprinkling salt on apricots will help to speed up the process of freezing them.
Then place the tray of apricots into the freezer. Let it sit for about 2-3 hours to freeze.
Step 5: Transfer to Freezer bag
Once the apricots are completely frozen, remove them from the freezer. Immediately transfer the fruits to a freezer bag.
After all the apricots are in the bag, press on it gently to remove any excess air before sealing.
Step 6: Label and Freeze
Using a pen or marker, write the date of freezing on the bag. This will help you remember when the fruit was frozen and when to use them by. Then place the apricots into the freezer.
How Long Can You Freeze Apricots?
The freezer shelf life of apricots is around four months when they are stored at a temperature of -18 degrees Fahrenheit.
Apricots have high water content and they freeze better when their moisture is removed so you should not add them to your ice cream or smoothie when it’s frozen solid.
Freezing apricots for long periods of time should be avoided because it will result in a loss of nutrients and flavor.
Therefore, using apricots within 4 months will give you the best taste and texture since they are not exposed to high levels of air.
How Do You Defrost Apricots?
The process of defrosting apricots is fairly straightforward. You just need to place them in a bowl or dish, cover them with water, and wait until the fruit thaws. The fruit should be completely thawed in about 20-30 minutes.
Another way to defrost the apricots if you don’t need them right away is in the fridge. Put them in a bowl of cold water and put them in the refrigerator overnight.
Can You Refreeze Apricots?
You can refreeze apricots, only if the fruit has not thawed completely. Freezing them again will cause no taste or texture loss.
On the other hand, if the apricots have thawed completely, refreezing them is not recommended. Once it has thawed, the fruit will become mushy. Freezing them again will only make the fruit become softer.
Other Questions about Apricots
Can you freeze dried apricots?
Yes, you can freeze dried apricots. And, the process is basically similar to how you would freeze other fruits and vegetables.
Freeze-dried apricots are a great snack option for those on the go. They are perfect for an afternoon snack or a healthy breakfast option.
Can you freeze canned apricots?
You can freeze canned apricots, but the process is complicated because the fruit needs to be packed in a moisture-proof container.
The freezing process will change the texture of the vegetables and make them tasteless. If you want to preserve the flavor of your canned apricots, it’s best not to freeze them.