Fruit Preserving Guide
Peaches, apples, tomatoes… With abundant fresh fruit in summer, it’s the perfect time to stock up on favourites at a good price. To prevent waste and enjoy the goodness longer, we’ve got some helpful ideas for preserving the best of the season.
1Peaches
Freezing
Storage life: 6 months in the freezer
Peaches can be frozen whole. When you want to defrost one, run it under hot water and then cut it in half to remove the pit. Alternatively, you can remove the skin, cut into slices and freeze on a cookie sheet. Once the slices are frozen, place them in an airtight bag. Frozen peach slices are the perfect addition to smoothies or yoghurt.
Preserving
Storage life: 1 year in the fridge
To prepare peaches in syrup, blanch approximately 8 ripe peaches for a few seconds, then cut in half and remove the skin. Next, prepare the syrup using 2 cups of water and 1 cup of sugar. When the syrup is thick enough, add the peach slices and stir for a few minutes. Now transfer to sterilized pots. Preserved peaches are great in salads, desserts or as a part of your appetizer tray.
Cooking
Storage life: 2 to 8 weeks in the fridge
Make delicious jam using your extra peaches. In a pot, combine approximately 4 cups of diced peaches with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Simmer over low heat until the mixture is thick. Serve with homemade scones, roast beef or pork chops.
2Apples
Freezing
Storage life: 3 to 4 months in the freezer
Cut apple into quarters and dip in water with lemon to prevent the fruit from turning brown. Then place on parchment paper in the freezer. Once the apple pieces are frozen, place them in an airtight bag. Use in smoothies, soups, crisps, pies, etc.
Preserving
Storage life: 3 months in the fridge or after canning
To make a delicious applesauce, remove the skin and cores from apples, then cut the fruit into pieces. Boil with a bit of lemon juice until tender. Blend the cooked apple until smooth and season with cinnamon, nutmeg and a dash of vanilla extract. Store in sterilized pots. Serve over yoghurt or ice cream.
Cooking
Storage life: 3 weeks in the fridge
Make your own apple butter. In a pot, cook small cubes of apple and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir regularly. Once cooked, add some vanilla, cinnamon and cold butter that has been beaten in a blender. Store in small jars in the refrigerator. Perfect for spreading on toast or complementing cheese served on fresh baguette.
3Tomatoes
Freezing
Storage life: 6 months (whole) or 3 to 4 months (peeled) in the freezer
Tomatoes can be frozen whole. When you want to serve them, simply run under warm water to remove the skin. Alternatively, you can peel tomatoes, hollow them out and then cook the flesh until tender. Then simply place them in a freezer bag. Use them to make sauces and stews.
Preserving
Storage life: 12 to 18 months or after canning
Cut an X into each tomato before blanching. Once the skin has been removed, place whole tomatoes into sterilized pots with a bit of lemon juice (2 tablespoons per litre) and salt (1 teaspoon per litre). Use in sauces, chili and tajines.
Cooking
Storage life: 3 weeks in the fridge or 12 to 18 months after canning
Try making homemade ketchup with your own blend of fruits and spices. It’s the perfect hostess gift! Homemade ketchup is also great with grilled meat, home fries and meat pie.
tip :
Be sure to carefully follow our tips on safety and canning methods in order to ensure your food won’t spoil. Take a look at this handy guide.