Freezing Tomatoes

Freezing fresh raw tomatoes, which are available in the summer season, can be helpful in storing them for a period of as long as 8 months. Freezing tomatoes will be helpful for storing tomatoes for winters, and you can use them for these 8 months to make sauces, salsa, soups and other recipes. This is pretty easy job; all you need is some basic equipment in your kitchen. Follow these methods of freezing tomatoes, to store them.

How to Freeze Tomatoes?

Here are the things you will require and the simple steps for storing and freezing raw tomatoes. Things you will need for this easy tomato freezing recipe are:

• Fresh tomatoes
• Drainer
• Boiling pot
• Empty vessels
• A good cutting knife
• Freezer Bag
• Paper towels

Step #1: Selecting the Tomatoes
You will need to select fresh and ripe tomatoes; the variety which have less water and more pulp, so that you can make a thick sauce for various tomato recipes. You can buy the tomatoes from a grocery store, but it will be better if you get them from a farm. Some of the best varieties of tomatoes which you can opt for, are the beefsteak, the Roma paste-type, lemon boy yellow and the better boy. Make sure you do not pick any mushy, rotten or bruised tomatoes.

Step #2: Washing Tomatoes
Before cutting or peeling tomatoes, it is important that you wash them. Wash them under clean running tap water, rub the surface to remove any dirt, and wipe it dry with a paper towel. Cut the stem scar and the surrounding area. Do not use any soap to wash the tomatoes, as the chemicals in the soap can get absorbed by the tomatoes.

Step #3: Preparing the Tomatoes for Freezing
Tomatoes can be frozen whole, pureed, sliced or chopped. Also, you can either freeze them raw or cooked in any form. For any recipes, where you are cooking the tomatoes later on, thawed raw tomatoes can be used. You should always season them before serving. Never add any seasoning to the tomatoes when you are freezing them, as the flavor of the seasoning won't be retained.

If you wish to store cooked and chopped tomatoes, then you should remove its skin, because if the skin is not removed the tomatoes might become tough and lose their color. Put tomatoes in a boiling pot for a minute, and then quickly immerse them in a bowl of ice water, the skin will start sliding away. Chop each tomato into two halves. Remove the skin and squeeze out the seeds and water from the tomatoes, using your hands. Chop each half of tomato again into two halves. Drain the tomatoes and follow the next step.

Step #4: Packaging & Storing
Set the empty freezer bags in a small container, so that it will be kept open and it will be easier to fill the tomatoes in it. Using a ladle, scoop the tomatoes and put them inside the freezer bags, till the bag is ¾ full. If you have a vacuum sealer then remove any air and seal bags. In case you don't have a vacuum sealer, then remove all the air by pressing the bag, and seal them. Wipe the bags clean, and store them in the freezer.
So, buy some fresh tomatoes and freeze them in any way you like. However, peeled and drained good variety of tomatoes will give you a thicker sauce. So, use the above steps for storing and freezing tomatoes at home!