Yes, you can freeze tomatoes! They can be frozen raw or cooked, whole, sliced, chopped, or puréed.
While freezing tomatoes is a great way to preserve them, it's important to note that the texture will change. Frozen tomatoes become mushy when thawed, making them best suited for cooked dishes like:
- Soups
- Sauces
- Stews
How to Freeze Tomatoes:
- Raw: Simply wash and dry the tomatoes. You can freeze them whole, halved, quartered, sliced, or chopped. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Puréed: Cook the tomatoes until soft, then purée them using a blender or food processor. Let cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion.
- Cooked: Tomato sauces or stews freeze exceptionally well. Allow to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Do Tomatoes Need to Be Blanched Before Freezing?
No, tomatoes do not need to be blanched before freezing.
Important Considerations:
- Texture Changes: Freezing alters the cell structure of tomatoes, leading to a softer, mushier texture upon thawing.
- Freezer Burn: To prevent freezer burn, ensure tomatoes are properly sealed in airtight containers or freezer bags. Removing as much air as possible is key.
- Best Use: Due to the texture change, frozen tomatoes are best used in cooked dishes where texture is less critical.
In conclusion, freezing tomatoes is a practical way to preserve them for later use in cooked dishes, keeping in mind the change in texture upon thawing.
