Plums are a delicious juicy fruit related to peaches and cherries used in kitchens worldwide. If you want to know more about these tasty fruits, including tips on how to freeze plums, keep reading, and we’ll tell you all about it.
Plums are great!
You can eat them fresh, dried, or cooked.
Also, you can use them in stews and casseroles, make different desserts, and use them in sauces, jams, pies, juices, and smoothies.
In fact, there are some varieties that you can dehydrate to obtain tasting prunes.
Jump to:
What are Plums?
Plums are a type of stone fruit that belongs to the Prunus genus.
It is a fruit that originated in the Caspian Sea more than 2,000 years ago and has spread worldwide.
At present, China is the largest producer.
These juicy fruits come in various colors, including red, blue, and black.
Plums offer a lot of nutritional benefits containing a significant number of minerals and vitamins.
With over 2,000 varieties, plums may vary in shape, color, and taste.
Plums nutritional information and health benefits
Plums are a good source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
They are also a good source of Vitamin C and contain small amounts of Vitamin A, E, and potassium.
Additionally, plums are a good source of polyphenols, which are plant-based compounds linked to health benefits such as reduced inflammation and improved heart health.
In addition, plums are low in calories.
Health benefits aside, plums are delicious and can be enjoyed in various ways.
No matter how you enjoy them, plums are a nutritious and delicious treat.
Here you can find more nutritional information on plums.
Can you freeze plums?
Everybody knows that all fruits only last a few days due to their water content and thin skin.
Therefore, it is a common practice to freeze fruit.
Freezing fruit has some advantages: you can consume them all year round and save money by buying them during its season.
So, when there is an abundance of plums, freezing them is a good idea and a great way to enjoy this seasonal fruit without losing its quality.
It is also one of the simple methods to extend its shelf life.
Read our post How to freeze Jackfruit
How to freeze plums step by step
It is straightforward to freeze plums, and you will only need to follow a few simple steps.
The first thing you will need to do is to select ripe plums of any variety and wash them thoroughly.
Once the plums are selected and washed, you will have to halve them and remove the pit with a sharp knife.
If you want, you can also peel them.
The next step is to cut the plums into cubes, wedges, slices, or whatever shape you want before starting the freezing process.
You can also freeze them as they are, depending on your preferences.
The following step is to place the plum halves or small portions on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other.
Place your tray in the freezer until frozen.
Depending on the size of the plums, this may take from a couple of hours to more than 6.
Once frozen, transfer the plums to freezer bags or airtight containers to save space and prevent freezer burn.
Always label and date your bags or containers and remove excess air.
Frozen plums may last up to 6 months in your freezer.
Some people like to freeze their plums, pick them out of the freezer, and eat them as popsicles; this is totally acceptable.
Read our posts How to Freeze Apples and How to Freeze Cantaloupe
Freezing plums in syrup
When you freeze plums in syrup or any sweet solution, it helps to protect them from freezer burn and keeps them tasting fresh.
To freeze plums in syrup, you will need:
- 1 1/2 cups of water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 pound plums, pitted and cut into small pieces
In a small saucepan, bring water and sugar to a boil.
Stir in lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Add plums to the sugar syrup and stir until well-coated. Remove from heat and let cool.
Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container.
Freeze for several hours or overnight.
If you don’t have time to prepare the syrup, you can use plum juice or apple juice.
How to freeze the plum puree
Assuming you have a bounty of fresh plums, here’s how to turn them into a puree that you can use in the cold months of winter.
First, wash the plums, peel them, cut them in halves, and remove the pits.
Next, add the plums to a saucepan with a splash of water and cook over medium heat until they soften and release their juices, about 10 minutes.
Then, transfer the cooked plums to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
Finally, pour the puree into an ice cube tray or freezer-safe container and freeze it for future use.
You can use the defrosted plum puree in pies, tarts, and smoothies or even mix it into oatmeal or yogurt.
So next time you have an abundance of fresh plums, be sure to give this method a try.
How to thaw plums
To thaw your frozen plums, remove your plastic bag or container from the freezer and place them in your refrigerator until thawed.
You can also place the bag at room temperature, or you can place it in a bowl of cold water.
Plums will defrost in a short period, so placing them in the refrigerator will be your best choice.
What do you need to freeze plums?
If you decide to freeze plums, you will need the following equipment:
- A sharp paring knife to cut and peel your plums
- A tray to place your plums and freeze them
- Freezer bags or airtight containers to store them
- Labels and markers to date and classify
How to use frozen plums
You can use frozen plums in a variety of ways.
These frozen fruits are the perfect way to enjoy the taste of summer all year round.
And they’re so versatile! Here are a few ideas for how to use them:
– Add them to smoothies or yogurt for a healthy breakfast or snacks.
– Make a simple plum sauce by pureeing them with a bit of sugar and lemon juice. Serve it over ice cream or pound cake.
– Toss a few into a pan with some chicken or pork for a quick, easy weeknight meal.
– Use them in place of fresh plums in any recipe, like plum crumble, plum jam, or plum compote.
So next time you see some great deal on plums at the supermarket, stock up and try out these ideas!
Frozen plums make a delicious, healthy snack and nutritious addition to any meal.
Read our post Wawa Smoothies
FAQs about how to freeze plums
Yes, it would be best to wash the plums before freezing them.
This will help remove any dirt on the fruit.
Frozen plums will last up to six months when stored in an airtight container in the freezer. Once thawed, you should use them within a few days.
Yes, you can freeze whole plums. To do so, wash the plums and then dry them thoroughly.
Place the raw plums in airtight plastic containers and freeze them for up to six months.
When ready to use them, you can thaw them.
