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Freezing Asian Pears #916685

Asked September 06, 2025, 4:23 PM EDT

Can you wash, slice, and freeze Asian pears for smoothies and cobblers in later months? Should precautions be taken to prevent spoilage?

Multnomah County Oregon

Expert Response

It is not a safety issue to freeze Asian Pears.  Because they darken quickly and are also juicy the texture will not be the same as fresh and they will darken more quickly when thawed.  The texture will be mushy consistency much like when you bake or cook with them.  You can flash freeze them on a cookie sheet for a few hours and then package them in freezer containers and bags.  You can add them partially frozen to baked goods.  They are also great added to smoothies.  

Another way to freeze them is cook until soft and then blend into sauce.  Then use the sauce like apple sauce or it can be added to marinade recipes. 

You will want to pretreat the pears with an antioxidant to prevent darkening.  1 tablespoon bottled lemon juice to a cup of water OR you can use 6 500 mg of Vitamin C tablets crushed to a gallon of water.  Soak the slices while you prepare them.  Then pat dry before freezing. 

Hope that helps. If you have other questions you might like to call the OSU Extension Food Preservation Safety Helpline. Certified Master Food Preservers are available to personally answer your questions M-F from 9 am-4pm. The number is <personal data hidden>.

Thanks for using Ask Extension

Nellie Oehler





An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 08, 2025, 1:49 PM EDT

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