Directions for Freezing Fruit Wash and sort fruit. Discard poor quality pieces. Work with small quantities. Pare and remove pits, seeds, and blemishes. Add crystalline ascorbic acid to chilled syrup just before using or follow manufacturer's directions if using other anti-darkening products.
Unsweetened fruits lose quality faster than sweetened fruits.
Sugar helps fruit retain its flavor, color, and texture, but is not necessary to preserve fruit safely. Artificial sweetener can also be added to fruit prior to freezing. Allow to stand for 10-15 minutes to draw out juice, which will dissolve sugar, or freeze immediately. To keep fruit under syrup, place a small crumpled piece of plastic or freezer wrap on top and press fruit down into syrup before sealing the container. Good for small whole fruits that taste good without sugar.