How to Freeze Tomatoes

Would you like to know how to freeze tomatoes? If you have multiple tomatoes on hand that are on the verge of spoiling, you can freeze the tomatoes to use them later rather than let them spoil. Freezing these delicious fruits properly will ensure you can use them months later, sealing in freshness for that fresh from the garden taste.

Whether you grow your own tomatoes in a vegetable garden, enjoy visiting your local farmer's market for fresh-from-the-vine picks or simply want to freeze a few you've bought from the store, freezing tomatoes is worth doing, and allows you to enjoy the tastes of summer long into the following seasons. Though beefsteaks and romas are favored varieties for freezing, if you follow the directions below, you should be able to freeze most types.PickYourOwn.org: How to Freeze Tomatoes from Your Garden

• You'll need to prepare your tomatoes for freezing, not just throw them in among the ice cream cartons and the frozen peas.

1. Rinse under running water and clean off any dirt.eHow.com: How to Freeze Tomatoes
2. You may wish to use a fruit and vegetable cleaner like Veggie Wash.Official Site: Veggie Wash
3. Then, remove stems, using a knife if necessary.eHow.com: How to Freeze Tomatoes

• If you take the time to remove their skins and blanch the tomatoes before freeing, they'll taste better when you finally take them out again and they'll last longer without deteriorating.

1. Fill a stockpot with water and heat until boiling.
2. Add them a few at a time to boiling water, waiting until skins loosen before removing from the boiling water and placing in a bowl filled with ice and water.eHow.com: How to Freeze Tomatoes
3. You should only need to boil them for about a minute or less before skins begin to fall away.University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Freezing Raw Tomatoes
4. Once their skin is loose, it should be fairly easy to remove, but use a knife to cut away any skin that is still attached.eHow.com: How to Freeze Tomatoes
5. You'll also want to cut each one in half and then remove seeds to prime them for freezing.PickYourOwn.org: How to Freeze Tomatoes from Your Garden
   • You can then compost the waste!
6. Put the halves in a colander or strainer to drain off any extra water.PickYourOwn.org: How to Freeze Tomatoes from Your Garden

• You can try freezing tomatoes with skins still on by following Step 1, above, and then simply placing them upside down on a cookie sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, continue with instructions below. And when you're ready to use your frozen food, placing them under warm water should loosen skins, as above, so they are easy to remove.University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Freezing Raw Tomatoes

• Tomatoes that are not blanched won't last as long in the freezer as those that have been boiled as recommended in step 2, but this method is fine for short term storage.

1. Find freezer-appropriate plastic bags to put your tomatoes into, like these made by Ziploc.Official Site: Ziploc

2. Before sealing, squeeze any extra air to eliminate air pockets.PickYourOwn.org: How to Freeze Tomatoes from Your Garden

3. If possible, use a vaccuum sealer to get rid of excess air.PickYourOwn.org: How to Freeze Tomatoes from Your Garden

• You'll also want to be a bit careful when initially freezing your tomatoes.

1. Lay bags flat at first, but once the fruits are frozen, feel free to stack them however you please to make room for other items.eHow.com: How to Freeze Tomatoes
2. They should take about two to three hours to freeze, so don't move them until that time has elapsed.PickYourOwn.org: How to Freeze Tomatoes from Your Garden
3. Experts vary in how long they believe they frozen fruits can be stored in the freezer. The average length of time recommended is eight months before using.University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Freezing Raw Tomatoes
4. Remember that fresh isn't the only way to freeze that delicious flavor: try freezing leftover tomato paste in ice-cube trays for single-servings of paste for future sauces or recipes. After sauce has frozen, you can remove the cubes from the tray and put in a plastic freezer bag for half a year's time.MarthaStewart.com: Canned Tomatoes

• Now that you've got a freezer full of frozen goodies, you'll have them on hand for all kinds of delicious recipes. Keep in mind that frozen tomatoes are best used in cooked dishes like soups, sauces and stews as opposed to salads or other dishes that call for raw tomatoes.University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Freezing Raw Tomatoes In the latter case, fresh is best.

• Enjoy your cooking!