Freezing Tomatoes to Enjoy the Harvest Year-Round
Looking for ways to preserve your garden harvest? While canning is the most popular, freezing tomatoes is super easy and works just as well!
I don’t know about you, but I never got into the canning thing.
You think I would but just haven’t.
While my kids were young, it just wasn’t something I had the time or the energy to learn and do.
But now that they are grown and don’t need me as much, I have a little more time to focus on ways to preserving my garden.
For years, I’ve been drying flowers for DIY wreaths and arrangements.
I especially love to dry hydrangeas using THIS method.
This year, my raised garden bed produced SO MANY vegetables that I don’t want them to go to waste.
So I’m looking for simple ways to preserve them.
Wait until you see how easy it is to freeze your tomato harvest!
How to Freeze Fresh Tomatoes
This year, I grew several varieties of tomatoes.
And they are all ready to be harvested but not enough people in my family to eat them all.
I would love to spend a day canning them but don’t have the time to dedicate it this year.
So freezing them is the next best thing!
It is ridiculously easy to do and the best part?
You’ll be able to enjoy fresh tomatoes from your garden any time of year!
Here’s how to do it!
Supplies Needed for Freezing Tomatoes
- stockpot
- sharp knife
- cutting board
- storage containers
- slotted spoon
Instructions for Freezing Tomatoes
- Wash and dry tomatoes.
- Bring a stockpot of water to a boil.
- Cut out the stem tops. And if there is a bottom, cut that off too.
- Carefully drop the tomatoes in boiling water with slotted spoon.
- DO NOT COOK! Keep the tomatoes in for a bout 30-60 seconds tops.
- Remove from boiling water with slotted spoon.
- Allow tomatoes to cool.
- Peel skin off.
- Rough chop tomatoes.
- Place in a freezer friendly storage container.
- If needed, add some of the tomato juices so there isn’t a lot air in the container. This will help prevent freezer burn. And leave about an inch or so to the top of the container to allow for expansion. Do not overfill.
- Label the container with date and variety.
- Freeze until you are ready to use them.
Isn’t that so easy?
It takes about an hour or so from start to finish.
But totally worth it to enjoy fresh tomatoes from the garden year-round.
Head over to blog to check out these amazing recipes using fresh tomatoes.
My Favorite Fresh Tomatoes Recipes
- Bruschetta Tomatoes Recipe from Grandma’s Vault
- The Best Recipe for Caprese Salad
- Loaded Nachos
- Quick and Easy Spinache Tortellini Soup
- How to Make Sunday Sauce with Meatballs Like a Pro
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Freezing Tomatoes to Enjoy the Harvest Year-Round
Recipe details
Ingredients
- tomatoes
- freezer friendly container
Instructions
- Wash and dry tomatoes
- Bring stockpot of water to a boil.
- Cut out the stem tops. And if there is a bottom, cut that off too.
- Carefully drop the tomatoes in boiling water with slotted spoon.
- DO NOT COOK! Keep the tomatoes in for a bout 30-60 seconds tops
- Remove from boiling water with slotted spoon.
- Allow tomatoes to cool.
- Peel skin off.
- Rough chop tomatoes.
- Place in a freezer friendly storage container.
- Add some of the tomato juices so there isn't a lot air in the container. This will help prevent freezer burn. And leave about an inch or so to the top of the container to allow for expansion. Do not overfill.
- Label the container with date and variety.
- Freeze until you are ready to use them.
Tips
- How many tomatoes you use will depend on the yield.
Comments
Share your thoughts, or ask a question!
i love doing this....perfect for chili, or hotdishes...and taste so much better.
Thanks