How to freeze apples for the winter in the freezer

How to freeze apples in the refrigerator freezer for the winter

In the autumn season, you need to have time to prepare as many healthy vegetables and fruits as possible, which will save you from vitamin deficiency in the winter, saturating the body with minerals, vitamins, and strengthening the immune system.
One of the obligatory preparations for the winter is apples. The fruits can be boiled into juice, prepared into compote, dried or preserved whole. But, is it possible to freeze apples for the winter so that you always have a base for charlotte or apples for compote on hand?

We suggest considering 5 recipes for freezing apples at home for the winter.

Preparing apples for freezing

First of all, you need to collect whole fruits, wash them well and dry them.

Attention! Slightly spoiled apples can also be used, but the spoiled areas must be cut off.

You can remove the peel if you wish. If you do not do this first, then after freezing, if necessary, you can remove the skin. A knife for peeling vegetables and fruits is suitable for this.

At the next stage of cooking, cut the apples in half, into 4 parts or into small slices. Get rid of the stem and core. You can freeze whole fruits, but remove the core.

Rules for selecting and preparing fruits for freezing

It is better to give preference for subsequent freezing to sweet and sour varieties:

You should be aware that the taste and texture of frozen products differs from fresh apples.

Before harvesting, it is necessary to inspect all the fruits, discarding deformed, rotten apples with wormholes and limp skin.

Suitable fruits need to be washed and dried so that when frozen they do not stick together into one lump.

After this, the fruit must be peeled (if desired, you can also peel frozen slices), remove the “tail” and cut out the core with seeds. Then chop the apples in any convenient way.

Attention! The smaller the apple slices, the less space the preparation will take up in the freezer.

Also, for freezing, you need to prepare plastic bags or clean containers with lids in advance.

Expiration date and defrosting

Apples without additives are stored for up to 1 year, candied apples, in syrup - 6-8 months, and pureed - 2-3 months. If the freezer does not maintain low temperatures, the shelf life is reduced by 2-3 times. Don't forget to sign all your preparations so that you can use them on time.

Housewives recommend defrosting apple preparations gradually. First, the containers are moved to the refrigerator, allowed to thaw for a couple of hours, then transferred to room conditions.

Apple bins will ease the culinary worries of the housewife. It’s always convenient to have natural, sweet and vitamin-rich apples on hand, reminiscent of summer.

Methods for freezing apples

You can freeze apples in several ways, as follows:

Freezing in slices

To freeze fruit into slices, you need to follow a number of steps:

1. Dry the prepared apples and cut into slices.

Attention! To prevent apple slices from darkening when frozen, they must first be soaked in salted (30 grams of salt per 4 liters of water) or acidified (5 grams of lemon per 1 liter of water) water for about 15 minutes.

1. Carefully place the apple preparations on a dry tray, board or baking sheet covered with cling film in one layer so that the pieces do not touch each other. Cover the slices with a plastic bag.
2. Place the slices in the freezer for 2-3 hours.
3. Remove the preparations from the freezer and package them in bags, releasing the air.

Attention! Fruit that has been thawed should not be re-frozen. Therefore, there is no need to freeze apples in large portions; it is better to package them in small bags per one ready-made dish.

1. Place frozen slices in the freezer for later storage.

Thus, the fruits can be stored for 9-12 months.

Attention! An important factor in long-term storage of fruit is maintaining the optimal freezer temperature. At a temperature of -18 degrees, frozen fruits are stored for 12 months; if the indicator is from 0 to -8 degrees, the shelf life of the product is reduced to 3 months.

Freezing apples in syrup

Let's look at how to freeze apples in sugar syrup in the freezer for the winter:

1. Prepare sugar syrup by mixing 2 cups of sugar and 3 cups of water.
2. Place the prepared apple slices in a bowl and pour in the syrup. Press the workpiece on top with a plate or lid. Leave the fruit for 5 minutes.

Attention! The liquid should completely cover the apple layer.

1. Place fruit slices in a colander to remove excess liquid.
2. Arrange the slices on a tray in a single layer and flash freeze.
3. After 2-3 hours, pour the apples into a bag and put them back in the freezer.

Freezing temperature and shelf life

To freeze apples, you need to choose the right temperature. In addition, the most suitable freezing method should be determined.

Dry - when choosing this method, place the fruit on a tray and put it in the freezer. The temperature must be at least -23ºC. After 2-3 hours, when the apples are frozen, transfer them to a container. Then they can be wounded in the freezer at a temperature of at least 18ºC with a minus sign.

Shock - rapid freezing of food in bags. To do this, set the freezer to “quick freeze”. You need to pay special attention to this point, because at temperatures from 10 to 120C, apples should be stored for no more than two months. At low rates - about 10 months.

A low-power freezer is suitable for freezing and storing berries, but it is not recommended to use it for apple fruits.

Before you start storing apples for the winter, you need to find out how long they can be stored. If you follow all the rules, then the period is up to a year with preservation of beneficial properties, but provided there are no additives.

Attention! The product must not be re-frozen.

If the temperature in the freezer is set at -18°C, then fruit can be stored for 9 months. A similar period for fruits in syrup or sugar. This period may be longer or shorter, depending on the freezing method chosen.

Fruits that have been pre-soaked in the solution can remain in the chamber for the longest time.

If the temperature in the freezer is low, then apples can be stored for no more than 90 days. The puree can be stored for the same amount of time. The packaging can be a bag, plastic cans or containers. The air must be released and the container must be labeled. You can also specify the variety of apples.

Suitable varieties

Not all varieties of apples are suitable for such processing and further storage. It is necessary to use the harvest of autumn and winter varieties with sweet and sour pulp.

You can freeze the following varieties: Antonovka, Sinap, Glory to the Winners, Richard, Kutuzovets, Golden. The harvest of such apple trees is perfectly preserved at sub-zero temperatures.

You can determine how suitable an apple variety is for freezing: you need to peel the fruit and place it on the top shelf of the refrigerator. If it does not darken after a while, you can safely freeze it.

Preparatory work

For storage in the freezer, it is necessary to use ripe apples without mechanical damage, cracks, traces of mold, or signs of disease and parasites.

After defrosting, overripe apples will turn into puree, their benefits will be lost, and it will hardly be possible to prepare something tasty and aromatic from them.

Apples are sent for freezing immediately after picking: the less they “lie”, the better they retain their beneficial properties.

All fruits are thoroughly washed under running water, wiped dry, then cut, depending on the chosen freezing method.

Freezing methods

There are several ways to freeze fresh apples - it all depends on the further use of such a preparation.

Each apple is individually packaged

Entirely

You can freeze apples whole for the winter: washed, wiped dry fruits are carefully removed from the tail and seeds, placed in plastic bags so that there is no air in them, and sent to the freezer. To save time, it is better to use seedless varieties.

This freezing method requires a lot of space, so it is only suitable for large freezers.

Dry freezing

You can freeze sliced ​​apples. First, the fruits are washed under running water, then they are wiped, cut in half, peeled, and the core removed. Each half is divided into four slices.

To avoid sticking, the slices are laid out on a board, frozen, then transferred to a plastic bag or plastic sealed container and sent to the freezer.

If the slices are intended for making compote, there is no need to peel the fruit. This will make the drink more aromatic and tasty.

In syrup

To use this storage method, you need to prepare a syrup: 750 ml of water will require 500 g of sugar. It is necessary to achieve complete dissolution of the product.

Clean and dried apples are cut into slices, as in the previous method, placed in the prepared syrup, transferred to a plastic bag and sent to the freezer.

Terms and conditions of storage

If all storage rules are followed, fresh apples can be stored in the freezer for six months to a year. In this case, it is important to maintain the temperature within minus 18-20 °C. If this indicator is higher, the apples will lose their beneficial properties, and after defrosting they will not be as tasty.

Do not re-freeze a defrosted product. It contains bacteria and microbes that can cause irreparable harm to human health. Before storing in the freezer for the winter, divide the apples into single-use portions. This way you will have less waste.

Product Application

Apples are used to prepare various dishes

In modern cooking, there are many original and delicious recipes made from frozen apples. They are used, like fresh fruits, to prepare:

• pancakes, pancakes;
• pies, bagels, buns (for filling);
• various drinks;
• fruit salads and jellies.

In addition, frozen fruits are baked whole in the oven and used to create sauces for meat and fish dishes.

Compote

• 5 liters of water;
• 2 tbsp. l. granulated sugar;
• 500 g frozen product.

Pour water into a saucepan, add sugar, and bring to a boil. After the sugar is completely dissolved, defrosted apples (whole fruits or sliced) are placed in the container. Cook for a few minutes over low heat, then leave covered for half an hour.

Charlotte

You can use frozen apples, cut into slices, to make charlotte. Housewives who have prepared such pastries claim that they turn out just as tasty as with fresh apples.

• chicken eggs – 4 pcs.;
• wheat flour – 1 tbsp.;
• granulated sugar - 1 tbsp.;
• frozen fruit pieces - 3 handfuls.

Beat eggs heated at room temperature with a mixer until foamy, gradually add sugar without stopping beating. After the dry component has completely dissolved, add flour, gently mixing everything with a spoon. At the end - defrosted apples.

The mass is poured onto a baking sheet lined with parchment and greased with a piece of butter. Then it is placed in the oven for 40 minutes, temperature – 180 °.

Pancakes

Pancakes with the addition of defrosted apples are healthy and very tasty. They are perfect for breakfast or a light snack.

• milk – 250 ml;
• sugar – 3 tbsp. l.;
• soda – ½ tsp;
• flour – 2/3 tbsp.;
• sour cream – 1 tbsp. l.;
• defrosted apple pulp - 4-5 tbsp. l.;
• egg – 1 pc.;
• vanillin (optional and to taste).

All products are combined in one container, mixed, and soda is added at the very end. Pancakes need to be fried in vegetable oil on both sides. They are served with sour cream.

How to freeze apples in the freezer

On cold winter days, you really want to feel the fragrant aroma and taste of summer again, but this is possible if you prepare fresh berries and fruits for future use. How to freeze apples in the freezer, preserving their unique taste and aroma, attractive appearance, and most importantly, beneficial properties is the topic of our conversation today.

Let's talk about how to use vitamin preparation correctly, what dishes can be prepared from it to please both yourself and your loved ones in winter.

Many people probably have memories of the taste of frozen apples remaining on the branches after the first frost. Juicy, cool and sweet - they are practically in no way inferior to a fresh product, while retaining up to 90% of vitamins and nutrients.

You can prepare such a product yourself - if only you have the time and desire. It should be noted that the color, taste and structure of thawed apples will change slightly: in their raw form they are not for everyone, but they are ideal for compotes, purees, desserts and casseroles.

How to defrost apples

To prepare drinks, baked goods, or stuff poultry, apples do not need to be defrosted. They are added to many dishes straight from the chamber. Therefore, we think about the cutting shape and the size of the slices in advance. It is advisable to freeze in small packages in portions up to 0.5 kg.

Most dishes require defrosted preparation. To do this, move the apple stock from the freezer to the refrigerator compartment. It is advisable to place a container to collect droplets. The product will gradually melt, maintaining maximum taste and benefits. It is not advisable to leave it in room conditions; do not fill it with warm water.

The benefits of frozen apples

Freezing fruit has a number of advantages over other methods of storage and preservation:

• Benefit. Unlike boiled and canned fruits, frozen fruits retain all their beneficial qualities, since biologically active substances are not destroyed at low temperatures.
• Safety. You can be confident in the quality of your homemade product. Whereas beautiful apples from the supermarket out of season are most likely treated with chemical preservatives for long-term storage, and their benefits are very doubtful.
• Convenience. Your product will not turn sour, unlike “fruit vitamins” in sugar, which cannot be stored for long and often spoil. In addition, at the right time, you will always have a semi-finished product on hand - washed, chopped and peeled fruits.

How to freeze apples in the freezer

For freezing, you should choose ripe, fresh fruits without blemishes or spoilage. Before freezing, apples must be thoroughly washed and dried, otherwise they will stick together in the freezer and will be difficult to separate after thawing.

• We cut the apples into pieces: slices, circles, cubes - as you like. We remove the core with the seeds; the skin does not need to be peeled.
• Place the chopped fruits in containers or zip bags, compact them and seal them hermetically. The packing density should be optimal to minimize moisture loss and contact with air (oxidation).
• Portions in bags must meet your needs in order to use them at a time - the product cannot be re-frozen, otherwise it will lose its shape and its valuable qualities.
• If you want to preserve the color of apples and protect them from oxidation, immerse the chopped fruits in slightly acidified (1 tsp (5 g) citric acid per 1 liter of water) or salted (1 tsp (8 g) salt per 1 liter of water) water at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, then the slices should be dried on paper or a towel.

What you need to freeze apples

• Sharp knife and cutting board;
• Waffle or paper towel (for drying);
• Food containers or packaging bags;
• Good freezer.

In what form should apples be frozen?

Choose the option that is convenient for you:

1. Pieces of arbitrary size and shape
   . It is recommended to freeze using the dry freezing method, dividing portions into bags from which the air is released. Alternatively, plastic containers that can be sealed are used.
2. In syrup
   . The workpiece is treated with apple syrup prepared with the addition of sugar (about 500 grams) and ascorbic acid 1.5 grams. For processing, fruits are cut into thin rings. Storage packaging - bag.
3. Puree
   . We are talking about ready-made puree, that is, the apples are first (before chopping) peeled, cut and crushed in a blender. Storage containers are small plastic containers.
4. Entirely
   . The core is removed, the fruit is soaked in water with the addition of ascorbic acid, after which the workpiece is dried and packaged in bags, releasing the air from them before sealing it hermetically. This method is suitable for small apple varieties.

Conclusion Frozen apples can be stored for six months without loss of taste and nutritional value. By following the rules for storing fruits, you can increase their shelf life by up to a year. The main thing is to monitor the temperature in the chamber so that there are no fluctuations.

During the apple ripening season, housewives often do not know what else to do with them. But if you have a freezer, then the problem is solved simply - the apples need to be frozen. This is not difficult to do, but you will have to spend a little time. It is better to remove the core from the apples first so as not to have to deal with it after defrosting. The apples need to be cut into small pieces, preferably peeled, so that when defrosted they can be used immediately.

But many housewives subsequently have a question: what to do with frozen apples? In fact, they are suitable for absolutely any dish, especially for those that require heat treatment.

How to freeze apples in the freezer, 6 freezing methods

Quick (shock) freezing

Place the prepared dry apples in one layer on foil or on a tray and place them in the freezer at maximum setting (-23°).

After two hours, we take the fruits out of the refrigerator and pack them tightly into bags, which we place again in the freezer for long-term storage (optimal temperature -18°). This method can be used to harvest both whole fruits and sliced ​​ones.

Shelf life – 12 months.

Frozen apples in citric acid

• Wash and cut the apples into slices.
• Immerse for 15 minutes in a solution of citric acid (2 tsp per 2 liters of water).
• Using a slotted spoon, remove the fruit and dry it on a paper towel.
• We put the apples in containers or zip bags, remove excess air and put them in the freezer.

Shelf life – 6-9 months.

Apples in syrup

In this case, sugar is used as a preservative for apples.

• Wash apples (1.5 kg) and cut into pieces.
• Prepare concentrated syrup - take 2 cups of sugar per 3 liters of water.
• Soak the apples in the syrup for five minutes.
• Place fruit in a sieve and allow excess syrup to drain.
• Pack the apples into bags/containers and place in the freezer.

Shelf life – 12 months.

Frozen apples in sugar with lemon

This semi-finished product can serve as an independent delicacy or be added as an ingredient to any sweet desserts.

• Apples – 1-1.5 kg;
• Lemon – 2 pcs.;
• Sugar – 250 g.

Remove the zest from the lemons, squeeze out the juice, and combine it with the zest. Immerse the prepared apple pieces into the resulting juice and mix gently. Add sugar and mix again. Place the slices into containers and place in the freezer.

Shelf life – 12 months.

Frozen applesauce

To freeze applesauce, cut the washed and peeled fruit into pieces, place them in an enamel or aluminum pan and simmer over low heat until thickened.

Transfer the finished puree into small containers and place in the freezer.

We will increase the shelf life

Apples frozen using the above method can be stored for 6–9 months. But how to freeze apples for the winter so that they last even longer?

To do this, you need to use a saline solution or sugar syrup. This increases the shelf life of frozen fruit to 12 months.

In the first case, take 30 ml of salt and dissolve it in 4 liters of water. After complete dissolution, apple slices are dropped in there for a few minutes. Then they are dried, and the fruit is frozen in exactly the same way as has already been described.

In the second case, you will need two glasses of sugar (about 450 g) and three glasses of water (750 ml). All this must be mixed well. When the sugar has dissolved, add apple slices to the syrup and mix everything again. When packing fruits in containers or bags, you should not worry about sugar syrup remaining on them. It’s just that these fruits will need to be used only in sweet dishes.

Finally, frozen apples can also be stored as a puree. To do this, place the chopped slices in a saucepan and simmer over low heat (the time depends on the type of apple and the desired consistency). Then the resulting mass is transferred to a container, which is sent to the freezer.