Freezing fresh Tomatoes is EASY and is a SUPER way to preserve the great taste and low prices of in season Tomatoes! Besides, when you know how to freeze Tomatoes, it only takes about 5 minutes!
Wondering How To USE Frozen Tomatoes? Easy! We love ours with Tomato Gravy and Tomato Sauce! Cowboy Lasagna is a PERFECT use for those yummy Tomatoes!
Why This Recipe Works…
- Fast
- Easy
- Saves Money!
- Can be used in all kinds of recipes!
Here’s How It is Done
STEP 1. Wash, dry and cut the tomato into the size slices you want to preserve..
STEP 2. Spread them out so that they have plenty of room on a baking sheet on top of parchment paper. If your freezer is too small for a baking sheet, it is fine to use a plate * see photo*
STEP 3. Place the tray into the freezer for at least 2 hours. Remove and then measure out quantities for each bag. Label the bags before filling with Tomatoes for easy use.
Do Tomatoes Freeze Well?
Yes, they do freeze well. Simply follow the recipe listed below.
Can You Freeze Tomatoes Without Blanching Them First?
Yes, you can freeze Tomatoes without blanching them first! It is so simple that you will be surprised! Follow the recipe card below. It’s one of the easiest vegetables to freeze!
Freeze Tomatoes How Long?
Keep frozen Tomatoes for 6 months to 1 year. Be sure to keep them as close to 32C as possible. Squeeze as much air from the bag as possible before freezing.
How To Freeze Fresh Tomatoes
Wash and cut the Tomatoes into bite size pieces or slices and place on a flat sheet pan. Place baking sheet into the freezer for 2 hours. Remove and place into labeled freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible from the freezer bag. Lay the bags as flat as possible into the freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
How Do I Freeze Tomatoes to Keep Them From Getting Mushy?
Freezing the Tomatoes individually and keeping them dry like described in the recipe card below will help to keep them from becoming overly mushy. However, all frozen veggies do become more mushy after freezing and you will want to use these in cooked items. Don’t plan to use them as you would fresh.
Can You Freeze Diced Tomatoes?
Yes, follow the directions I’ve noted below, spread them out well on a parchment covered pan and allow to freeze before packaging.
Can I Puree Tomatoes and Freeze Them?
Absolutely! Simply puree, put into freezer bags and freeze. It’s that easy!
Do I Need To Wash Tomatoes Before Freezing Them?
If they are unusually dirty, a rinse should be sufficient.
Can I Freeze Whole Tomatoes for Canning Later?
You CAN, however, if you are freezing them, you might just want to freeze them. Period.
Can I Use Frozen Tomatoes for Canning?
Yes, absolutely, you can! Just thaw and follow your normal procedures for canning. Nothing like jars of beautiful jewel toned tomatoes!
Do I Need To Thaw Tomatoes Before Using Them?
No, you don’t need to thaw Tomatoes before using them. You can add them directly to the dish you are cooking and they will cook right up!
Add them to baked casseroles, soups and stews!
Can you Freeze Cooked Tomatoes?
Yes! Absolutely! Put them in a freezer safe bag and freeze them for your next cooking project.
Save them in the amounts that you will use them because the frozen cooked Tomatoes will stick together in one clump.
How Do You Thaw Them?
There’s no need to thaw them before using in your recipe, but if you want to thaw them, run cool water over them for a minute or two. If you put the bag that they are frozen into the fridge, they will also thaw. You will notice a lot of liquid in the bag. No need to use this liquid in your recipe.
Can Frozen Tomatoes Be Substituted For Fresh?
Yes, you can substitute for fresh in most cooking applications . You won’t want to use them in salads or anything where you would use fresh raw veggies.
Does Freezing Tomatoes Affect the Taste?
Freezing Tomatoes does not affect the taste but does affect the texture. They become a little mushy after freezing as do all veggies. It is best to use them in baked and cooked dishes.
How To Know If Frozen Tomatoes are Bad
If you notice….
- The Tomatoes appears encased in ice crystals or frost
- If very light colored and dry
- If it has been in the freezer longer than 6 months.
- You note a lot of air in the package.
What’s the Best Way to Freeze Tomatoes?
- Simply follow the instructions listed below and you’ll have the very best method.
- Be sure to select unbruised, un-sprouted veggies. The quality of what you freeze will be reflected in the final product you have at the end.
- It might be more information than you ever wanted to know, but the USDA can tell you all you want to know!
Tips and Tricks for Freezing Tomatoes
- This recipe will work for ANY amount of Tomatoes you want to freeze.
- The most important instruction is to spread the Tomatoes out so that they have enough space between them that they won’t stick together.
- Best uses for these Tomatoes will be stir fry, baking, and casseroles.
- Here's a TON of facts on Tomatoes from the USDA!
PRO TIP: Put as many of the frozen pieces as you want in a large gallon size Ziploc bag and just use the amount you need each time, reseal the bag and save it for later.
If You Want To Know More About Freezing Other Foods, Check Out….
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Leave me a 5 STAR comment in the comment section below. This helps other people to find recipes on Loaves and Dishes!
How to Freeze Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 5 lb tomatoes you can use any amount of tomatoes for this recipe
Instructions
- Rinse the veggie well and allow to dry if there is obvious dirt.
- Cut into the desired size pieces that you want.
- Spread pieces out onto a baking sheet
- Place into the freezer and allow to stay there for at least 2 hours
- Remove from freezer and place in zip lock FREEZER bags. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. Label the bag with sharpie marker.
- Place back in the freezer and you can use as much as you need from the container for 6 months - 1 year.
Notes
- This recipe will work for ANY amount of tomatoes you want to freeze.
- The most important instruction is to spread the tomatoes out so that they have enough space between them that they won't stick together.
- Best uses for these onions will be stir soups, stews and casseroles.
Nutrition
A VERSE TO SHARE
I don't know about you, but I need these words today. It's not always so easy for me to forgive, but I need to. You do too.
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Pamela Oliver says
I'm so happy to find Loaves and Dishes. I've learned to freeze peppers and tomatoes and so many other how to's. Great recipes I look forward to making.
Wendi Spraker says
Hi Pamela! That's great. I hope you visit often!
Wendi Spraker says
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