Can You Freeze Apricots?
It is possible to freeze apricots, but several steps should be taken before freezing them. For best results when freezing, users should choose apricots that are firm and ripe.
The first step in freezing apricots is to wash them thoroughly. This ensure all dirt, dust and chemicals are removed. After cleaning the fruit, users can peel them or leave the skin intact. If the skin is left on, the apricots should be boiled for several minutes to ensure the skins do not toughen too much during freezing. After preparing the apricots, users should cut them in half and remove the pits. They can then be sliced or chunked as desired.
Before freezing apricots, they need treated to prevent browning and darkening along with packed in syrup. To create a syrup, users can mix 1 3/4 cup sugar with 4 cups water. Let the sugar dissolve completely and add 1/4 teaspoon of crystalline ascorbic acid. After placing the fruit into the syrup, add the entire batch to a freezer-safe container or plastic bag designed for use in the freezer. Seal the fruit completely to avoid oxygen from entering the package. Label the fruit package and allow it to thaw before consuming. Fruit can be kept frozen for up to 12 months.
