I always like to stock up on fruit, especially when it’s in season. But, sometimes I draw a blank when I’m trying to figure out what to do with all the extras. That’s where freezing comes in handy! Knowing how to freeze fruit for smoothies comes down to the initial preparation and freezing technique. The key is to freeze them in a way that makes them easy to break up. Also, cutting your fruit into manageable chunks means your blender can crush them into the perfect smoothie consistency without overheating. So, let’s get to it!
How to freeze fruit for smoothies
If you want to make thick, creamy, and ice-cold smoothies, you’re going to want to have frozen fruit on hand at all times. Here’s how to properly process and store it:
Select and prep
Choose ripe or just-overripe fruits for the ideal sweetness and flavor. Wash them thoroughly, peel them if necessary, and remove any pits, stems, or inedible parts.
Cut into chunks
Slice your fruits into even chunks — not too big or small. You want them to be bite-size so that your blender can handle them easily.
Single layer freeze
This is arguably the most important step! You’ll need to spread the fruit pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat in a single layer before freezing them for 1-2 hours until they’re solid. This causes them to freeze quickly and prevents them from sticking together, making breaking them up easier. If you throw all your freshly cut fruit into a freezer bag, you’ll end up with a huge clump of fruit that’s difficult to break up and less than ideal to throw in your blender.
Label and store
Once the fruit chunks are individually frozen, transfer them to airtight freezer bags or containers. Always label your bags or containers with the date and type of fruit. Properly stored, your frozen fruit can last several months, meaning you’ll always have the main ingredient for a smoothie ready to go!
Best fruits for freezing
When it comes to freezing fruit for smoothies, not all fruits are created equal. Some freeze better than others, maintaining their taste and texture. These are the best fruits to freeze for that perfect smoothie blend we’re all after:
Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries freeze perfectly and add great flavor and color to any smoothie (or baking recipe). Bananas: Once frozen, bananas add a sweet, creamy flavor and texture to smoothies. Mango: Chunks of mango freeze well and provide a tropical taste and rich consistency. Peaches: Frozen peaches give a sweet, aromatic quality to drinks. Pineapple: Pineapple holds its shape and zesty flavor even after freezing. Cherries: Pitted cherries are perfect for a deep, richly flavored smoothie. Grapes: Frozen grapes are great for sweetness and coldness without watering down your smoothie. Plus, they make a delicious snack on their own!
Tips for the best frozen fruit smoothies
Mix and match: Freeze a variety of fruits to enjoy different flavor combinations. Portion the fruit: If you have a favorite smoothie recipe, freeze the fruits in the exact portions needed for that recipe. Freeze in ice trays: For fruits with high water content (like watermelon), try freezing them in ice cube trays with a little water for an extra frosty smoothie or slushy. Airtight containers or bags: To prevent freezer burn and flavor loss, store frozen fruit in airtight containers or freezer bags with as much air removed as possible. Organization: Keep your fruits organized by type and date frozen. This way, you always know what you have on hand for quick selections. Use a baking tray: Prevent your fruit from turning into a big clump that your blender won’t be able to handle by freezing it in a single layer first (see below for what not to do).
