How to Freeze Tomatoes So You Can Enjoy Them Whenever You Want

Summer tomatoes all year long! Yes, please.

Canned tomatoes are a timeless pantry hero and the base of many of our most beloved recipes. You can buy canned tomatoes at the grocery store, but you can also make your own version. If you find yourself with a surplus of fresh tomatoes, consider preserving them so you can enjoy the flavor of fresh summer tomatoes all year long. Here, we’ve broken down how to freeze tomatoes, both whole and crushed, to reduce food waste and enjoy tomatoes at their peak whenever you please. Trust us: your winter self will thank you!

Related: Can You Freeze Zucchini? Here's the Best Way to Do It

How to Freeze Whole Tomatoes

We recommend blanching and peeling tomatoes before freezing them to save yourself some trouble later on. A small ‘X’ incision pre-blanch makes the peeling process easy.

1. Remove the clean tomatoes’ stems with a small knife and cut a small ‘X’ into the tomato skin. (The ‘X’ will ensure that the skin peels off easily.)

2. Boil a pot of water.

3. Briefly add the prepared tomatoes to the boiling water (around 30 seconds should do the trick), then drain them and plunge them into an ice bath.

4. When the tomatoes are cool enough to handle, remove the skins.

5. Spread the peeled tomatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 2-3 hours.

6. Next, transfer the tomatoes to an airtight food storage container and return them to the freezer.

Related: How to Freeze Green Peppers, and Other Peppers Too

How to Freeze Crushed Tomatoes

Crushed tomatoes are such a versatile ingredient, and they’re easy to make and freeze yourself.

1. Remove the clean tomatoes’ stems with a small knife and cut a small ‘X’ into the tomato skin. (The ‘X’ will ensure that the skin peels off easily.)

2. Boil a pot of water.

3. Briefly add the prepared tomatoes to the boiling water (around 30 seconds should do the trick), then drain them and plunge them into an ice bath.

4. When the tomatoes are cool enough to handle, remove the skins from the tomatoes.

5. Crush the tomatoes by hand or in a food processor or blender, depending on the consistency you’re going for.

6. Add the crushed tomatoes to an airtight, freezer-safe container, and transfer it to the freezer.

How Long Do Frozen Tomatoes Last?

Frozen tomatoes, no matter if they’re frozen whole or crushed, are best consumed within six to eight months. When freezing your tomatoes, label the storage container so you know the window you have to consume them.

Related: How Long Can Chicken Stay in the Fridge? Here's What You Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to blanch tomatoes before freezing?

No, you don’t have to blanch tomatoes before freezing them, so long as you don’t mind tomato skins.

How do I use frozen tomatoes?

The texture of tomatoes changes significantly in the freezer, so frozen tomatoes are best cooked into soups, sauces, and braises rather than served raw. To use frozen tomatoes, you can either thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, at room temperature for a few hours, or throw them straight into the pot or pan you’re cooking with. Try frozen tomatoes in recipes like Skillet Polenta in Creamy Tomato Sauce, Italian Baked Eggs With Tomato Sauce, and Skillet Spinach Lasagna.

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