Want to quickly preserve tomatoes without cooking them? You can ferment tomatoes and later use them in a variety of ways, as side dishes, in salads or as ingredients in sandwiches.
You can learn how to ferment tomatoes using our step-by-step instructions. You only need a little time and effort to be able to store the delicious vegetables for a long time. We also give some ideas on how you can use your tomatoes. Read on!
What are the benefits of fermented tomatoes?
Fermented tomatoes have several benefits. It's a very quick process. Besides, this is a very good way to grow tomatoesStore and enjoy later. Fermented tomatoes can last for a few months in a jar. Fermentation involves using microorganisms such as bacteria or yeast to convert carbohydrates into organic acids. Including these foods in our diet can help us naturally introduce additional probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria, into our digestive system.
Ingredients for fermenting tomatoes
You need some ingredients besides tomatoes, like herbs and spices:
- Tomatoes
- Saddlery
- Garlic – eight cloves for a 4L jar.
- Whole peppercorns
- Non-iodized salt
Which accessories you need
You will need some simple materials and equipment to carry out tomato fermentation correctly:
- cutting board
- kitchen knife
- Bamboo skewers
- Mess spoon
- Measuring cup (4 cups)
- 4 L-Glass
- Fermentation weights
- Fermentation cover
Here is a detailed guide on how to properly ferment tomatoes:
- Use a bamboo skewer to poke a few holes in each tomato to make it easier for the brine to penetrate the inside of the tomato.
- Arrange a layer of tomatoes in your jar that you prepared in advance.
- Add spices to the tomatoes, e.g. E.g. celery, garlic, etc.
- Continue to carefully add tomatoes in layers, on each layer add garlic, celery and continue until the jar is full. Leave about 5 cm of space from the top.
- Next add the peppercorns.
How to prepare the brine:
- Fill a 4-cup measuring cup with water and add four tablespoons of salt. Mix thoroughly until the salt dissolves. Pour the brine into the jar. All tomatoes should be covered with brine.
- Next, you need to place the fermentation weight on the tomatoes and seal the jar.
- Leave the jar at room temperature to complete the fermentation process. It takes about 20 days.
- The brine will be foggy after a few days, but that's normal. Once it is clear again, the fermentation process is complete and the tomatoes are ready to eat. Enjoy them!
Tips for storing fermented tomatoes
It is best to store fermented tomatoes in the refrigerator or cellar. They need to be kept cool so they last longer. A temperature of around 4 degrees Celsius is recommended. If you store your fermented tomatoes this way, they should last about 6 months. Keep the fermented tomatoes in the brine at all times and always use a clean fork when removing tomatoes from the jar.
How to use the tomatoes
You can eat fermented tomatoes as a healthy snack or add them to sandwiches or salads or as side dishes. They are also good for sauces.
A recipe for fermented tomato salsa
Try this easy fermented tomato salsa recipe.
Ingredients:
For the paste
- 200 g The tomato
- 20g flaky sea salt
- Ginger, thumb size
- 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 red chili pepper
For the salsa
- 800 g tomatoes, roughly diced
- 1 banana shallot, finely chopped
Instructions for preparation:
- Here we use the dry salt method of fermentation and we therefore need a ratio of 2% salt: We use a total of 1 kg of tomatoes, which is 20 g of sea salt.
- First, mix all the ingredients for the paste into a smooth dough. Then mix with the chopped tomatoes and diced shallot. Pour into a jar and close tightly.
- Allow the paste to ferment at room temperature for between 4 and 7 days.
- Empty the jar every morning and evening to prevent excessive pressure from building up inside. Check the tomatoes after just 2 days. Put them in the fridge when you're happy. They will last in the fridge for up to 2 months. This is how quickly and easily you can ferment tomatoes and preserve their healthy properties.
