Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Freezing Fruit

organic-fruits



Do you ever have fruit in the fridge that is going down hill fast?  Or do you find great sales on fruit and miss the opportunity of buying a large quantity because you would not be able to eat it before it goes bad?  


Well don't give up on the wilting fruit or walk past those great sales!  I have the solution, FREEZE IT!  


Most of the fruit I purchase is organic.  The few kinds of non-organic fruit I will buy are  melons, pineapples, and bananas.  I use the EWG's Shopper's Guide for the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15.  If you do not have this app on your phone PLEASE download it for FREE.  You can also download the guide on the website so you have it with you at the store.  I always refer to mine while shopping for produce.  






Eating organic produce reduces toxins and pesticides in our body.  We are exposed to so many toxins we have no control over during the day.  Cutting out the pesticides and toxins in our food will help! 


I am going to show you how I prepare and freeze fresh strawberries. 



The first step no matter what fruit you will freeze or eat is to wash it in organic fruit wash.  I actually wash my fruit in a mixture of vinegar and Dr. Bronners unscented castile soap.  I let my produce soak for at least 15-30 minutes.  




Next, rinse off the strawberries. Cut the top off. Pat dry with towel. 


Layer the strawberries in a single layer on a cookie sheet.  Place in freezer until frozen solid.  The time will vary, I usually check mine after 30 minutes.  



Once frozen, put into freezer safe Ziploc bag and keep in freezer.  You could also use a food saver if you have one! 




You can freeze most fruit but the prep varies depending on the kind of fruit.  Here are some guidelines to use in preparing fruit to freeze.  Remember, always wash your fruit! 


Apples: Core, peel (if desired), and quarter. Add some lemon juice, lime juice, or apple cider vinegar to keep it from browning.  Toss apples in bowl with juice or vinegar, then line cookie sheet with apples, in a single layer, to freeze.  


Berries: Remove stems, line on cookie sheet in a single layer.  


Banana: Smash and measure 1/2 cup into each sandwich size Ziploc bag for baked goods or freeze in ice cube trays then put in Ziploc bag to add to smoothies. 


Cherries:  Pit and freeze them in a single layer on cookie sheet. Once frozen place in freezer bag. 


Melons: Remove rind and cut into bite size pieces or make melon balls. Lay on cookie sheet in a single layer to freeze.  Once frozen place in freezer bag.  


Plums, peaches, nectarines, pears:  peel (if desired), core, and slice.  Line on cookie sheet in single layer to freeze. Once frozen place in freezer bag. 


Grapes: Take off stems and line in a single layer on cookie sheet to freeze.  Once frozen place in freezer bag. 


Oranges:  Peel and cut into bite size pieces. Line in a single layer on cookie sheet to freeze. Once frozen place in freezer bag.  


Kiwi: Peel and cut into bite size pieces.  Line in a single layer on cookie sheet to freeze. Once frozen place in freezer bag.  


Pineapple:  Peel, remove core, and dice.  Line on cookie sheet in a single layer, freeze, and then put in freezer bag. 


I use the frozen fruit for smoothies and baked goods. 


Take advantage of the wonderful summer fruit and freeze some to last all winter!  


Do you freeze produce?  How do you use your frozen produce?  


If you have not entered the giveaway for Tropical Traditions Gold Label Organic Coconut Oil, make sure to do it today because giveaway ends Thursday at midnight!  


Linked up with Healthy 2Day WednesdayFrugal Days, Sustainable Ways

Til' next time,

3 comments:

  1. We freeze blueberries, strawberries and bananas, but I've never tried apples or oranges or kiwi or many others up there... thanks for the idea!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sounds like a tasty idea :)... hmmm, freezing fruits

    ReplyDelete
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