Can You Freeze Prune Juice? How?

If you are looking to make the most of the extra prune juice in your pantry by freezing it, this comprehensive guide has got you covered. 

These methods and tips have worked like a charm for me. 

Let’s get started. 

How to Freeze Prune Juice?

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

If you want to store a big portion of prune juice or a certain measure for a recipe, you can use this method.

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Materials

• Prune Juice
• Freezer-Safe Air-Tight Container

Tools

• Cling Wrap

Instructions

1. Portion the Juice: Divide the prune juice into just the right measure that you can use in one go once you thaw it.
   
   
2. Transfer: Pour the portioned prune juice into the freezer-safe container. Leave at least an inch of space at the top to allow the juice to expand as it freezes.
   
   
3. Seal It In: Cover the top of the container with some cling wrap, with the wrap touching the liquid at the top to make it as air-tight as possible. Then seal the container with its lid.
   
   
4. Label and Freeze: Add a label on the container with the best before date, and you are all set to freeze the prune juice.
   

Freezing Prune Juice in Ice Cube Trays or Muffin Trays

If you are looking to freeze the prune juice in smaller portions, you could flash freeze them in ice cube trays or muffin trays before you pack them into a Ziploc bag. 

Fill and Cover

Pour the prune juice into an ice cube tray or a muffin tray, depending on the portion you prefer to have. Then cover the tray with some cling wrap, to stop any odor in the freezer from seeping into the juice. 

Flash Freeze

Leave the tray of prune juice in the freezer for a couple of hours or overnight and let it freeze solid.

Pack and Seal

Transfer the frozen cubes of prune juice into a Ziploc bag and seal them in. Make sure to squeeze out all the excess air in the bag before you seal it. 

Label and Freeze

Add a label on the bag with the best before date, and you are good to go for a year. 

How Long Can You Freeze Prune Juice? 

You can freeze prune juice for 8 to 12 months. If it is done right, you wouldn’t be able to make out the difference between frozen and fresh prune juice when it is used in smoothies or other recipes. 

The longer the prune juice stays in the freezer, the more it changes in texture and taste. So, if you plan to drink it as it is, you might want to use it sooner rather than later. 

Keep in mind that the prune juice freezes best when it is fresh or refrigerated. If it was left out for more than 2 hours, it might not fare well in the freezer for long.

How to Store Frozen Prune Juice? 

You can store frozen prune juice in any freezer-safe air-tight container or Ziploc bags. You can portion them and store them in either of these options. 

When storing in freezer-safe containers, take care to leave at least an inch or two of space at the top to make room for the juice to expand as it freezes.

If the container is filled to the brim, there are chances that it can crack and leak its contents.

This is why it is best not to freeze the prune juice in its unopened can or bottle. The can or bottle may not be freezer-safe, and it can crack as it freezes. So, it is best to transfer it beforehand.

If you are pressed for freezer space, the Ziploc bags are your best bet.

You can freeze them as flat sheets of prune juice by lying them down on a baking sheet till it freezes solid. Then you can stack them compactly and save space. 

How to Defrost Prune Juice? 

In case of ice cubes or prune juice, or small portions that you plan to use in smoothies or cooking, you can skip the defrosting process and pop it directly into the blender or dish, and it will work just fine.

If you want to thaw a big portion, you can leave it in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight and let it thaw gradually for best results.

Once it thaws, you can leave it in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.

You could thaw the frozen prune juice in the microwave or a bowl of cold water if you are in a hurry.

But if you opt for these methods, you will have to consume them immediately and cannot leave them out for long.

Can You Refreeze Prune Juice? 

No, it is best advised not to refreeze the prune juice once it thaws.

The repeated freezing and thawing will deteriorate the taste and texture of the juice and make it less unappealing to drink. It also increases the chances of the juice spoiling faster. 

If you have defrosted the prune juice slowly in the fridge, you could leave it in the fridge for almost a week.

To avoid having to refreeze or waste the prune juice once it thaws, you can portion it beforehand into small measures or freeze them in ice cube trays. 

Does Prune Juice Freeze Well? 

Yes, prune juice freezes well. It is the best way to store it for the long term without adding any preservatives.

You can freeze the prune juice for 12 months or so. But it is best used within the 8-month mark. 

Although the juice goes through small changes in texture and taste once it thaws, it won’t be noticeable if it is used in smoothies or recipes.

FAQ

Bottom Line 

I hope this article helped you freeze and store prune juice for a year or so. 

If you have any doubts or would like to share some freezing methods and tips of your own, it would be lovely to hear from you. 

Feel free to share this article with your family and friends.