How to Freeze Apricots
on Sep 14, 2020, Updated Apr 22, 2025
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Learning how to freeze apricots is a quick and easy method so you enjoy this sweet and delicious fruit all year long.
Apricots typically only last a few days on the counter. Instead of letting those yummy nuggets go to waste, you can freeze them with this super easy method.
Frozen apricots can be used in so many different ways including fruit leather and in place of peaches in this simple green smoothie.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and simple way to save produce so there is less food waste.
- Frozen apricots are super versatile – throw them in a smoothie, make some fruit leather, or just eat them half thawed as a snack or healthy dessert.
- It’s so easy your little ones can help make them.
Recipe Ingredients and Supplies
- Apricots: Make sure they are ripe – they should smell sweet and have a bit of give when squeezed.
- Baking sheet: For freezing the apricots in a single layer.
- Zip-top freezer bag: You could also use an airtight container for storing the frozen apricots.
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Frozen Apricots
Step #1. Wash the apricot and pat dry.
Step #2. Break the apricot in half and remove the pit.
Step #3. Place the halves on a baking sheet and freeze overnight.
Step #4. The next day, put the frozen apricots in a freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 12 months.
Recipe FAQs
When properly stored, frozen apricots last up to 12 months in the freezer. However, for optimal taste, use them within 3 to 6 months.
Yes! There is no need to peel the skin off of the apricot if you are mostly using them for smoothies or fruit leathers. Having the skin on won’t affect those recipes.
They should smell sweet and their flesh should be firm with a little give when you squeeze them.
Add 1 cup frozen apricots, 1 small banana, and 1 cup liquid (milk, juice, or water) to the jar of your blender. Blend until smooth. You could add chia seed or ground flaxseed for some extra fiber.
Expert Tips
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to make it easier to remove the apricots once frozen.
- Don’t skip freezing the apricots in a single layer on a baking sheet because it prevents them from sticking together in the freezer bag.
- Be sure to label the bag or container with the month and year that the apricots were frozen so you know when to use them.
More Preserving Recipes to Consider
Freezing Foods
How to Freeze Eggs
Preserving Guide
How To Preserve Asparagus
Preserving Guide
How To Preserve Apricots
Preserving Guide
How To Preserve Apples
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how to freeze apricots
Ingredients
- ripe apricots
Instructions
- Wash the apricot and pat dry.
- Break the apricot in half and remove the pit. If they are a little firm you can use a small knife to cut around the fruit and then remove the pit.
- Place the halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baking mat. This makes getting the apricots off of the sheet much easier.
- Freeze overnight.
- Then next day, remove the pan from the freezer and place the frozen apricots in a zipper-topped freezer bag. Close the bag securely and store in the freezer until you are ready to use.
Notes
- Frozen apricots are wonderful to use in smoothies, fruit leather, and jam.
- You can also let them thaw a few hours and eat them while they are still slushy and partially frozen as a side to a meal.
- You don’t need a certain quantity of apricots for this method. You can freeze as few or as many as you have on hand to preserve.
- Stock up when apricots are in-season at your local orchard, grocery store, or farmers’ market to get the best price on this fruit.
Nutrition
Discovering how to freeze apricots is a great technique to help your fruit last longer and preserve your summer bounty and enjoy all winter long.
Does this work for using in pies or cobblers later?
Yep, it has a lot of extra moisture when they thaw so I normally only thaw them about half way before using and adjust the cooking time (add more time) and if they thaw quite a bit I drain off a good portion of the water.
I also love making smoothies/whip with frozen fruit. Healthier choice over ice cream. We freeze all kinds of different fruits but favorite is Strawberries and Blueberries.