How To Freeze Tomatoes So That They Remain Juicy

Ways To Preserve Tomatoes

Preserving tomatoes can be done in several ways such as:

• Pickle: You can make pickles of the tomatoes you have at home. By doing this, you can keep them safe and can use them for a long time. However, this act disturbs the original taste of tomatoes and makes it less useful than its original form. Also, you may require vinegar and acids to make pickles.
• Jam: Another best way to preserve tomatoes is to make jam. You can make yummy jams with tomatoes available at home, however, you need special cooking skills to do this. Also, the process is time-consuming, and several tools and ingredients are required.
• Freeze: Interestingly, freezing tomatoes is the best way to preserve them. You can do this in a very simple process retaining both taste and juiciness. This process makes sure tomatoes do not lose their original taste and texture and can be used in various ways in the future.

Selection of Tomatoes

Before you keep your tomatoes for freezing, it is necessary that you collect the right tomatoes. To select the best tomatoes, just follow the tips below:

1. Firm and Ripe Tomatoes

Choose ripe and firm tomatoes that can retain for a long time. Soft and overripe have a higher chance of spoilage than firm. Also, firm tomatoes hold up better during the freezing process. 

2. Flavor Over Size

You may or may not know this, but small tomatoes often have a better flavor than big-sized tomatoes. Since we will use the frozen tomatoes later for various purposes, it is always best to choose small-sized tomatoes rather than an option for big ones.

3. Plum or Roma Varieties

It is advised to choose plum or Roma varieties while picking the best tomatoes for your kitchen. Interestingly, these varieties have less water in comparison to others, and with their less water content, they become ideal for freezing.

4. Preparation

You may have your own style of preparing tomatoes before freezing, but we advise you to blanch or peel them for the best result. This also makes sure the tomatoes retain their original texture and it will be easy to use later.

What You Need To Freeze Tomatoes

With access to the right ingredients and kitchen equipment, the task of freezing tomatoes will be easy and quick. 

Ingredient

The happiest thing about this process is that you don't require any other ingredient other than the star ingredient tomatoes itself. Isn't that amazing? 

• Tomatoes: Ripe, fresh, and firm tomatoes are necessary for the best result after freezing. Also, it is best to use plum or Roma varieties.
• Lemon: Though lemon is optional, you can use this to enhance flavor.
• Salt: Salt is also optional, but you may use this for flavor.

Equipment

After collecting the required ingredients, it's time to make arrangements for the required kitchen tools:

• Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is necessary for the freezing process to cut any blemishes or cores from the tomatoes. Removing such cores will also give an attractive look thereby reducing the chance of bacterial growth and spoilage.
• Large Pot: If you are removing peels of tomatoes, then you may need a large pot to blanch them. 
• Spoon: You can use any spoon available to you, however, the slotted spoon is advised. This is required to transfer blanched tomatoes from hot water to cold water.
• Cutting Board: You may also need a cutting board to slice tomatoes if you want to freeze tomatoes after cutting them into small pieces. However, freezing them whole is a great idea.
• Container Bags: Containers or plastic bags are best to keep tomatoes inside the freezer. However, you should choose the bags with airtight.
• Marker: A marker is necessary for marking the date so that you may not mistake the actual date of freezing. This also prevents spoilage.

How To Freeze Tomatoes Whole

Freezing tomatoes is mostly a negligible task that most of us do without any preparation. Well, it needs proper guidance and skills for the best result.

Step-1 Wash the Tomatoes

After you have collected the tomatoes as per your need, wash them thoroughly. Proper cleaning not only makes them clean and dirt-free but also cleans off any insecticides and chemicals used when growing. You can use a large bowl to do so. Then pat them with a paper towel to dry them completely.

Step-2 Hull the Tomatoes

After you have done cleaning and patting, it's time to hull the tomatoes. First, you should remove the green part (calyx), then cut any bruises or cuts. Removing these parts will give a healthy and attractive look to the tomatoes.

Step-3 Keeping in Containers and Bags

Now, you should keep the tomatoes in containers or plastic bags. Place all the tomatoes in airtight containers or bags leaving some places for possible expansion.

Step-4 Labeling

Before placing it in the freezer, you should use a marker to label the date. This reminds us to use tomatoes within the right date.

Step-5 Freezing

Finally, it's time to place the bags in the freezer. You can lay it flat inside the freezer if there is enough space. The tomatoes will be perfectly frozen on keeping them overnight. However, you can keep them safe inside the freezer for up to 6 months.

Step-6 Thaw

After being completely frozen, you can take them out and thaw them for about 30 minutes at room temperature. After that, you can easily peel them and use them as per your desire. It is best to use in curry, dishes, and pickles. 

How To Freeze Tomatoes In Slices

Though freezing whole tomatoes is always the best option, you can also freeze them, by cutting them into small pieces. Here are the instructions, have a look:

Step-1: Cleaning

You should clean the tomatoes thoroughly to remove all the dirt and germs. 

Step-2: Cutting

Now, you should cut them into half or even smaller pieces as per your choice.

Step-3: Put in Bags

It's time to take a container or plastic bags. Then, put the sliced tomatoes inside it. However, you need to make sure the bags you are using are airtight.

Step-4: Label and Freeze

After that, you need to label the bag with the date and required details. Then gently put the bags inside the freezer.

Step-5: Remove and Use

Once, they are completely frozen, you can consume them anytime between 6 months. You can use them directly without thawing.

This process will definitely help you keep the tomatoes fresh and juicy for a long time.

How To Freeze Tomatoes Puree

Freezing tomatoes puree is a great way to preserve them for future use. Such puree remains fresh and juicy for a long time and you can directly use it in soups, dishes, and sauces. Here is step-by-step guidance to do this, check out:

Step-1: Cleaning The Tomatoes

Like in all methods, you need to wash the tomatoes properly at first. While cleaning them, make sure there is no dirt or debris. Use fresh and cold water if possible. This will give you fresh and clean tomatoes.

Step-2: Remove Stems and Cores

After that, you should remove the stems and cores from the tomatoes. You can also cut the tomatoes into small pieces to blend easily later.

Step-3: Blanch and Peel

Now, you should blanch the tomato pieces and start peeling them. 

Step-4: Blending

Once you have peeled all the tomatoes, you need to blend them all in a blender. You can also add a pinch of salt and a little lemon juice to add extra flavor. Keep blending them until the mixture is smooth.

Step-5: Keep in Bags

After the blended tomatoes are ready you can directly put them in the airtight container. You can also cook them and place them in bags after cooling. Cooking is completely up to you. 

Step-6: Label and freezing

Now, you should mark the date and details on the container bag. Then, keep the bags inside the freezer. this remains fresh and juicy for up to 6 months. 

Step-7: Serving

While using you can kindly take the bags out of the freezer and thaw them at room temperature. Then, you can directly use them in soups, dishes and sauces. 

Additional Tips

Here are the additional tips, that will make your task more easier:

1. You can use tomatoes with skins for freezing. However, if you think peeling would be better then go for the blanching option. To blanch them you need to keep them in boiled water for some time and then transfer them to the ice water bowl. It makes the peeling process easy and quick.

2. For the best and safest result, it is necessary that you use whole tomatoes or half slices. However, you can also use them by making sauce or puree. This will save you time later when using it for dishes.

3. It is advised to lay tomatoes inside the fridge for some time before you transfer them to containers or bags. This step helps them from sticking when put inside the bags.

4. You should always use airtight bags as air can damage the tomatoes leading to freezer burn. So, make sure you use the bags that can be made airtight.

5. You should not forget to mark the date and details in the container bags. This will help you use the tomatoes at the right time. Though health experts suggest that tomatoes can be kept fresh and juicy for up to 8 months, it will be better to consume them within 6 months for the best taste and texture.

6. Thawing can sometimes result in tomatoes being mushy, so it is often best to cook them straight from the freezer, especially when you use them in soups, stews, and sauces.

Serving Suggestions

Once you have frozen the tomatoes, you can use them anytime and the most amazing thing is that you can use them pairing with various side dishes. They still remain fresh and juicy for up to 6 months and taste fabulous.

Here are some of the best serving options, have a look:

1. Pasta Dishes

Frozen tomatoes go amazingly with pasta. Yes, their fresh and juicy flavor adds attractiveness to your pasta dishes as well as tangy and deliciousness. Whether you use whole frozen tomatoes, frozen pieces, or tomato puree, the pairing just gets enough to impress anyone. You must try this once.

2. Tomato Bread

You can use frozen tomatoes with bread. Either tomato pieces or puree, they just give a brilliant taste and good texture when paired with bread. You can use this combination for breakfast and snacks. Just try this combo you will love to repeat it each time.

Also, this dish is easy to make and tastes amazing besides being a healthy food option. Just by adding frozen and thawed tomatoes directly into bread, you can make this food ready to eat.

3. Lasagna

Have you ever tried frozen tomatoes while making lasagna? Let me tell you, there will be no change in taste and texture when you use frozen ones. They work effectively as fresh tomatoes.

You just need to add thawed tomato puree or whole tomatoes to the lasagna layers. This will give a rich, homemade touch which will make your day.

4. Curries

Another best way to use thawed tomatoes is to make them a part of your favorite curries. Whether you make Indian curries or other dishes where tomatoes are a key ingredient, these frozen and thawed tomatoes add depth and richness to the sauce. You can enjoy them with rice, bead or with pasta.