7 Ways to Preserve Tomatoes

Tomatoes are at their peak in the summer, and preserving them allows you to enjoy their fresh flavor all year round. Whether you grow your own or buy in bulk, here are seven methods to preserve tomatoes:

1. Canning Tomatoes
Canning is one of the best ways to preserve tomatoes for long-term storage. It involves sealing tomatoes in jars and processing them in boiling water to create a vacuum seal.

How to Do It:

Wash and peel the tomatoes (optional: blanch them in boiling water for easy peeling).
Cut the tomatoes into halves, quarters, or crush them, depending on your preference.
Add salt and lemon juice or citric acid to prevent spoilage.
Pack the tomatoes into sterilized canning jars, leaving enough headspace at the top.
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for the recommended time based on your altitude.
2. Freezing Tomatoes
Freezing is a simple and quick method to preserve tomatoes. You can freeze them whole, chopped, or pureed.

How to Do It:

Wash the tomatoes and remove the stems.
For easy peeling, blanch them in boiling water for a minute and then place them in ice water. Peel the skins off.
Freeze them whole or cut them into pieces. If you plan to puree, blend them first.
Spread the tomatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze, and then transfer to a freezer bag for long-term storage.
3. Making Tomato Sauce