If you’ve ever found yourself with a bumper crop of tomatoes from your garden or a surplus from a great farmer’s market haul, you know the struggle of trying to use them all before they spoil.
Worry no more!
Freezing tomatoes is a simple, effective way to preserve their fresh taste and nutritional value for months.
In this quick guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about freezing tomatoes.
Grab your tomatoes, and let’s get started!
Why Freeze Tomatoes?
Freezing tomatoes is a simple and efficient preservation method that locks in their taste, nutrients, and color.
Unlike canning, freezing requires minimal equipment and time.
Frozen tomatoes are perfect for soups, sauces, stews, and other cooked dishes where their texture can break down.
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Here’s What You’ll Need
- Fresh tomatoes (any variety)
- Large pot (for blanching)
- Slotted spoon
- Ice water (in a large bowl)
- Cutting board and knife
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Freezer bags or containers
- Marker (for labeling)
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Step-by-Step Freezing Process
1. Choose the Right Tomatoes
Select firm, ripe tomatoes that are free from bruises or blemishes. Overripe or damaged tomatoes may not freeze well and could affect the quality of your preserved tomatoes.
2. Clean and Prep
Wash the tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water. Remove any dirt or debris.
Pat them dry with a clean towel.
3. Blanch the Tomatoes
Blanching is optional but recommended as it makes peeling easier and helps preserve the tomatoes’ color and flavor.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Cut a small “X” on the bottom of each tomato.
- Prepare a bowl of ice water.
- Carefully place the tomatoes in the boiling water for 30-60 seconds or until the skins start to peel back.
- Immediately transfer the tomatoes to the ice water to stop the cooking process.
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4. Peel and Core
Once the tomatoes are cool enough to handle, peel off the skins using a knife or your fingers.
Cut out the core and any blemished spots.
5. Chop and Prepare for Freezing
Decide how you want to use the tomatoes in the future. You can freeze them whole, halved, sliced, or diced.
- For whole tomatoes: Place them directly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- For chopped tomatoes: Cut them into the desired size and spread them out on the baking sheet.
Ensure the tomatoes are in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together.
6. Pre-Freeze
Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours or until the tomatoes are solid.
This step, known as flash freezing, ensures the tomatoes freeze individually rather than in a clump.
7. Store Properly
Once the tomatoes are frozen, transfer them to freezer bags or airtight containers.
Remove as much air as possible from the bags to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags with the date and contents.
Do Tomatoes Have to Be Blanched First?
The short answer is: no, tomatoes do not have to be blanched before freezing. However, blanching makes removing their skins much easier.
The brief exposure to boiling water followed by an ice bath loosens the skin, making it slip off effortlessly. This is particularly useful if you prefer your frozen tomatoes to be skin-free.
While freezing tomatoes will inevitably alter their texture, blanching can help minimize some of the texture changes. Blanched tomatoes tend to retain their shape better when cooked.
If you plan to use the tomatoes in recipes where texture and appearance matter, such as in sauces or soups, blanching is a good step to include.
If you’re in a hurry or if the tomatoes will be used in recipes where they will be blended or cooked down significantly, you can skip blanching.
Tips for Freezing Tomatoes
- Use Freezer-Safe Bags: Opt for heavy-duty freezer bags to keep your tomatoes fresh and protected from freezer burn.
- Leave Room for Expansion: Tomatoes contain a lot of water and will expand as they freeze, so leave some space at the top of the bags or containers.
- Freeze in Portions: Consider freezing tomatoes in portion sizes that suit your cooking needs. This makes it easy to grab just what you need without defrosting a large batch.
Freezing vs Canning Tomatoes: Which Is Best?
When it comes to preserving your tomato harvest, two popular methods stand out: freezing and canning.
Each method has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on your preferences, available equipment, and how you plan to use the tomatoes.
We actually have an in-depth discussion of the pros and cons that you can read here:
Pros and Cons of Freezing vs. Canning Tomatoes
How Long Will Frozen Tomatoes Last?
Properly stored, frozen tomatoes can last up to 8-12 months.
They may still be safe to eat after this period, but their quality may decline.
Freezing tomatoes is a quick and efficient way to preserve your harvest and ensure you have a taste of summer all year round.
Feel free to adjust the steps according to your personal preferences and the types of tomatoes you’re working with.
Enjoy the convenience and taste of frozen tomatoes in your meals!
