If you love plums but prefer the European varieties and American Hybrids in the farmer’s market to the Japanese plums found in the grocery store, you may have wondered, can I freeze plums?
If you have, keep reading.
In this article, we will look at:
- Can you freeze plums?
- Can you freeze plums without cooking?
- Can you freeze plums with the pits?
- How do you freeze plums in a freezer bag?
- What’s the best way to freeze plums?
- How long do plums last in the freezer?
Let’s get started.
So, Can You Freeze Plums?
Yes, you can freeze plums. Plums can be frozen whole or sliced for a reasonably long period without losing texture or flavor. Which method is best depends on the future use you have in mind?
As a general rule, frozen plums will last six months in your refrigerator’s freezer compartment and a year in a chest or upright freezer. Plums kept for overly extended periods are still safe to eat as long as they haven’t suffered spoilage. You will, however, likely notice a loss of flavor and a change in texture. It is best to reserve these plums for cooking and making jellies or jams.
Plums that are frozen intact are the most versatile as you can use them later as you would fresh plums, including eating them raw. If you only intend to use them for cooking or making smoothies, sliced plums are considered more convenient.
Can You Freeze Plums Without Cooking?
Yes, you can freeze plums without cooking them.
- Wash your plums and allow them to dry fully.
- Place them in freezer bags and use a vacuum sealer or straw to remove as much air as possible and seal.
- Label your bags and pop them in the freezer.
Can You Freeze Plums with the Pits?
You can freeze plums with the pits. One of the fantastic things about plums is that freezing them for reasonable periods has little to no impact on their taste, texture, or chemical composition.
It would be difficult for anyone to distinguish between a fresh plum and one that had been frozen with its pit for several months.
How Do You Freeze Plums in a Freezer Bag?
The best method of freezing plums in a freezer bag depends on whether you want to freeze them whole or sliced.
Freezing plums whole is best if you’re not sure how you will use them later or want to eat them as you would a fresh plum. Freezing your plums sliced makes them easier to use for cooking or to make smoothies later.
Freezing Sliced Plums in Freezer Bags (10 Steps)
- Pick or buy the most perfectly ripe plums you can. If your plums are not fully mature, allow them to ripen at room temperature for a few days. Plums will not ripen after freezing.
- Wash your plums under running water.
- Slice your plums vertically, being careful not to damage the pit. Give them a gentle twist to separate the halves.
- Remove the plum seeds and slice your plums into wedges 1 inch thick.
- Cover a baking sheet with wax paper or cling wrap to prevent sticking, and place your plum wedges, so they are not touching.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for an hour to an hour and a half.
- Remove your plums from the freezer. They should be almost completely frozen.
- Place your frozen plum wedges in freezer bags.
- Use a vacuum sealer or straw to remove as much air as possible, and seal your bags.
- Label your freezer bags and place them in the freezer.
Freezing Whole Plums in Freezer Bags (6 Steps)
- Gather the most perfectly ripe plums you can find. Plums, once frozen, will not ripen. If your plums are still green, leave them on the counter for a few days or quickly mature them in brown paper sacks.
- Gently wash your plums under running water.
- Allow your plums to completely dry. Any moisture left on the skins can cause freezer burn.
- Fill your freezer bags with plums.
- Remove as much air as you can from the bags using a straw or vacuum sealer and seal tight.
- Label your freezer bags and place them in the freezer.
What’s the Best Way to Freeze Plums?
The best way to freeze plums depends on your intended use. Sliced plums are handier for smoothies and cooking as much of the prep work is already done. The most flexible method of freezing plums is to freeze them intact. Plums frozen whole can be used any way you would use a fresh plum.
How Long do Plums Last in the Freezer?
Plums stored in the freezer of your home refrigerator will likely stay fresh for six months. If you keep your plums in an upright or chest freezer, they should suffer no loss of flavor or texture for a year or longer.
Plums you keep frozen for extended periods are not dangerous to eat as long as they are not spoiled. Plums will, however, lose some of their flavors and become mushy as they begin to break down. These plums are best used for cooking or making jams and jellies.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
