Can You Freeze Cherry Tomatoes?
Here’s what we know.
Natalia Ganelin/Getty Images
Cherry tomatoes are nature’s candy; at their peak in the summer, they’re sweet, juicy, and delicious both raw and cooked. But, can you freeze cherry tomatoes? As it turns out, the bite-sized fruits couldn’t be easier to pop in the freezer, so you can enjoy the taste of summer all year long. Just remember that freezing changes tomatoes’ texture, so it’s best to eat frozen tomatoes cooked into a sauce or soup, rather than fresh. When buying cherry tomatoes, look for vibrantly colored fruits with a firm skin that gives just slightly when pressed. Read on for practical tips to enjoy peak season cherry tomatoes throughout the year.
Related: Do Eggs Need to Be Refrigerated? Here's What You Need to Know
Natalia Ganelin/Getty Images
How to Freeze Whole Cherry Tomatoes
It’s so simple to freeze whole cherry tomatoes that it hardly warrants instructions; just wash, dry, and freeze!
Wash and dry cherry tomatoes.
Lay the tomatoes out in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, and freeze for about two hours, or until frozen solid.
Transfer the frozen tomatoes to an airtight food storage container, like a sealed plastic bag, and return it to the freezer.
How to Freeze Diced Cherry Tomatoes
If you prefer to dice cherry tomatoes before cooking them, it makes sense to do so before freezing to save yourself a step later on.
Related: Can You Freeze Grapes? Here’s the Best Way to Do It
Wash, dry, and dice cherry tomatoes.
Lay the diced tomatoes in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, and freeze for about two hours, or until frozen solid.
Transfer the frozen diced tomatoes to an airtight food storage container, like a sealed plastic bag, and return it to the freezer.
How Long Do Frozen Cherry Tomatoes Last?
Frozen cherry tomatoes last for about a year before they start to deteriorate. Use them up before the 12-month mark to enjoy them when they’re at their best.
Related: Can You Freeze Peaches? How to Preserve the Fruit So You Can Enjoy It All Year
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to blanch cherry tomatoes before freezing?
No, you don’t need to blanch cherry tomatoes first! Skip the blanching and freeze them as they are.
How do I use frozen cherry tomatoes?
Sauté (or roast!) frozen cherry tomatoes with olive oil and salt to concentrate their flavor, and let the water they release cook off. Turn the sweet, cooked tomatoes into a sauce, soup, or strew, or add them to hearty salads like this white bean one. Other recipes that work well with frozen tomatoes are Linguine With Cherry Tomato Sauce, Pasta With Garlicky Yogurt Sauce and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, and Orzo Tomato Salad.
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