Summer brings market stalls and backyard gardens bursting with produce: juicy berries, sweet corn, ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and more. It’s the perfect time to stock your freezer with the freshest, most affordable ingredients of the year—so you can savor the taste of summer long after the days get shorter and cooler.

Freezing isn’t complicated, and often it’s as simple as washing, chopping, and sealing. Here’s what’s best to freeze now—and how to do it—so your future self can thank you later.

Berries

Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are at peak flavor (and lowest prices) right now.

To freeze: Rinse berries gently and dry completely. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer them to freezer bags or containers and label. Keeps 6–8 months.

Use later: Smoothies, quick sauces, cobblers, muffins, yogurt toppings.

Stone Fruits

Perfectly ripe stone fruits (peaches, nectarines, plums) won’t stay that way for long—but freezing keeps them ready for winter baking.

To freeze: Cut fruits in half and remove the stone or pit. Cut fruits into cubes or slices and toss lightly with a squeeze of lemon juice to reduce browning. Spread evenly on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then store in bags. Keeps up to 8 months.

Use later: Crisps, cobblers, oatmeal, smoothies, sauces for chicken or pork.

Corn on the Cob

Summer corn is so sweet and tender you’ll wish you had it year-round.

To freeze: Remove husks and silk from corn. Blanch cobs briefly (2–3 minutes). Cool quickly in an ice bath then remove and pat dry. Freeze whole cobs in freezer bags. Or cut the kernels off the cob and freeze freeze them flat in bags so they don’t clump. Keeps 8-12 months

Use later: Chowders, casseroles, skillet sautés, salads.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes can add sun-soaked flavor to winter cooking if you freeze them now.

To freeze: Freeze whole tomatoes raw (great for sauces and soups; skins slip off easily once thawed). You can also roast cherry tomatoes until caramelized, cool, and freeze in portions. Or make a quick tomato sauce and freeze. Keeps up to 6 months.

Use later: Pasta sauces, soups, stews, grain bowls.

Fresh Herbs

Herbs wilt quickly, but frozen herbs can add brightness all winter.

To freeze: Finely chop herbs like basil, dill, chives or mint, and pack them into ice cube trays. Cover with olive oil or water and freeze. Pop out cubes and store in bags. Keeps 3-4 months.

Use later: Soups, stews, sauces, grain salads.

Zucchini & Summer Squash

When you’ve had your fill of grilling and salads, freeze the extra.

To freeze: Grate, squeeze out water, and freeze in 1–2 cup portions (perfect for baking). Or slice into half-moons, blanch briefly, cool, and freeze. Keeps 6-8 months.

Use later: Zucchini bread, frittatas, pasta dishes, soups.

Peppers

Peppers freeze beautifully—and save prep time later.

To freeze: Core peppers to remove the seeds, Slice or dice peppers and transfer them to a freezer bag. Lay the bag on a flat surface in the freezer until solid to prevent clumping. Keeps 8-12 months.

Use later: Fajitas, omelets, chili, pasta sauces.

Melons

Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew freeze well for drinks and icy snacks.

To freeze: Cut melons into cubes. Freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Keeps 2-3 months (best flavor & texture)

Use later: Smoothies, blender drinks, or add frozen cubes to sparkling water.

Tips for Freezing Success

• Label and date everything.
• Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Flash freeze on trays before transferring to bags to keep pieces separate.
• Think in portions: freeze small amounts in several bags rather than one bag for everything so you only thaw what you need.

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Freezing what’s fresh, cheap, and plentiful now is like giving yourself a taste of summer in the months ahead—when tomatoes won’t be as sweet and berries cost twice as much. Spend an hour this weekend prepping, and your winter soups, smoothies, and baked goods will thank you.

A stocked freezer isn’t just about convenience—it’s about saving the best of the season to enjoy anytime.