Summer's abundance of juicy, ripe tomatoes is a delicious problem to have. But what do you do when you have more tomatoes than you can possibly eat fresh? Freezing is a fantastic way to preserve their flavor and nutritional value for months to come. This guide will walk you through several methods for freezing tomatoes, ensuring you can enjoy the taste of summer all year round.
Choosing the Right Tomatoes for Freezing
Not all tomatoes are created equal when it comes to freezing. The best tomatoes for freezing are those that are ripe but firm. Avoid overripe or damaged tomatoes, as they'll likely turn mushy upon thawing. Here are some great varieties for freezing:
- Roma Tomatoes: Their lower water content makes them ideal for freezing and using in sauces.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These are perfect for freezing whole, ideal for adding to soups and stews later.
- Other Firm Tomatoes: Any firm, ripe tomato variety will work well, but avoid very watery types.
Methods for Freezing Tomatoes
There are several ways to freeze tomatoes, each yielding slightly different results. Choose the method that best suits your needs and the type of tomato you're working with.
1. Freezing Whole or Halved Cherry Tomatoes
This is the simplest method. Simply wash your cherry tomatoes, and pat them completely dry to prevent ice crystals from forming. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them until solid (about 2-4 hours). Once frozen solid, you can transfer them to a freezer bag for long-term storage.
Pro-Tip: Freezing them individually prevents them from clumping together.
2. Freezing Peeled and Chopped Tomatoes
Perfect for sauces and soups! This method requires a bit more prep work. To easily peel tomatoes, blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath. The skins should peel away easily. Once peeled, chop the tomatoes into your desired size. You can then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, as described above, or you can freeze them directly in freezer bags in portions appropriate for your recipes.
3. Freezing Tomato Puree or Paste
This is a great method for preserving a large quantity of tomatoes for use in sauces and other cooked dishes. Simply blend your tomatoes until smooth, then simmer gently on the stove to reduce the liquid content and thicken the puree. Allow to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some headspace in the container to allow for expansion during freezing.
4. Freezing Roasted Tomatoes
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of tomatoes, making them even more flavorful after freezing. Halve or quarter your tomatoes, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F (200°C) until softened and slightly caramelized. Let them cool completely before freezing in freezer bags or containers.
Thawing and Using Frozen Tomatoes
Frozen tomatoes generally do not need to be thawed before using in cooked dishes like sauces, soups, stews, or chili. However, for salads or other dishes where you want to use them raw, you can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Keep in mind that frozen tomatoes will be softer than fresh tomatoes after thawing.
Tips for Success
- Use airtight containers or freezer bags: This will prevent freezer burn and maintain the quality of your tomatoes.
- Label and date your containers: This will help you keep track of how long your tomatoes have been frozen.
- Use frozen tomatoes within 12 months for best quality.
By following these steps, you can enjoy the taste of summer's bounty all year round. Freezing tomatoes is a simple and effective way to preserve this delicious ingredient and avoid food waste. Happy freezing!
