How to Freeze Tomatoes: Enjoy the Taste of Summer Year-Round

Keep the Essence of Summer Alive with Frozen Tomatoes

Savoring a fresh tomato, sprinkled with salt, is one of life’s simple pleasures. For those blessed with a green thumb, there’s nothing quite like harvesting sun-kissed tomatoes from your garden. But if gardening isn’t your forte, local farmers’ markets offer a bountiful selection that allows you to relish this delightful fruit throughout the summer. What happens, though, when the seasons change? To continue enjoying tomatoes beyond the warm months, it’s essential to learn how to freeze them.

Freezing Tomatoes is Simpler Than You Think

A decade ago, freezing tomatoes may have seemed unappealing, but thanks to the efforts of gardeners and culinary experts, there are effective methods for preserving that fresh summer flavor. Surprisingly, there are multiple approaches you can take.

Which Tomatoes Freeze Best?

While all tomatoes can be frozen, many enthusiasts agree that the fleshy Roma variety holds up the best. Here are some tips for selecting the ideal tomatoes to freeze:

Choose firm, richly colored tomatoes.
Look for tomatoes that have a strong fragrance and feel heavy.
Avoid any with blemishes.
If you pick tomatoes before they’re fully ripe, let them sit on your counter or in a sunny spot until they ripen.
Freeze them promptly once they’re ready.

Do Frozen Tomatoes Become Mushy?

Yes, freezing tomatoes can change their texture. This transformation is particularly useful if you plan to puree them, as the freezing process causes the pulp fibers to expand and break down, resulting in a watery texture. Although this may dilute their flavor somewhat, it can be beneficial for specific culinary uses.

How to Freeze Sliced Tomatoes

According to the University of Minnesota Extension, freezing sliced tomatoes is straightforward. Follow these steps:

Slice tomatoes into at least ½-inch pieces.
Place the slices on a cookie sheet and freeze for about 2 hours.
Once frozen, transfer them to freezer bags or containers.

Freezing on a cookie sheet first prevents the slices from clumping together, allowing you to thaw only what you need without wasting any juice.

How to Freeze Whole Tomatoes

You can freeze tomatoes whole, either peeled or unpeeled. The University of Nebraska’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources provides guidance for both:

For Unpeeled Tomatoes:

Place the whole tomatoes on a cookie sheet and freeze until solid.
Transfer them to freezer bags or containers and seal tightly.

For Peeled Tomatoes:

Blanch tomatoes in boiling water for about a minute until the skins split for easier peeling.
After peeling, follow the same freezing instructions as above.

How to Freeze Pureed Tomatoes

If you primarily use tomatoes for sauces or soups, consider pureeing them before freezing. This method saves space in your freezer and reduces the risk of freezer burn. For a thicker puree, squeeze out excess juice in cheesecloth before blending. For a saucier consistency, simply puree without straining.

Portion out your puree into freezer bags, remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze flat. Once frozen, you can stack the bags or stand them upright.

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Summary

Freezing tomatoes is a fantastic way to extend the enjoyment of this summer staple throughout the year. By selecting the right tomatoes and following simple freezing methods—whether sliced, whole, or pureed—you can preserve their delicious flavor for future meals.