How to Keep Fruit Fresh

Summer may be over but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy fresh seasonal fruits. Using a vacuum sealer to store berries, peaches, apples, and more teaches you how to keep fruit fresh year-round. Fruits that are stored correctly can retain their quality for months when frozen.

So before you go apple picking this autumn or gather strawberries this spring, follow these steps to learn how to keep fruit fresh and how to freeze fruit for long-term freshness.

Storing vegetables? Visit How to Freeze Broccoli and Cruciferous Vegetables

How to Keep Fruit Fresh

Keeping fruit fresh is essential to maintaining its taste, texture, and nutritional value. Whether you harvest from your garden or purchase from the store, knowing the proper techniques for fruit storage makes a significant difference.

With a few simple steps, you can extend the shelf life of your fruits and enjoy them for longer periods in no time. Use these techniques to help ensure your fruits stay fresh for more flavorful bites:

For more information on preserving fruits, visit How Long Can You Save It.

1. How to Keep Cut Fruit Fresh: Prepare Your Pickings with Care

The way you handle fruits before freezing significantly impacts how long your fruit lasts in the freezer, how difficult it is to thaw, and how it tastes after freezing. Be sure to wash, peel, or cut your fruits before freezing so they're ready to go when you want to eat them.

However, can you freeze fresh pineapple or pears? For larger fruits such as pineapples, pears, apples, and peaches, slice them into bite-sized pieces for optimal results. By cutting these fruits before freezing, you can ensure they thaw quickly and retain their texture.

2. How to Freeze Fruit: Prefreeze on a Solid Sheet

It may be tempting to toss prepared fruits into plastic bags and store them directly in the freezer, but this causes fruits to clump together and freeze in one heap. As a result, this clunky collection takes more room in your freezer and takes longer to thaw or separate.

Instead of placing fruits in the freezer without proper storage, practice how to freeze fruits correctly by separating them according to type and spreading them out on a large baking sheet in one even layer. By freezing individually, you'll ensure your fruits do not stick together. Finally, allow your fruits to freeze for about five to six hours before storing them to keep fruit fresh long-term.

For more information on how to store fresh fruit, visit our Guide to Storing Produce.

3. How to Preserve Fruit with Vacuum Seal for Optimal Results

FoodSaver® Everyday Vacuum Sealer with Precut Bags

Once you've made the necessary preparations, it's time to break out your food vacuum sealer and get to work. Place different fruits in individual bags and use your vacuum sealer to remove the air which can cause premature freezer burn. Freezing fruits in portions for easier use in your favorite recipes is highly recommended.

Plus, by only sealing two to three cups per bag, you can separate portions more easily and ensure you're not thawing too many or too few ingredients.

Keep Fruit Fresher Longer

Learning how to keep fruit fresh doesn't have to be a challenge. With proper preparation, pre-freezing, and vacuum sealing, you’ll know how to store fruit to maximize preservation effortlessly.

So prepare to enjoy your favorite fruits on demand for slices that taste delicious while retaining nutritional value.

Ready to master new food preservation techniques? Visit Does a FoodSaver Keep an Avocado from Turning Brown? to keep preserving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Frozen Fruit Last in the Freezer?

Properly stored frozen fruit can maintain high quality for eight to twelve months. For best results, always use airtight bags or containers and a vacuum sealer to remove as much air as possible before freezing.

How Long Does Fruit Last in the Fridge?

The shelf life of fruit in the refrigerator varies according to the type of fruit, ripeness at the time of storage, and storage conditions. For instance, berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries can last from one to six days with ordinary storage. By mastering vacuum sealing, you'll know how to keep strawberries fresh for up to two weeks and how to store blueberries or raspberries with the same technique.

Can You Freeze Fresh Pineapple?

Yes, you can freeze fresh pineapple. To do so, start by peeling and cutting the pineapple into small bite-sized pieces. Then place these pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer and allow them to freeze for five to six hours. Once completely frozen, transfer the pineapple to vacuum-sealed bags or containers to prevent freezer burn and keep them fresh.

How to Keep Fruit Salad Fresh?

For how to keep cut fruit fresh, add an acidic ingredient like lemon juice to prevent browning. Store the salad in a vacuum-sealed container in the refrigerator and consume it within a few days. Using fresh fruits means they're less likely to brown quickly and more likely to maintain freshness.