If you have frozen tomatoes from last summer’s harvest, you may be searching for ways to use them before the new growing season begins. It is an issue that many gardeners face in the winter and early spring.
That is because freezing the fruit is one of the easiest ways to preserve them without having to spend hours cooking and canning during the peak of the harvest.
While frozen tomatoes lose their firm texture, they still retain their fresh, garden-grown flavor. And if you have ever purchased a tomato from the grocery store in the middle of winter, you will immediately notice a difference in flavor.
Why Freezing Tomatoes Is a Good Preservation Method
Canning is a popular way to preserve tomatoes, but it requires time and effort that can be hard to manage during a busy harvest season. Freezing is a simple alternative that allows you to store tomatoes quickly without the need for special equipment.
When tomatoes are frozen at their peak ripeness, they maintain their flavor and nutritional value. You can freeze them whole, diced, or pureed, and they can be stored with or without their skins.
How to Freeze Tomatoes
There are several ways to freeze tomatoes, depending on how you plan to use them. Whole tomatoes are great for making sauces and soups, while diced tomatoes work well in stews and casseroles. Pureed tomatoes are ideal for making a quick sauce or base for soups.
To freeze, wash the fruit thoroughly, remove any stems, and place them in airtight freezer bags. Removing as much air as possible will help prevent freezer burn and keep the tomatoes fresh for longer.
When you’re ready to use frozen whole tomatoes, it’s best to thaw them before cooking. As they thaw the skins with crack and you can easily peel them. Just be aware that they will release liquid as they defrost, so be sure to drain off excess water if your recipe requires a thicker consistency.
To freeze diced tomatoes and pureed tomatoes store them in an air-tight container and place in the freezer for up to 6 months. For most recipes, you don’t even need to thaw the diced or pureed tomatoes.
Now that you know how to freeze tomatoes, let’s take a look at the three best ways to use the frozen tomatoes and make the most of last year’s harvest.
3 Great Ways To Use Frozen Tomatoes
1. Soups
Frozen tomatoes are perfect for making a variety of soups, especially during the colder months when fresh tomatoes are out of season. Thawed tomatoes break down easily, releasing their juices and adding rich flavor to a variety of soups and stews.
To use whole tomatoes in soups, thaw them first so they can be chopped into smaller pieces. If you froze them with skins on, peel them after thawing. This is easy to do – as the tomato thaws the skins will crack and peel off easily.
Once you chop the tomatoes add them directly to your soup base and allow them to cook down as the soup simmers. Of course, if you froze diced tomatoes, tomato puree or juice you can add them directly to your soup without thawing.
Some of the best soups/stews to make include:
Frozen cherry tomatoes also work well in soups, as they break down quickly and add natural sweetness. Whether you prefer smooth or chunky soups, frozen tomatoes are a great way to bring the taste of summer into winter meals.
2. Tomato Sauces
Frozen tomatoes are an excellent base for homemade sauces. Since they lose their firm texture after freezing, they blend and cook down easily, making them ideal for pasta sauces, pizza sauces, and marinara.
To make tomato sauce, start by thawing your frozen tomatoes and removing the skins if you prefer. Cook them down in a pot over medium heat until they soften and release their juices. You can leave the sauce chunky or blend it for a smoother consistency. Then add your favorite seasonings and your homemade sauce is ready to serve.
Popular sauces to make with frozen tomatoes include:
If your sauce is too thin after thawing and cooking, you can simmer it longer to thicken it or add a small amount of tomato paste. Freezing a mix of different tomato varieties can also help create a richer, more complex tasting sauce.
3. Making Tomato Juice
Another great way to use frozen tomatoes is to make homemade tomato juice. Tomato juice is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed as a simple drink or used in cooking. It adds depth of flavor to soups, stews, and sauces.
To make tomato juice from frozen tomatoes:
- Thaw the tomatoes completely, then remove the skins and cores.
- Place the tomatoes and their juices into a large pot and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
- Use a food mill or strainer to separate the juice from the seeds and pulp.
- Season the juice with salt and any desired spices.
Tomato juice can be used in many ways, such as:
- A refreshing drink
- A base for Bloody Mary cocktails
- An ingredient in homemade soups and stews
- A cooking liquid for rice or pasta dishes
The amount of juice you get depends on the type of tomato used. Large slicing tomatoes and cherry tomatoes work best because they have higher water content.
Why You Should Freeze Tomatoes
Freezing tomatoes is one of the easiest ways to preserve them for later use, and they can be used in a variety of cooked dishes. Although they won’t retain their fresh texture, their flavor remains intact, making them ideal for soups, sauces, and juices.
By using frozen tomatoes in these three ways, you can enjoy the taste of your garden all year long. Whether you make a hearty soup, a flavorful sauce, or a refreshing tomato juice, frozen tomatoes provide a simple solution for enjoying homegrown flavors even after the growing season has ended.
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