Can You Freeze Tomatoes? Have fresh tomatoes at home? If you want to store them for a longer term then the best option is to freeze them. Freezing is one of the easiest long-term storage methods for tomatoes, as long as you store them the proper way and know how to use tomatoes that have been frozen.
Have a look and find out how to freeze tomatoes, how long frozen tomatoes last, how to thaw frozen tomatoes, how to use frozen tomatoes, how to refreeze them etc.
- Can You Freeze Tomatoes?
- How to Freeze Tomatoes?
- Tips For Freezing Tomatoes
- How Long Can You Freeze Tomatoes?
- How To Defrost Tomatoes?
- Can You Refreeze Tomatoes?
- Do Tomatoes Freeze Well?
- Is It Mandatory To Blanch Tomatoes Before Freezing?
- Do Frozen Tomatoes Taste The Same As Fresh Ones?
- How To Use Frozen Tomatoes?
- Interesting Facts On Tomatoes
- Can you freeze cooked tomatoes?
- Can you refreeze tomatoes?
- How long can frozen tomatoes be stored?
Can You Freeze Tomatoes?
It’s definitely a yes. Freezing Tomatoes is one of the ideal methods to increase their life. Frozen tomatoes last upto 6 months in the fridge. However, freezing is not an option if you intend to consume the tomatoes raw. Tomatoes are best for freezing when you plan to cook them later.
How to Freeze Tomatoes?
Below are the step-by-step instructions for freezing raw and cooked tomatoes:
- Firstly blanch the tomatoes by placing them in boiling water for about 60-90 sec
- Remove the stems and core tomatoes.
- Place them in freezer bags or airtight container
- Seal the bags, however, make sure to let in as much as air possible to avoid freezer burn.
- Place the tomatoes in the freezer
- After you cook the tomatoes you can wait until it cools down
- Then you can transfer the dish to a suitable container
- Directly you can place them in the freezer.
Find out about similar vegetables like potatoes and whether or not Can you Freeze Boiled Potatoes in a matter of no time.
Tips For Freezing Tomatoes
Given below are a few tips that can help you freeze the veggie the right way:
- Tomato is a veggie that does not freeze very well, so turning the veggie into a sauce will help you freeze it pretty easily.
- Keep in mind, is better not to eat frozen tomatoes raw as they are mushy
- Avoid freezing tomatoes that are too expensive and fancy in look
- Make sure you always keep tomatoes frozen in rigid containers
How Long Can You Freeze Tomatoes?
If kept in the freezer, tomatoes will stay for a longer period. Generally, Tomatoes stay in the fridge for about two weeks. However, if you freeze them they can stay upto six months. Follow our articles on How Long Do Tomatoes Last to get a better idea of the shelf life, tips to store, etc.
How To Defrost Tomatoes?
You can defrost tomatoes easily if you want to use them for making a dish. If you want to thaw whole tomatoes, hold them under warm running water for a minute or two, and then you are done. Pureed or chopped tomatoes can be used in any recipe as they are.
Can You Refreeze Tomatoes?
Refreezing tomatoes is never recommended. Already the texture of the veggie changes when you freeze it. Hence if you go to refreeze them, it will further destroy the texture and taste of the tomatoes. The only reason refreezing them would be good is when you intend to make tomato sauce.
Do Tomatoes Freeze Well?
Unfortunately, tomatoes don’t freeze so well. If you ever think of using frozen tomatoes for making the same dishes made out of fresh tomatoes, think twice!
As mentioned earlier the texture of frozen tomatoes will be different. Hence you can use them to make salads. However, if you plan to make tomato sauce, frozen tomatoes are perfect.
Is It Mandatory To Blanch Tomatoes Before Freezing?
No, it’s not necessary to blanch tomatoes before you freeze them if you plan to store tomatoes for a short period lime upto two months, you don’t have to blanch them. However, if you intend to store the veggie for more than three months it’s always better to blanch them before you freeze them.
Do Frozen Tomatoes Taste The Same As Fresh Ones?
Frozen tomatoes retain their flavor for upto 12 months of storage. However, there will be a change in the texture of the veggie. When you defrost them there is a chance that the tomatoes lose their original flavour.
How To Use Frozen Tomatoes?
Frozen tomatoes can be used in the following dishes:
- Sauce
- Soups
- Stews
- Pasta dishes
Interesting Facts On Tomatoes
Below are some lesser-known facts about tomatoes:
- Tomatoes are well known for protecting the heart.
- You can believe it or not, tomatoes are not always red
- Tomatoes are a veggie that has been grown in space as well!
- Tomatoes are considered to be the official vegetable of New Jersey.
FAQs on Can You Freeze Tomatoes
1. Can you freeze cooked tomatoes?
Yes, just like raw tomatoes you can also freeze tomatoes even if they are cooked. Freezing cooked tomatoes will extend their shelf life by upto 6 months.
Even though you can refreeze tomatoes, it’s generally not advised as refreezing tomatoes will cause a change in their texture and flavor.
3. How long can frozen tomatoes be stored?
Frozen tomatoes can be stored for upto 6 months in the fridge.
Conclusion
Now that you are already familiar with the different methods of storing tomatoes, thinking of freezing tomatoes when you have extra on hand won’t be an issue anymore.
In addition, having a great load of tomatoes is never going to overwhelm you again. Freeze your tomatoes the right way to make sure that you enjoy them always!
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