If you want to freeze apples for later use, there's an easy way to do this. Usually, apples must be peeled, cut, and cored before freezing. Apples should also be preserved with lemon juice, brine, or a fruit preserver. By placing them in a freezer-safe container, apple slices will remain delicious for up to 1 year.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Peeling and Chopping Apples
Step 1. Wash the apples with clean running water
Run tap water and place the apple under it, then rub the apple gently with your fingers to remove any dirt on the surface. Once clean, dry the apples using a clean cloth or paper towel.
Also remove all product stickers that are attached to the apple
Step 2. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the apple skin
Use a vegetable peeler carefully and do it slowly. Start at the stem and continue peeling in a circular motion. Remove all skins until the apples are ready to slice. Repeat this process for all the apples you want to freeze.
If you don't have a vegetable peeler, use a paring knife
Step 3. Remove the center of the apple with a sharp knife
Cut the apple into 4 parts with a long slice in the middle. Carefully slice through the center of each piece until no seeds are left behind.
To make the process easier, remove the center of the apple on a cutting board
Step 4. Slice each apple slice into small slices which are great for freezing
The number of slices you make is up to you, but a good standard measure is to cut them into 8-12 slices. You can cut it with an apple slicer (which will also remove the center), or use a knife and cut it yourself into slices.
- Place the apple slices on the cutting board as you slice them.
- Cut the apples into thin slices perfect for making apple pies, or slice them into squares to add to smoothies.
Part 2 of 3: Preserving Apples
Step 1. Preserve the apples as soon as you peel and slice them
This is to prevent the apples from turning brown too quickly. Use your preferred preservation method, such as using lemon juice, salt water, or fruit preserves.
Step 2. Use lemon juice to prevent the apple slices from turning brown
Mix 4 cups (1 liter) of water and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of lemon juice in a bowl and stir with a spoon until smooth. Place the apple slices in a bowl and let them soak for five minutes.
- Make sure all the apple slices are submerged in the lemon juice mixture.
- Soaking the apples in a mixture of water and lemon juice will not change the taste too much.
- The ascorbic acid in lemon juice keeps apples from turning brown.
Step 3. Soak apples in salt water to keep them fresh
Use a bowl to mix 1 liter of room temperature or warm water and 1 tablespoon (20 ml) of salt (you can use table salt). Stir the mixture until the salt dissolves, then add the apple slices. Soak the apples in the salt water for a few minutes before you remove them.
- Make sure all the apple slices are evenly submerged in the brine.
- Salt acts as a preservative, which will prolong the storage time of apple slices to prevent spoilage or freezer burn (damage to food due to exposure to cold air in the freezer).
- When the apples are thawed later, they may taste a little salty. You can get rid of the saltiness by rinsing the apples under running water.
Step 4. Sprinkle fruit preservatives on the apple slices so you can store them properly
Purchase a fruit preserver and follow the directions on the packaging for coating the apples. This product is usually in powder form so you can sprinkle it evenly to make sure both sides of the slices are well coated.
The fruit preservatives will not change the taste of the apples
Part 3 of 3: Freezing Apple Slices
Step 1. Drain the apple slices in a colander when you soak them
If you soak the apple slices in the liquid for a few minutes, remove any remaining liquid by placing the slices in a colander. Gently shake the filter to remove any remaining liquid.
Do not rinse apples that have been handled, as this can strip away the brine, lemon juice, or fruit preservatives
Step 2. Place the apple slices on the baking sheet
Spread parchment paper on a baking sheet so the apple slices don't stick to the pan. Place each apple slice on the parchment paper flat and flat.
Don't let the apple slices touch each other when you arrange them on the baking sheet, as they can stick together when frozen
Step 3. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1 to 3 hours
Make sure the tray is positioned flat in the freezer to prevent the apple slices from falling. Let the apple slices sit in the freezer for an hour or more if the slices are very thin, or about 3 hours if the slices are thick.
By freezing them without touching, the apple slices won't stick together when you place them in a plastic bag to put in the freezer later
Step 4. Take the apples out of the tin, then put them in a container that can be tightly closed
Once the apple slices have been frozen separately, place all the slices in a freezer-safe plastic bag or hard plastic container. Remove as much air in the plastic bag or container as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Write today's date on the container before you put it in the freezer, along with "slices of apples" to describe the contents.
- Remove the apple slices from the parchment paper using your fingers or a spatula.
Step 5. Store apple slices in the freezer for up to 1 year
If you store them in a freezer-safe container and seal them tightly, apple slices can keep for several months to 1 year. Try to use the apples before the freezer burn sets in for the best flavor.
- Thaw the apples by placing them in the refrigerator, in a tightly closed container, for at least 6 hours. You can also thaw apple slices by soaking them in a bowl of water for 1 hour or less.
- If you don't want to use all of the apples, only remove the desired amount of apples from the freezer so the other slices don't thaw (and require you to refreeze).
Tips
- Don't freeze apples where the flesh is heavily bruised and rotting.
- Once frozen, the texture and taste of the apple will change. However, there are some varieties that are more resistant than others. Sweet apples (such as Fuji and Gala) retain their flavor better than sour apples. Pie types (such as Golden Delicious and Granny Smith) retain their texture better than starchy apples (such as Red Delicious).
- Frozen apples are perfect for making a variety of foods such as apple pies, smoothies, and muffins.
