How to freeze plums

What can you do when you’ve got a glut of fruit? Check out these tips for preserving plums for longer, and learn how to freeze them at home.

How to freeze plums

You may not have thought of freezing plums before, but it’s actually a great way to keep these delicate fruits in good condition for longer. Here’s what you need to do:

• Cut the plums in half and remove the stones. If you like, you can now chop them into quarters or smaller pieces.
• If you want to peel the plums, you’ll need to blanch them. Pour boiling water from the kettle over them and let them sit for one minute. Then, immediately place them in an ice bath. When they’re cool enough to touch, peel the skin away.
• Place the pieces of plum in a single layer on a paper-lined baking tray. Place them in the freezer for around two to three hours until they are frozen. This step will stop your plums from sticking together in a clump when they freeze.
• Tip them into a freezer bag or container. Seal tightly, and put them back in the freezer.

How to freeze fresh plums

Plum trees sometimes produce far more fruit than you can use. If you’ve got freshly grown plums, follow the steps above. Before you start, gently wash the plums to remove any dirt that may be clinging to them from the garden. Pat them dry with kitchen paper before continuing with the method.

How to freeze Victoria plums

With their yellow flesh and red skin, Victoria plums are a popular variety in the UK and beyond. They’re particularly good in desserts like crumble or plum clafoutis. You can freeze them in the same way that you’d freeze any other kind of plum by simply following our steps above.

How to freeze plums without blanching

You don’t need to blanch plums before freezing them. It won’t have any effect on their texture, and it’s only necessary if you want to remove the skin. If you’re happy to freeze them with the skin on, just halve them, stone them and put them into the freezer.

What to make with plums

Of course, plums are great in desserts. Poached plums are a classic, but you can also grill them as a treat to finish a barbecue. Plum tart is a tasty dessert, which uses your decorative skills to carefully lay the plums on top of pastry. There are also dozens of ways to preserve plums. Jam is the simplest option, but you can also experiment with making plum brandy or vodka.

Don’t forget about savoury dishes. Plum sauce is a staple in Chinese cuisine, where it’s commonly served with rich meats like duck or pork. 

Tips for freezing plums

Freeze plums in a single layer before putting them in a freezer bag or airtight container. This will prevent them from clumping up into one large mass.

Plums have a high moisture content, so they will lose their texture in the freezer, although their flavour will still remain the same. After you’ve frozen plums, it’s best to use them in cooked recipes rather than eating them raw.

Best recipes with plums

There are so many great desserts with plums, like a crumble, a cobbler or a fancy French clafoutis, but they’re also amazing in savoury dishes. Plum and duck is a classic combination. Try something different with these plum and duck tacos, which add a hint of Mexican sunshine to this all-time favourite.

Plums also go well in a stir-fry, adding a burst of sweet flavour to the savoury ingredients. Add plums to a stir-fry with chicken and noodles, or try pairing them with pork or duck.

FAQs

Can you freeze plums?

Yes, you can freeze fresh plums. They will keep in the freezer for up to three months.

Do plums freeze well?

Plums lose their texture when frozen, but retain their flavour. They’re good in cooked recipes but should not be eaten raw.

How do you preserve fresh plums?

Apart from freezing, you can preserve fresh plums in many different ways. Make plum jam, or place them in a large Kilner jar with an equal weight of sugar and add enough brandy to cover them. Leave in a dark place for at least a month, giving the jar a good shake every couple of days.

Can you freeze plums without sugar?

Yes, you can freeze plums without adding sugar. Whether you are freezing raw or fresh plums, no added sugar is necessary.

What can you do with an excess of plums?

Freeze some of your plums for the future, and use them in desserts like tarts or crumbles long after the plum season has finished. You can also freeze them to make plum sauce for Chinese dishes.