If the plants have the right growing conditions, youll see an abundant harvest of ripe fruit.
But all that bounty poses a problem, although its a great one to have.
How can you preserve tomatoes to keep the summer crop able to be enjoyed all year round?
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Canning is aclassic method, though it can be a little intimidating.
Home cooks worry that they arent using the proper methods, causing bacteria to grow in the batch.
Wouldnt it be easier if we could just freeze them?
Can You Freeze Tomatoes?
Why yes, you’re free to!
you might freeze any kind of tomato, from Roma to heirloom to cherry.
Thats great news for busy home cooks as freezing is the easiest method of preserving tomatoes.
However, there are some use limitations after tomatoes have been frozen and thawed.
What Happens to Frozen Tomatoes?
Water in the fruit expands when frozen, making the plant fibers break.
Picking A Tomato-Freezing Method
Freezing tomatoes is so easy that youll be surprised.
you’ve got the option to also opt to freeze them juiced, crushed, or pureed.
Should You Peel?
The first choice youll have to make is whether to freeze your tomatoes with or without the skin.
You do not have to peel tomatoes before freezing.
Your vodka sauce will thank you.
To Blanch Or Not To Blanch
Blanching is perfect for easily peeling tomatoes before freezing.
Its best to blanch if youre planning on storing them for a while.
The biggest issue might be the room in your freezer after you save all those tomatoes for winter recipes.
Step 2:
Line your tomatoes on a parchment paper-lined sheet and freeze for 30 minutes or until solid.
Cut a small circle around the stem until you’re free to pull out the core and seeds.
Plunge the tomatoes into the boiling water for 15 seconds if ripe.
If underripe, place them in the boiling water for 30 seconds.
Once the tomatoes have cooled, use a paring knife to gently remove the skins from the tomatoes.
The skins will open more near the X, making them very easy to slide off.
If you forgot the cut, dont worry.
Tomato skins almost always split on their own.
Step 4:
Place the tomatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze for 30 minutes or until solid.
Transfer the frozen tomatoes to a plastic freezer bag and label the bag with the date.
Remove the core and seeds.
Transfer your frozen tomato slices into a freezer-safe container and label with the date.
How To Freeze Pureed Tomatoes
Cut your freshly washed tomatoes into quarters or eighths.
Place in a pot over medium-high heat.
Remove the tomatoes from heat, cool, then blend in a food processor.
Strain the pureed tomatoes through a sievethe juice should be thick.
How To Freeze Juiced Tomatoes
Step 1
Juice your tomatoes in your preferred method.
Leaving them out at room temperature for over two hours increases the chances of food-borne illness.
Just take the frozen tomato, run hot water briefly over the skin, and peel it right off.
Zhang J, ed.Journal of Experimental Botany.
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Henneman A, Colgrove K.How to Freeze Tomatoes.
Nebraska Extension UNL Food.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.Will reheating food make it safe if you forget to refrigerate it?
