Damsons are simply smaller plums but make up for it in flavor! Damsons are delicious on their own, but they’re also a favorite addition to pies, crumbles, and other sweets.
In case you’ve purchased a batch of damsons from your local grocery store, you may be wondering if they can be frozen to extend their shelf life and be used in future dishes. Let’s have a look and see.
Yes, damsons can be frozen.
Damsons keep well in the freezer for around three months. Damsons, like a large number of other fruits, freeze very well. Assure that they are crisp and clean before storing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Is It Possible to Refreeze Damsons? No
Do Damsons Freeze Well? Yes
How to Freeze Damsons
Freezing damsons is not difficult. They’re a delectable fruit brimming with flavor and nutrients and freezing them is a wonderful technique to extend their shelf life beyond a week.
The following are the steps for freezing damsons:
Step 1: Wash
Place the damsons in a strainer. Run them under a cold faucet for approximately 30 seconds, kneading them gently with your hands. Assure that any dirt on their skin is eliminated.
Step 2: Peel and Slice (Optional)
Once rinsed, you may peel the damsons and slice them if you desire.
This is entirely optional, since the skin contains most of the flavor and nutrients, and you may like to skip this step to ensure the optimum flavor and taste.
Step 3: Dry
Using a paper towel, pat the damsons dry.
Step 4: Place in a Freezer-Safe Bag
Fill a freezer-safe bag halfway with cleaned and dried damsons and push out as much air as possible before closing.
Step 5: Label and Freeze
Before freezing the damsons, write the date you bought (or picked) them on the front of the storage bag, along with the use-by date. Keep in mind that damsons may be frozen for about three months.
3 Tips for Freezing Damsons
Now that you know how to freeze damsons, here are our three top advices for getting the greatest results:
Ensure that They Are Ripe
Damsons should be frozen only when they are ripe and ready to eat. If you purchase an unripe batch of damsons, keep them in the fruit bowl until they are ready to consume. They are then ready for preparation and freezing.
Freeze in Syrup
A common criticism about freezing damsons is that they discolor. While this should have no effect on the flavor, it might be a problem if you’re intending to prepare a damson crumble or Christmas pie! Before freezing your damsons, add lemon and sugar syrup to help them maintain their color.
Separate Into Portions
If you’re going to use damsons in baking, it’s a good idea to freeze them in portion-controlled portions rather than in a huge quantity. This simplifies the process of defrosting damsons significantly, since you can quickly take the servings required for your individual recipe.
If you’re lucky enough to have damsons growing in your yard, freezing them in batches can also help you manage your supply and guarantee your tasty damsons do not go to waste!
How Long Can You Freeze Damsons?
Damsons may be frozen for about three months.
Damsons will keep for about one week in a fruit bowl after ripening, and you may store them in the refrigerator if desired. Before freezing the damsons, ensure they are ripe and fresh. Any damsons that are broken or bruised should be discarded, since they will not freeze properly.
How Do You Defrost Damsons?
To thaw damsons, remove them from the freezer and store them in the refrigerator. They will then defrost within a few hours and be ready to consume or incorporate into your favorite dish.
If you want to use damsons in smoothies, however, you do not need to thaw them; just take them from the freezer and put them to the blender whole.
You may also create smoothie fruit packs with various frozen fruits. After that, you may add one whole bag to the blender.
Can You Refreeze Damsons?
When damsons are frozen, tiny ice crystals grow on their skin. These crystals will dissolve when they thaw, affecting the fruit’s moisture content. As a result, freezing damsons more than once will alter their flavor and sweetness.
While it is acceptable to freeze damsons one more time once they have been thawed in the refrigerator, you should resist doing so to prevent disappointment!
Do Damsons Freeze Well?
Damsons are exceptionally well-suited to freezing. As with many other fruits, they will keep a great deal of their flavor, taste, and texture after thawed, making them an excellent snack or ingredient to a variety of dishes.
Simply freeze your damsons when they are ripe and fresh, and you will have a lovely batch of fruit in your refrigerator for approximately three months.
Related FAQs
If you have any remaining queries regarding freezing damsons or have queries about damsons in general, the following may be of assistance:
Although quince and damsons are members of a separate family, they are often combined in similar ways, such as in a crumble or with cheese. However, can quince be frozen?
You very certainly can! Indeed, the procedure is somewhat identical to the one described earlier in this post.
Although freezing them whole is conceivable, we do not suggest it. Rather than that, determine how you want to utilize them and then freeze them in that state. For instance, if you generally serve them in slices, freeze them in slices, and so on.