Is it possible to freeze pears for the winter, and how to do it correctly at home?

Freezing can help preserve the product for the winter. Housewives with a corner of their freezer can do this without much difficulty. Many people wonder how to properly freeze pears for the winter. The truth is, there's nothing complicated about it; just follow these simple steps, and a vitamin supplement will delight your family in the middle of winter.

Peculiarities of freezing pears for the winter

To freeze pears for the winter, you need to properly prepare them. Before you begin preparing pears, you should determine the variety and when to harvest them.

If the pears are too green, they will not taste good when frozen; if they are overripe, they will be difficult to freeze.

Features of freezing fruits in the refrigerator:

1. It is recommended to cut the pears; in some cases, the skin should be removed.
2. The fruit retains its structure and flavor even after defrosting. Its beneficial properties are also preserved.
3. Before placing the cut product, sprinkle it with lemon juice or add citric acid.
4. There are many freezing methods, you should choose the one that is most suitable for your family.

You don't have to do anything special, just follow the proportions and recommendations of experienced cooks. And this delicious, healthy preparation will last for at least a year.

Selecting and preparing pears before starting the process

There are many varieties of pears. To freeze the fruit, you need to choose one and wait until it reaches the desired temperature. Then, carefully pick it and begin preparing it.

First, rinse the pears thoroughly and lay them out to dry. To speed up the process, pat them dry with a towel. Further preparation depends on the freezing method chosen.

The pears are cut into slices, cubes or quarters, the core is removed, and further processing takes place.

Preparing the freezer

Every home has a refrigerator, but not every housewife has a large area for storing frozen foods. Those who can store large quantities of such food freeze all possible types of fruits, berries, and vegetables.

Thawed in the middle of winter, in cooked dishes they taste not much different from freshly picked products.

The freezer should be powerful. If it's a standard refrigerator, the top shelf is used for freezing pears. This is where the freezing process occurs, and the faster the pear freezes, the more nutrients it will retain.

How to Freeze Pears at Home: Step-by-Step Instructions

There are several ways to perform this procedure. It's important to choose the method that best suits the family's needs.

Even whole fruits are frozen. However, they can only be used later for making compotes, various drinks, and fruit drinks.

For pie fillings or to decorate baked goods, it is recommended to freeze sliced ​​fruits with the addition of additional ingredients.

In syrup

The more complex the preparation process, the tastier the finished product. It's better to spend a little more time freezing in syrup than simply adding sliced ​​pieces.

Ingredients:

• pears;
• water;
• sugar;
• lemon juice.

Wash the fruit and cut into wedges. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the sliced ​​fruit and blanch for 5 minutes. Remove and arrange in prepared containers.

Meanwhile, cook the syrup. For 2 kg of fruit, use 0.3 liters of water and 0.5 kg of sugar. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat.

Sprinkle the blanched fruit with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and top with syrup. Let it cool completely, then place it in the freezer to freeze.

In slices or pieces

This method is a little simpler and quicker to prepare. First, wash the fruit, dry it, and chop it into bite-size pieces.

Place them in a single layer on cling film and sprinkle with lemon juice. Then leave at room temperature to dry slightly.

Some housewives use apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice. It works the same way; the pieces don't darken, maintaining a presentable appearance.

Place the finished slices on a baking sheet or wooden board and place them in the freezer for several days. Place the frozen pieces in a bag, remove any remaining air, and store them.

In sugar

Many housewives prepare fruit this way. For this method, you'll need a little granulated sugar and pears. Cut them into slices and arrange them so they don't touch each other. Sprinkle with sugar on top.

Place in the refrigerator and freeze for several days. Then, collect in bags and store in the freezer.

Storage

Properly frozen pears have a shelf life of up to one year. If not subjected to frequent freezing and defrosting, pears retain all their beneficial properties. Frequent defrosting significantly reduces their shelf life. Store pears in the freezer so they don't interfere with other everyday foods.

Defrosting

Properly prepared and frozen preserves should be defrosted properly. To simplify the process, fill portioned bags with the ingredients promptly, measuring out the amount needed for a single use. Extra pears will lose their flavor when re-frozen.

If the product is used to make compote, fruit drink, pies, or baked into a pie, do not defrost the product. Place it directly as is.

If you need the prepared slices to decorate cakes or pancakes, defrost them in advance, placing them on a shelf in the refrigerator for approximately 3-4 hours. Only then display them in the kitchen or other room.

Freezing pears is easy; it just takes a little effort, and this sweet treat is always a lifesaver in the middle of winter. Besides making drinks and pies, pears are also used to make porridge and other sweet desserts.