I love apricots, and I always have a few jars of apricot puree in the cupboard. But sometimes, I end up with more puree than I can use before it goes bad… So, what’s my plan for all those jars?
Can You Freeze Apricot Puree?
Yes, you can freeze apricot puree for up to 6 months. It can be frozen in ice cube trays, airtight containers or freezer bags depending on the portion sizes you need.
Do Does Apricot Puree freeze well? Yes
Can you refreeze Apricot Puree? Yes
How to Freeze Apricot Puree
There are a number of ways you can freeze apricot puree but this is my preferred method:
- Make Puree
Remove the pits, and cut the fruit into medium-sized pieces. You can use a food processor or immersion blender to puree the apricots. If the puree is too thick, add a little water or juice to thin it out. - Portion Into an Ice Cube Tray
Pour the puree into clean ice cube trays and freeze until firm. - Bag Up
Once the cubes have turned solid, push them out of the ice cube tray into a resealable freezer bag. - Freeze
Finally, pop the bags of now frozen cubes of puree into the freezer, where they will keep for around 6 months.
2 Tips for Freezing Apricot Puree
Now you know how to freeze it, I’ve got my 3 top tips which I strongly recommend following when freezing apricot puree to have the best results:
Use Ripe Apricots
The best apricots for puree are ripe ones. They should be soft and slightly squishy to the touch. This will ensure that the puree is sweet and flavourful. If your apricots are not ripe yet, leave them on the counter for a few days until they are.
Add Acid
Add a little lemon juice or ascorbic acid to the apricot puree to prevent browning. This will help it to retain that orange colour ensuring it looks fresh.
How Long Can You Freeze Apricot Puree?
When it comes to freezing apricot puree, the length of time it can be frozen for depends on a few factors, such as the quality of the puree and the temperature of the freezer.
In general, apricot puree can be frozen for up to 6 months without significant loss of quality. However, consuming it within 3-4 months is recommended for optimal taste and texture.
To ensure that the puree stays fresh for as long as possible, store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. This will prevent freezer burn and keep the puree from absorbing any unwanted odours or flavours from the freezer.
When stored in an airtight container or jar with a tight-fitting lid, apricot puree will last for 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
How Do You Defrost Apricot Puree?
When it comes to defrosting apricot puree, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure that the puree retains its texture and flavour. Here are some of the ways to defrost it:
Thaw Puree in the Fridge
The best way to defrost apricot puree is to let it thaw slowly in the fridge. This can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours, depending on the amount of puree you have.
Make sure to transfer the puree from the freezer to the fridge the night before using it.
Thaw Puree at Room Temperature
If you’re in a hurry, you can defrost the puree at room temperature. Simply take the puree out of the freezer and let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes.
Defrost Puree in the Microwave
If you’re really pressed for time, you can use a microwave to defrost the puree. However, this method can be tricky as it can cause the puree to become watery and lose its flavour.
Place the puree in a microwave-safe dish and use the defrost setting. Check the puree every 30 seconds and stir it to ensure it thaws evenly.
Can You Refreeze Apricot Puree?
Unfortunately no, you should not refreeze apricot puree.
Once it has been thawed, the texture and quality of the puree can be compromised, and it may not be safe to refreeze.
When you freeze apricot puree, the water inside the fruit cells expands, which can cause the cells to burst. When you thaw the puree, the ice crystals melt, releasing the water, causing the puree to become watery.
Refreezing the puree can cause even more damage to the cells, leading to a mushy texture and a loss of flavour.
To avoid the need to refreeze apricot puree, it is best to freeze it in small portions that you can use up in one go. That’s why I love the ice cube method above.
Does Apricot Puree Freeze Well?
The short answer is yes, but there are some things to remember.
It’s important to note that freezing can change the texture of apricot puree. When thawed, it may become slightly grainy or watery. However, this shouldn’t affect the taste or usability of the puree.
When thawing the puree, I recommend doing so in the fridge overnight. This will ensure that the puree thaws evenly and safely.
Related FAQs
If youāve still got questions about freezing apricot puree or fruit puree in general, then these may help:
Yes, apricot puree for babies can be frozen in an ice cube tray. This tends to be the perfect portion size for a baby.
Sources
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