How To Freeze Grapefruit
Preserve fresh grapefruit during its peak season by freezing it in segments or as juice. Simple, effective, and great for future recipes.
Equipment
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Ice cube trays or silicone molds
- Citrus juicer or food processor
- Fine mesh strainer
Materials
- fresh grapefruit
- freezer-safe bags or airtight containers
- Labels or masking tape
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit: Wash the grapefruit, then remove the peel, pith, and any seeds.
- Choose your method: Decide whether you want to freeze segments or juice.
- For segments: Slice or separate the fruit into clean pieces. Lay them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Flash freeze: Place the tray in the freezer for 2–4 hours, or until the pieces are firm.
- For juice: Juice the fruit using a juicer, food processor with strainer, or by hand. Strain if you prefer no pulp.
- Portion juice: Pour the juice into ice cube trays, silicone molds, or small freezer-safe jars.
- Transfer to storage: Once frozen, move the solid segments or juice cubes to labeled, airtight containers or bags.
- Store: Keep frozen grapefruit in the freezer — segments last up to 6 months, and juice is best used within 3–4 months.
- Use as needed: Add frozen grapefruit to smoothies, sauces, or cocktails. Juice cubes work great in dressings or as flavor-boosting ice cubes.
Notes
- Segment before freezing to avoid bitterness from the peel and pith.
- Flash freeze on a tray to keep pieces from sticking together.
- Label your containers with the date to track freshness.
- Use airtight storage to prevent freezer burn.
- Juice first for better versatility — perfect for dressing, drinks, and marinades.
