Yellow mirabelle plums are a delicious member of the plum family, but let’s be real—they don’t stay fresh for long. If you’ve got a harvest that’s more than you can eat in a few days, freezing them is a total game-changer. With a few simple tricks, you can keep that bright, fruity texture intact even after they thaw.
Prepping Your Mirabelles for the Freezer
Before you toss them in the cold, give your fresh fruit a thorough wash and pat them dry. This is the perfect time to sort through them and compost any bruised or overripe ones. You’ll definitely want to pit them right away. It makes life so much easier later on because you can use them straight from the freezer. A handy plum pitter is your best friend here!
The Secret Step: Flash Freezing
To keep your mirabelles from turning into one giant frozen clump or getting mushy, you’ll want to “flash freeze” them first. Spread your cleaned, pitted fruit out on a baking sheet or tray, making sure they aren’t touching each other. Pop the tray in the freezer for about an hour. Once they’re firm on the outside, they’re ready for the next step.
Freezing in Portions
Now that they’re pre-frozen, you can transfer them into airtight containers or freezer bags. I highly recommend freezing them in smaller portions. That way, you can grab exactly what you need for a recipe without having to thaw the whole batch. It’s like having a fresh supply of summer fruit on standby all year round!
How Long Do They Last?
Fresh mirabelles are pretty delicate; because they’re so juicy, they can get moldy fast, even in the fridge. But once they’re in the freezer? They’ll stay delicious for up to a year. Pro tip: Label your bags with the date so you know exactly how long they’ve been in there.
The Right Way to Thaw
If you want your mirabelles to stay plump and juicy, don’t rush the thawing process with heat. Just move them to the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Letting them thaw slowly at a cool temperature keeps them from getting mushy or unappealing. They’ll come out looking and tasting almost as good as the day you picked them.
More Ways to Use Your Harvest
Freezing isn’t the only way to save these golden gems! If you’re feeling adventurous, mirabelles are fantastic for:
- Cooking down into jellies, jams, or a sweet compote.
- Making homemade juice, liqueurs, or fruit syrup.
- Pickling or preserving whole fruits to use as a snack or a fancy topping for desserts and ice cream.
