How to Freeze Pineapple and Other Fresh Fruits

Can I Freeze Fresh Pineapple?

Pineapple is a delicious tropical fruit, but it doesn’t have a long shelf life—typically lasting only 3-4 days in the fridge. The best way to extend its freshness is by freezing it!

Freezing helps preserve its juicy texture and natural sweetness, allowing you to enjoy it anytime. Yes, you can freeze fresh pineapple, and it’s surprisingly easy. Whether you want to store pineapple for smoothies, desserts, or just for snacking, freezing is a great way to keep it on hand.

Ingredients and Supplies to Freeze Pineapple

Check out the steps below for how to freeze almost any other fruit! It’s easy, cost-effective, and delicious!

Ingredients

• Ripe pineapple
• Other fresh fruits (berries, peaches, bananas)

Supplies

• Chef’s knife or pineapple corer
• Cutting board
• Cookie sheet
• Silicone baking mat (optional)
• Spatula
• Ziploc freezer bags or airtight containers
• Permanent marker for labeling

How to Freeze Fresh Pineapple

Step 1: Choose a Ripe Pineapple

Select a pineapple that smells sweet and has a slight give when pressed.

Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple

• Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple.
• Peel the skin using a sharp knife or a pineapple corer.
• Remove the core and cut the pineapple into slices or chunks.

Step 3: Pre-Freeze the Pineapple

• Spread the pineapple chunks in a single layer on a dry cookie sheet.
• (Optional) Line the cookie sheet with a silicone baking mat for easy removal.
• Place in the freezer for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Store the Frozen Pineapple

• Use a spatula to release the frozen pineapple from the cookie sheet.
• Transfer the frozen pieces into Ziploc freezer bags or airtight containers.
• Label the bags with the date.
• Store in the freezer for up to 6 months.

How to Freeze Other Fresh Fruits

Freezing Berries (Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries)

Step 1: Prepare the Berries

• Wash berries gently under cool water.
• For strawberries: Remove stems and slice if desired.
• Pat all berries dry thoroughly with paper towels (moisture leads to freezer burn).

Step 2: Pre-Freeze

• Spread the berries in a single layer on a cookie sheet.
• Ensure they aren’t touching (especially important for raspberries and blackberries).
• Freeze for 2-4 hours until solid.

Step 3: Storage

• Transfer to freezer bags or containers.
• Label with date and type of berry.
• Store for up to 10-12 months (berries freeze particularly well!).

Freezing Peaches

Step 1: Prepare the Peaches

• Choose ripe but firm peaches.
• Blanch in boiling water for 30-60 seconds, then immediately transfer to ice water.
• Slip off the skins, remove pits, and slice into wedges.
• Optional: Toss with 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice to prevent browning.

Step 2: Pre-Freeze

• Arrange peach slices on a cookie sheet in a single layer.
• Freeze for 4-6 hours until solid.

Step 3: Storage

• Transfer to freezer bags or containers.
• Label with date.
• Store for up to 8-10 months.

Freezing Bananas

Step 1: Prepare the Bananas

• Select ripe bananas with some brown spots (these are sweeter).
• Peel the bananas.
• Cut into 1-inch chunks or leave whole for banana bread.

Step 2: Freeze 

• For chunks: Spread on a cookie sheet and freeze for 2 hours.
• Transfer the banana chunks to freezer bags.
• Label with date.
• Store for up to 6 months.

What Can I Do with Too Much Fruit?

If you find yourself with an abundance of fruit, here are some delicious ways to use it:

Pineapple Recipes

• Smoothies: Blend frozen pineapple with yogurt or juice for a refreshing drink.
• Ice Cream & Sorbet: Mix into vanilla ice cream or make a homemade sorbet.
• Popsicles: Puree with coconut milk and freeze in molds.
• Baking: Add to your favorite pineapple upside-down cake recipe, muffins, or desserts.
• Pineapple Salsa: Dice and mix with mango, lime juice, and cilantro for a sweet and tangy appetizer.
• Cocktails & Mocktails: Blend into piña coladas or add to tropical punches.
• Snacking: Eat frozen chunks straight from the freezer for a cool, healthy gluten-free treat.
• Jams & Preserves: Cook down with sugar for homemade preserves.
• Fruit Compotes: Simmer with a bit of sugar for a yogurt or ice cream topping.
• Marinade: Use the pineapple juice in a teriyaki sauce or chicken marinade for a low-sugar option.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I store frozen pineapple?

Frozen pineapple can be stored for up to 6 months in an airtight container or freezer bag. Be sure to label the bag with the date to track freshness.

• Bananas: 6 months
• Peaches: 8-10 months
• Berries: 10-12 months

Do I need to thaw frozen fruit before using it?

It depends on how you plan to use it: For smoothies and sorbets, no thawing is necessary, and frozen is even preferred. If using in baking or as a topping, let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours before use.

Does freezing change the texture of fruit?

Yes, freezing can make fruit slightly softer and juicier when thawed. But it doesn’t change the sweet taste!

While it may not have the same firm texture as fresh fruit, it still works well in smoothies, desserts, and cooking.

Do I need to wash berries before freezing?

Yes, but ensure they are completely dry before freezing to prevent ice crystals and freezer burn.

Can I freeze peaches with the skin on?

Yes, but the texture won’t be as pleasant when thawed. Blanching makes skin removal much easier.

Should I freeze bananas with or without the peel?

Always remove the peel before freezing. Frozen peels become black and are very difficult to remove.

Final Thoughts

Freezing fresh fruits is a simple way to preserve their sweetness for months. However, freezing can slightly alter the texture, making them softer and juicier once thawed. Despite this, frozen fruits remain a great option for smoothies, desserts, and gluten-free snacking.

Whether you use them for smoothies, desserts, or snacking, frozen fruits are versatile ingredients to keep in your kitchen. Next time you find fruits on sale or in season, stock up and freeze them for later!

More Fresh and Frozen Fruit Recipes

• Honey Lime Fruit Salad
• Delicious Strawberry Whipped Cream Cake
• 4-Ingredient Thumb Print Cookies
• Peach Oatmeal in the Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Blueberry Muffins

How to Freeze Pineapple

Learn the best method to freeze fresh pineapple to preserve its tropical flavor and enjoy it anytime!

4.70 / 5 ( 10 Reviews )

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours hours

Total Time: 8 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Serves: 4

Adjust Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 Ripe Pineapple

Instructions

• Select a ripe pineapple, preferably one that you can actually smell the sweetness when the fruit is whole.
• Remove the top and bottom and slice off the peel with a sharp knife.
• Discard the pineapple core and slice the pineapple into chunks.
• Place the chunks on a dry cookie sheet and put in the freezer for the better part of a day (I like lining mine with a silicone baking mat).
• Once frozen, use a spatula to release the frozen pineapple from the cookie sheet and store in freezer bags or containers.
• Make sure to label your bag with the date of the freeze. The fruit should last at least 6 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 113kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 22g