How to Freeze Tomatoes So You Can Enjoy Your Summer Crop All Year

Follow these Test Kitchen tips to freeze tomatoes and enjoy that fresh summer flavor all year.

Do you want to learn how to freeze tomatoes? We can help! We'll teach you how to freeze tomatoes so you can save your extras for the months to come, and we'll also share tips for freezing whole tomatoes and freezing tomatoes without blanching.

Tomatoes are in peak season from June through September. That's when to look for fresh garden tomatoes at farmers markets, pick-your-own farms, or to harvest those you grew yourself. When selecting tomatoes for freezing, look for ones that are firm and richly colored. They should be free from blemishes, heavy for their size, and have a fragrant aroma. Perfectly ripe tomatoes will give just slightly to palm pressure.

Most varieties of tomatoes can be frozen. However, plum (roma) tomatoes contain the most pulp and will produce the best results. If you don't plan to freeze your tomatoes immediately, store them at room temperature. Avoid storing fresh tomatoes in the refrigerator, which can make them lose flavor and become mealy.

Tips

Test Kitchen Tip: Plan on 1 quart of frozen tomatoes per 2½ to 3½ pounds of fresh tomatoes.

How to Freeze Tomatoes You'll Use Soon

If you plan on using your frozen tomatoes within a month or two, you can quickly freeze them without much prep (no need to peel them). Just follow our instructions for how to freeze tomatoes without blanching:

• If you're using roma tomatoes, core them and remove the seeds. Chop your tomatoes into ½- to 1-inch pieces.

• Line a large rimmed baking pan with parchment paper. Arrange the tomatoes in a single layer on the pan. Freeze 4 to 6 hours or until firm.

• Transfer the tomatoes to labeled and dated airtight containers or freezer bags. Freeze up to 2 months.

Related: Our Guide to Freezing Peaches for Fresh Summer Flavor All Year

How to Blanch Tomatoes for Longer Storage

Blanching is a heat-and-cool process. It stops or slows natural enzymes in the tomatoes that could cause a loss of flavor and color. Blanch tomatoes before freezing if they'll be in your freezer for more than a couple of months. Blanching your tomatoes also makes easy work of peeling them. Here's how to freeze tomatoes after blanching them.

• Fill a large 7- to 8-quart pot with 1 gallon of water; bring water to boiling.

• Cut a shallow X on the bottom of each tomato using a sharp knife. This encourages the skin to split during blanching, so you can slip off the skin easily with your fingers once the tomatoes have cooled.

• Working in 1-pound batches, immerse tomatoes in the boiling water.

• Cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until the tomato skins split open.

• Transfer tomatoes to a large bowl of ice water using a slotted spoon.

Peel and Freeze the Tomatoes

When the tomatoes are cool enough to handle, use a knife or your fingers to peel the skin off the tomatoes.

• Using a small sharp knife, cut out the stem end from the peeled tomatoes.

• If desired, halve, slice, or chop tomatoes (you can also freeze whole tomatoes).

• Spoon the tomatoes into freezer containers or bags, leaving 1-inch headspace.

• Seal and label the container or bag.

• Freeze for up to 10 months.

Related: How to Freeze Strawberries for Fresh Summer Flavor All Year Long

How to Freeze Crushed Tomatoes

Crushed tomatoes are great for adding to sauces because much of the prep work has already been done. Follow the instructions above to wash and peel your tomatoes, then follow these steps for how to freeze crushed tomatoes.

• Cut the tomatoes into quarters and place a single layer in a large pot.

• Lightly crush the tomatoes with a wooden spoon.

• Heat and stir the tomatoes until boiling.

• Slowly add the remaining tomato pieces, stirring constantly. Simmer for 5 minutes.

• Set the pan of tomatoes in ice water to cool.

• Fill your freezer containers, leaving 1-inch headspace.

• If desired, add ¼ to ½ tsp. salt for pints or ½ to 1 tsp. salt for quarts.

If you're running out of room in your freezer, don't panic! You can still save your garden-fresh summer tomatoes for later in the year. Use our Test Kitchen methods and tips to learn how to can tomatoes to store in the pantry.

Cooking with Frozen Tomatoes

If you're wondering how to use your tomatoes once you've stocked your freezer, there are a lot of different dishes you can make with them, such as Veggie-Pesto Lasagna Soup (substitute fresh tomatoes for canned) and Fresh Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons. Use fresh tomato sauce in dishes like Zoodle Bowls with Tomato Sauce, Puttanesca Pasta Sauce, and Fresh Tomato Spaghetti Sauce.

But since freezing changes the texture of the tomato, you'll want to avoid using frozen tomatoes in recipes that call for fresh (like salads and sandwiches). Stick to tomato sauces, soups, and stews to make the most of your frozen tomatoes.

For more Better Homes & Gardens news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens.