7 Ways to Preserve Tomatoes

Making and preserving tomato sauce is a great way to turn fresh tomatoes into a versatile ingredient for many recipes.

How to Do It:

Wash, peel, and crush or chop your tomatoes.
Cook the tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, onion, herbs, and seasoning until they break down into a sauce.
You can freeze the sauce in containers or can it using the method mentioned above for longer storage.
4. Sun-Drying Tomatoes
Sun-drying tomatoes concentrates their flavor and can be a great way to preserve them, especially in hot, sunny climates.

How to Do It:

Wash and slice the tomatoes in half or quarters.
Place them on a drying rack or tray in direct sunlight.
Sprinkle with salt and let them dry for several days until they are leathery but still pliable.
Store the dried tomatoes in an airtight container or jar, or submerge them in olive oil for added flavor.
5. Dehydrating Tomatoes
Dehydrating tomatoes in a dehydrator or an oven removes most of their moisture and makes them shelf-stable.

How to Do It:

Wash and slice the tomatoes, removing the seeds if desired.
Lay them in a single layer on dehydrator trays or a baking sheet.
If using an oven, set it to the lowest possible temperature (around 140°F) and leave the door slightly ajar for airflow.
Once dried (about 6-12 hours in a dehydrator), store them in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags.
6. Pickling Tomatoes