How to freeze tomatoes

5 from 37 votes

By storing them correctly, you can enjoy the taste of ripe tomatoes throughout the year. Frozen whole tomatoes can be used in various recipes, adding a burst of flavor to sauces, soups, or salads.

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Other

Cuisine: All

Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Hindu, Low Calorie, Low Lactose, Low Salt, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: lbs of frozen tomatoes

Calories: 82kcal

Author: Shilpa Kerur

Ingredients

2 lb tomatoes

Instructions

Prep the tomatoes:

Use ripe and firm tomatoes without any cuts or marks of blemish. Remove the stem from the tomatoes.
Wash the tomatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt on them. Pat dry them using a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel.

Freezing without blanching:

Place the cleaned and in a ziplock bag in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the bag.
Label the bag with the month and year. Place them in the freezer.
Frozen whole tomatoes can be stored for up to one year in the freezer.

Blanching and freezing:

This is useful if the tomatoes have any cut or small damage.
Wash the tomatoes and cut any damaged parts from them.
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Also, set aside another bowl filled with water and ice.
Add the tomatoes to the boiling water and blanch for one minute.
Take them out and immediately transfer them to the iced water bath. Once they cool down, gently peel the skin.
Cut them in half or leave them whole and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Flash freeze for 2-3 hours or until they firm up. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container.
Label with month and year and freeze them for up to 12 months.

Notes

Choose high-quality tomatoes: Choose fully ripe tomatoes that are free from blemishes or bruises. They should be firm to the touch and have vibrant colors.

Remove excess air: When using zip-lock bags, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing them. This will prevent the tomatoes from freezer burns, which can affect the texture and taste of the tomatoes.

Label and date: Always label the storage containers or bags with the contents and the date of storage. This allows you to keep track of their freshness and ensures you use the oldest tomatoes first.

Nutrition