Can You Freeze Tomatoes Whole?  Everything You Need to Know Before You Begin!

Is Freezing Tomatoes Right For You?

If you’ve ever found yourself with an abundance of ripe tomatoes from your garden and canning isn’t your cup of tea, then freezing tomatoes might be the perfect solution for preserving their freshness. Freezing tomatoes is a fast and easy method. In this blog post, I will address all the questions and concerns you might have about this surprising yet effective preservation technique.

Why Freeze Tomatoes?

For many gardeners, having an overwhelming number of ripe tomatoes all at once is a common occurrence. Freezing tomatoes presents an attractive option because it doesn’t require the learning curve associated with canning, which can be daunting for those new to food preservation. Canning also demands strict adherence to guidelines to prevent food borne illnesses, making freezing a more convenient alternative.

Freezing Tomatoes: How It Works

You might be wondering if it’s possible to freeze tomatoes whole, and the answer is YES! Freezing whole tomatoes is the easiest way to go about it. Simply wash and dry the tomatoes, then core them (if desired) before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. No need for slicing or dicing; it’s that simple!

Texture and Skins after Freezing Tomatoes

After freezing, the texture of tomatoes will resemble canned tomatoes without any added preservatives or unnecessary ingredients. Contrary to canning, there’s no need to blanch tomatoes before freezing. Additionally, you need not remove the skins beforehand. After thawing, a quick dip in water or running them under the tap will cause the skins to slide off effortlessly.

Sometimes it’s nice to ‘see’ someone while they are explaining things. If this is you, check out the link to my YouTube video below!

Cherry Tomatoes and Larger Tomatoes

Whether you have cherry tomatoes or larger varieties, both can be frozen without any issues. Feel free to freeze whichever type you have in abundance.

Culinary Uses of Frozen Tomatoes

While frozen tomatoes are a fantastic addition to many dishes, they might not be the best option for certain recipes. Due to their texture, they might not work well in traditional BLT sandwiches. However, they are perfect for making pasta sauce, soups, stews, chili, and salsa, providing a flavorful and nutritious base for these dishes.

Storage Tips and Shelf Life

To avoid freezer burn, store the tomatoes in freezer bags and place them in a chest freezer. Loose storage can lead to undesirable freezer burn. When properly frozen and stored, tomatoes can maintain their quality for up to 12 months.

Flavour and Nutritional Benefits

While the flavour of frozen tomatoes isn’t exactly the same as that of fresh ones, it still remains delicious and retains its nutritional value. Unlike canned tomatoes from the grocery store, frozen tomatoes don’t contain excessive salt or preservatives, making them a healthier option for your recipes.

Combining Freezing and Canning Tomatoes

For those with a busy schedule during tomato harvest season, a clever strategy is to freeze the tomatoes during summer and can them in winter when time allows. This way, you can enjoy the convenience of both preservation methods without feeling overwhelmed.

Preparing For Power Outages

If you live in an area prone to power outages, investing in a small generator to power your freezer during such situations can ensure that your frozen produce remains safe and doesn’t spoil.

Have You Thought Of Freezing Other Vegetables?

Tomatoes aren’t the only thing that freezes well. Beans freeze well too! Beans will last up to 12 months in the freezer.  You can either steam them or add them to soups, stews or anything your little heart desires.  When my beans are ready the following year, my freezer is pretty empty so it’s perfect timing. To see my simple method of freezing beans check out my blog post ‘How To Freeze Fresh Beans From The Garden’. You will be impressed.

Comment Below

Freezing tomatoes is a practical and efficient way to preserve the bountiful harvest from your garden. With the answers to these common questions, you’re now ready to begin freezing tomatoes. Do you think freezing tomatoes will be a convenient option for you to try this year? Comment below and let me know. I would love to hear from you.

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