Peach Ice Cream

When unopened and properly chilling in the freezer, your peach ice cream should be at its best quality for about 2-3 months from the time of purchase. It doesn't 'expire' in the traditional sense, so it remains safe to eat well beyond this time with only a decrease in quality. However, once opened and exposed to air, you can expect the quality and texture to start decreasing significantly after about 1-2 weeks. If your ice cream has been sitting in the freezer for a year or more, it's probably time for a fresh tub. Freezing homemade peach ice cream can also last for 2-3 months, but the guidelines for the reduction in quality after opening are similar.

It can be tough to tell when peach ice cream has gone beyond simply freezer-burned. The surest sign is if it grows icicles or develops large, icy patches - these are clear signs of freezer burn, and you can safely scrape these away. If the ice cream develops a strange color or aroma, or if it seems dry and no longer creamy, it's probably best to say goodbye. While still safe to eat, the flavor and texture will most likely be unsatisfactory. Finally, if your ice cream has visible mold on it, toss it out. While this is very rare, it can happen if your ice cream was contaminated before freezing.

• Invest in an airtight ice cream container. It helps to decrease exposure to air which in turn prevents freezer burn. • Always remember to put the lid back on when you're done serving yourself. This will reduce its exposure to air and the likelihood of ice crystal formation. • Avoid taking your ice cream in and out of the freezer frequently, as this fluctuation in temperature can lead to the formation of ice crystals. • Store your ice cream at the back of the freezer. This area typically maintains a more consistent temperature. • When you're down to about half a tub of ice cream, consider transferring it to a smaller container, as this will help reduce the amount of air that comes into contact with the ice cream.