There are different ways to preserve tomatoes. Can you freeze tomatoes? For me personally, freezing vegetables is the best option because it is quick and efficient. In addition, all useful nutrients are retained when frozen.
You can freeze tomatoes, raw, with or without peel. You can freeze the popular vegetables whole, sliced, chopped or pureed. Herewe show the most common methods.Read on!
The great thing about freezing tomatoes is that you don't need anything else - just tomatoes - and the process is very easy and quick! While canning tomatoes requires citric acid or lemon juice to acidify the vegetables so they are safe, freezing tomatoes as is is perfectly safe. Note that you should season the vegetables just before serving and not before freezing. Here we show which methods can be used for freezing.
Freezing whole tomatoes with peel
Can you freeze fresh tomatoes? Yes, that is the easiest method. The easiest way is to freeze tomatoes with the skin on. How do you proceed? To freeze you need firm, ripe vegetables.
- Prepare your perfectly ripe, pristine whole tomatoes by simply removing the tomato stalk, washing the vegetables and patting them dry.
- Place the whole tomatoes in freezer bags or other containers. Seal tightly and freeze. It's that simple. The vegetables can stick together and become misshapen. But the food quality should be fine.
Freeze tomatoes without peel
If you have your tomatoesIf you prefer peeled, you can peel them before freezing.
- Choose firm, ripe vegetables to freeze. First, wash them under cold running water and then dry them with a paper towel.
- Remove the stalk.
- To make it easier to peel the tomatoes, immerse them in boiling water for about 1 minute.
- Peel them with a small sharp knife, then place them in freezer bags or other containers.
- Seal tightly and freeze.
Store sliced tomatoes in the freezer
You can halve the tomatoes, slice them ready to cook, or chop them and freeze them for later use. After washing, drying and cutting the vegetables, spoon them into freezer containers or bags, leaving an inch of space. Seal the container or bag and label it.
Freeze chopped or pureed tomatoes
CrushedTomatoes are perfectfor refining many sauces and you make the effort easier if you have prepared them in advance and can quickly use them for your sauce when needed.
- Wash and peel the tomatoes as described above.
- Cut the vegetables into quarters and place them in a single layer in a large pot. Mash them lightly with a wooden spoon.
- Cook and stir for 5 minutes.
- Place the pot in ice water to cool or wait for them to cool.
- Fill your freezer containers, leaving a 2cm gap. If desired, add salt to taste.
- You can also strain the tomatoes if you want a smoother mixture. After straining, freeze the vegetables in the same way.
Freeze tomato juice
You can puree tomatoes and freeze them, or store tomato juice in the freezer and use it later in a variety of dishes and sauces. How do you proceed?
- Prepare your tomatoes by washing and cutting them, removing the stalk.
- Then simmer in a pot for 10-15 minutes.
- Press through a sieve, collecting the juice. Salt to taste and let cool.
- To freeze, pour into freezer containers, leaving a 2cm gap.
Another alternative to freezing tomato juice is to pour the juice into clean ice cube trays and place in the freezer until frozen. Then take out the cubes and put them in freezer bags. Seal, label and date the bags.
How long do tomatoes last in the freezer?
Tomatoes are a good source of various vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, potassium, vitamin K and folic acid. Frozen tomatoes can be stored in the freezer for up to a year and used in various dishes. They retain their nutrients when frozen fresh.
Using frozen tomatoes
Frozen tomatoes are best for cooked foods like soups, sauces, and stews because they become mushy when thawed. To use your frozen vegetables, remove them from the freezer one at a time or all at once and then use them in any cooked tomato recipe. You can find a simple recipe below.
Simple tomato soup recipe
This is my favorite tomato soup made from frozen tomatoes. Even in winter we enjoy the popular vegetables at home and it's so easy,to prepare this soup.
Ingredients:
- 3 THE BUTTER
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 peeled and chopped carrots
- 1 garlic clove chopped
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh seasonal basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups chopped frozen tomatoes
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Preparation instructions:
- Melt the butter over medium heat. Add onions and carrots and cook until softened, 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add all remaining ingredients and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Puree with a hand blender until smooth.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, parsley or fresh basil before serving. Enjoy!
