Buzz
Apples are quite durable. They can stay fresh for up to a week on the counter (unlike delicate berries) and up to two months in the fridge or a cool, dark cellar. However, after an enthusiastic apple-picking session, the freezer can come to the rescue. Here’s how to freeze apples for later baking without compromising their flavor or texture.
The Ideal Apples for Freezing
Not every apple variety is well-suited for freezing, even if you follow the proper method. The National Center for Home Food Preservation recommends Golden Delicious, Rome Beauty, Stayman, Jonathan, and Granny Smith for freezing, while the Stemilt fruit company also suggests Jonagold, Cortland, and Empire. When unsure, choose apples with a firm texture and crisp flesh, as delicate varieties tend to turn mushy when thawed.
Even though firm-fleshed fruits are less prone to becoming mushy, there will still be some change in texture. This is due to the water inside the apple expanding as it freezes into ice, which causes the cellular walls to rupture and soften. While you can still enjoy frozen apple slices as a snack, they are best used in recipes like pies, jams, and sauces, where the texture change is hardly noticeable.
How to Prepare Apples for Freezing
You can freeze apples whole, but a little preparation makes them easier to thaw and use. A quick dip in lemon juice will prevent browning. Start by washing, peeling, coring, and slicing the apples, but don’t slice them too thin, as small slices can become mushy once thawed. According to Stemilt, “a medium apple yields 12 slices, while a large apple yields 16.”
After slicing, combine a tablespoon of lemon juice with a cup of water, and dip each apple slice into the mixture for about a minute. Alternatively, blanch the slices by dunking them in boiling water for a minute before placing them in ice water. Regardless of the method, make sure to dry the apple slices completely by blotting them with paper towels.
Next, lay the slices out on a baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch so they won’t stick together. Freeze for a couple of hours, then transfer the slices to freezer bags, writing the date on the bag. Apple slices can be stored in the freezer for up to nine months.
