Grapefruits are among the healthiest and most refreshing fruits out there. But how do you ensure they’re available all year round? You freeze them of course!
Can You Freeze Grapefruit?
Yes, you can freeze grapefruit. Grapefruit can be frozen for around 12 months. For best results, peel the grapefruit, remove the white pith before freezing, and then cut it into small chunks or generous slices.(Full Instructions Below – Chunks, Slices, Juice, Tips, Etc)
Do Does Grapefruit freeze well? Yes
Can you refreeze Grapefruit? Yes
How to Freeze Grapefruit
Freezing grapefruit is straightforward. Just follow these simple steps to ensure your grapefruit is frozen efficiently:
- Wash
Even though you will be removing the peel, it’s important to rinse the grapefruit under the cold tap for a few seconds to clean it. - Peel
Place the grapefruit on a chopping board or clean kitchen surface and peel. You can either peel the grapefruit as a whole or cut it in half and then use a spoon to scoop out the fruit. Whichever method you choose, be careful not to damage the fruit when peeling. - Cut
Once you have the inside of the fruit in front of you, slice it into segments or cut it into cubes, whichever you prefer. Be careful not to press down too hard on the grapefruit as you don’t want to lose the juice. - Arrange
Once you’ve cut your grapefruit, don’t be tempted to just put them straight in the freezer. Arrange them onto a wax sheet on a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Then place the tray into the freezer for several hours until the grapefruit is completely frozen. - Freeze
Once the fruit has frozen, take it out of the freezer, transfer it to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and return it to the freezer.
How to Freeze Grapefruit Dishes
Now that we’ve learned how to freeze grapefruit as it is, what happens if you want to freeze grapefruit that has already been prepared? Below you can find out how to freeze grapefruit dishes that you might like to enjoy at a later date:
How to Freeze Fresh Grapefruit Juice
Packed with nutrients and the perfect accompaniment to your breakfast, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice can be frozen so you can prepare it in batches. Here’s how to freeze freshly squeezed grapefruit juice:
- Blend
Once you’ve prepared the ingredients of your juice (you can add all sorts of things to grapefruit juice to make it interesting), blend it up to ensure it’s well mixed. - Measure out
If you’re preparing your grapefruit juice in a large batch, you should measure out each portion size before freezing. The amount per portion is up to your personal preference, but 300ml is appropriate for a morning serving. - Transfer to an airtight container
When freezing grapefruit juice, you should ensure you have an appropriate container. Be sure to leave ½ inch headspace in the container, as the juice will expand when frozen. - Freeze
Transfer the containers to the freezer once you’ve measured out the portion size. Your freshly squeezed grapefruit juice will keep in the freezer for 3-4 months.
3 Tips for Freezing Grapefruit
Here are the Top 3 Tips, which we definitely recommend following, to give you the best results when freezing Grapefruit:
Flash Freeze
You must freeze your grapefruit individually on a tray first because if you skip this step and put them straight into a bag, you will be left with a big block of grapefruit.
Remove Pith
Carefully remove the white pith before freezing as it has a bitter taste.
Pick the Best
When selecting your grapefruit, avoid fruits with soft areas or a disturbed oval shape, as this is a sign of bruising and won’t preserve well.
How Long Can You Freeze Grapefruit?
Grapefruit can be frozen for up to twelve months, which is excellent news if you’ve decided to stock up when it’s in season.
However, what happens if you decide to make some delicious freshly squeezed grapefruit juice or a grapefruit-based smoothie? In that case, you should be aware that these only usually stay good for between 3 and 4 months, so you should plan to use them accordingly.
How Do You Defrost Grapefruit?
Once you plan to eat your grapefruit, allow them to thaw and reach room temperature for best results, although it’s totally safe to enjoy it while it’s still partly frozen.
The same is true for juice, and in the hot summer months, it can be delightful to enjoy partially frozen grapefruit juice to cool you down. You could even make lollies from grapefruit juice.
Can You Refreeze Grapefruit?
It is safe to refreeze grapefruit, but you should bear in mind that it might not taste as great as it would if you enjoyed it the first time around.
What’s more, if you plan on refreezing grapefruit, make sure it’s still within the twelve-month time frame that you first put it in the freezer.
Does Grapefruit Freeze Well?
Grapefruit freezes really well and preserves all of its flavour and nutrients. Providing it’s in good shape when you buy it and portion it up, it will taste as good defrosted as it would when you bought it fresh.
FAQs
If you’ve still got questions about freezing grapefruit or grapefruit in general, then these may help:
If your canned grapefruit is unopened, then there is no point in freezing it. Most canned foods have an incredibly long shelf life, so avoid opening them until you need them.
If, however, you have opened the can, used half and now have leftover, then you can freeze it. Pour the contents into a bag and freeze. Be warned, however, that you will need to defrost the full bag in one go and try to avoid refreezing it.
Although possible, freezing whole grapefruit is not something we’d advise. The white pith will become more bitter, and defrosting the grapefruit can take a while.
Instead, follow our simple instructions above to prepare, freeze, and thaw grapefruit most efficiently.
