How long can I freeze pumpkin puree?

Pumpkin is a versatile vegetable that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. When fall rolls around, pumpkins are in abundance and you may find yourself with more fresh pumpkin than you know what to do with. Rather than letting it go to waste, turn that fresh pumpkin into puree that can be stored in the freezer for months. Read on to learn everything you need to know about freezing pumpkin puree.

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Can You Freeze Pumpkin Puree?

Yes, absolutely! Freezing is a great way to preserve fresh pumpkin puree for long term storage. Properly frozen pumpkin puree will maintain its quality and flavor for up to 12 months in the freezer.

Benefits of Freezing Pumpkin Puree

There are several benefits to freezing leftover pumpkin puree:

Saves money – Buying canned pumpkin puree can be expensive, especially when making recipes that call for multiple cups. Freeze fresh puree yourself for a budget friendly option.
Reduces food waste – Freezing puree prevents leftover fresh pumpkin from going bad and having to be thrown out.

Saves time – Having frozen puree on hand means you don’t have to roast and puree a pumpkin every time you want to make a pumpkin dish.
Long term storage – Frozen puree will keep for up to 1 year in the freezer.
Maintains flavor – Frozen puree retains the same fresh flavor as puree made from fresh pumpkin.

Easy to use – Frozen puree can be thawed and used straight from the freezer whenever you need it.

How to Freeze Pumpkin Puree

Freezing pumpkin puree is easy and only requires a few simple steps:

Cook and puree fresh pumpkin – Roast cubed pumpkin at 350°F until very soft and tender when pierced with a fork, about 45 minutes. Let cool slightly. Puree in a food processor or blender until smooth.

Portion into freezer bags or containers – Scoop measured amounts of puree into quart or gallon sized freezer bags. Press out excess air and seal bags. You can also use rigid freezer-safe containers. Leave about 1/2 inch headspace to allow for expansion as the puree freezes.
Label bags or containers with contents and date – Be sure to label each bag or container with the amount of puree and date so you know how long it has been frozen when you go to use it.
Lay flat to freeze – Arrange bags or containers in a single layer on a sheet pan or flat surface in the freezer. Do not stack or pile initially. Let freeze completely solid, about 24 hours.

Transfer to long term storage – Once solidly frozen, bags or containers can be stacked or gathered together to consolidate storage space. Leave stored in the freezer for up to 12 months.

Freezer Bag Method

One easy way to freeze pumpkin puree is in quart or gallon sized freezer bags:

Double bagging is recommended to prevent leaks or tears over time.

Force out as much air as possible and press bags flat before sealing.
Label each bag with contents, amount, and date.
Lay bags flat while freezing so puree freezes into an even layer.

Once frozen, bags can be stacked, arranged upright, or kept flat to maximize freezer space.

Freezer Container Method

Rigid plastic or glass freezer containers are another good option:

Look for containers designed specifically for the freezer.

Leave 1/2 inch headspace to allow room for expansion as puree freezes.
Secure lids tightly before freezing.
Label containers with contents, amount, and date.

Arrange containers in a single layer on a flat surface while freezing.
Once frozen, containers can be stacked to save space.

How Long Does Frozen Pumpkin Puree Last?

Frozen pumpkin puree that has been properly stored at 0°F or below will maintain best quality for:

6-8 months – in quart or gallon freezer bags
10-12 months – in rigid freezer containers

The freezer timeframes above are for general quality. Frozen pumpkin puree that is kept constantly at 0°F is safe to eat indefinitely, but the flavor and texture quality will slowly deteriorate over time.

How to Thaw Frozen Pumpkin Puree

Frozen pumpkin puree is easy to thaw:

Refrigerator Thawing

This is the preferred method to maintain quality.
Place frozen puree in the refrigerator in its original bag or container.

Allow puree to thaw slowly over 12-24 hours.
Once thawed, use immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Cold Water Thawing

For quicker thawing than the refrigerator method.

Seal frozen puree in a waterproof bag if not already packaged.
Submerge sealed bag in a bowl of cold water.
Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold.

Puree should be thawed in 1-2 hours. Use immediately.

Microwave Thawing

Only thaw small amounts for immediate use.
Microwave frozen puree in short 10 second bursts, stirring between each.

Continue until pumpkin is soft enough to be stirred smooth.
Use puree immediately after microwaving.

What to Do with Thawed Pumpkin Puree

Thawed pumpkin puree is ready to use in any recipe calling for canned pumpkin. Here are some delicious ways to use thawed homemade pumpkin puree:

Pumpkin bread, muffins, scones
Pumpkin pie, custards, pudding
Pumpkin cookies, cupcakes, cakes

Pumpkin oatmeal, granola, yogurt
Pumpkin smoothies, pancakes, waffles
Pumpkin soups like butternut squash soup

Pumpkin chili, pasta sauce, lasagna
Homemade canned pumpkin for pies

Substitute thawed frozen pumpkin 1:1 for any canned pumpkin called for in recipes. Adjust any added liquid in the recipe as needed since thawed puree may contain more moisture than canned.

Can You Refreeze Thawed Pumpkin Puree?

For food safety reasons, previously frozen pumpkin puree should not be refrozen after thawing. Refreezing can allow ice crystals to damage cell structures as well as enable bacteria growth.

Instead, thaw only the amount of frozen puree that you intend to use right away. Any excess thawed puree can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Tips for Freezing Pumpkin Puree

Follow these tips for best results freezing pumpkin puree at home:

Use high quality pumpkins – Choose firm, ripe pumpkins that are heavy for their size and free of blemishes.
Cook puree thoroughly – Undercooked pumpkin will take on a grainy texture when frozen. Cook pumpkin pieces until very tender before pureeing.
Cool puree before freezing – Let pureed pumpkin cool to room temperature to prevent excess moisture from freezing into ice crystals.

Limit air exposure – Pack puree tightly into bags or containers with minimal air pockets to prevent freezer burn.
Freeze puree in measured amounts – Portion puree into recipes sized amounts so you can thaw only what you need.
Label everything – Be sure to label bags or containers with contents, quantity, and freeze date.

Storing Other Frozen Pumpkin Products

In addition to puree, other pumpkin products can also be frozen for extended storage:

Frozen Cooked Pumpkin Pieces

Diced or mashed cooked pumpkin flesh can be frozen.
Pack measured amounts into freezer bags or containers.

Freeze up to 6 months.
Thaw before using in recipes or puree in a food processor or blender.

Frozen Uncooked Pumpkin

Uncooked pumpkin can be frozen but will become mushy when thawed.

Best uses are for making soup stocks and purees.
Peel pumpkin, cut into 1-inch cubes, spread on a sheet pan.
Freeze until solid, then transfer cubes to a freezer bag.

Frozen uncooked pumpkin will last 8-12 months.

Other Frozen Pumpkin Dishes

Fully prepared sweet or savory dishes like pumpkin pie, bread, soup, chili can be frozen.
Most will last 2-3 months frozen; thin items like pie may become watery.

Allow dishes to cool completely before freezing.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or freeze in covered containers.

Conclusion

Freezing is an excellent way to preserve fresh pumpkin puree for long term storage and future use. With proper freezing methods, pumpkin puree can maintain quality in the freezer for 6-12 months. Frozen puree provides a budget friendly and time saving substitute for canned pumpkin in all types of recipes. Follow the guidelines above for successfully freezing and thawing pumpkin puree at home to enjoy delicious homemade pumpkin all year round.