Tomatoes are the essence of summer, offering juicy, tangy bites that elevate everything from sandwiches to salads. But as the season ends, many of us find ourselves with an abundance of ripe tomatoes and a desire to enjoy them throughout the year. The good news? You can preserve the fresh flavor of your tomatoes well into the colder months. In this article, we’ll cover seven ways to preserve tomatoes so you can enjoy them no matter the season.
1. Dry Tomatoes in the Oven for Intense Flavor
Oven-dried tomatoes are a fantastic way to preserve the natural sweetness of your tomatoes, and you don’t even need a dehydrator to get started.
- How to do it: Start by cutting your tomatoes in half, removing the pulp and core, and seasoning them lightly with salt and herbs. Lay the seasoned tomatoes directly onto a baking rack and pop them in the oven at 200°F (93°C) for 4 to 6 hours. When they’ve shriveled up around the edges and reduced in size, they’re ready.
- Storage: Once cooled, store your dried tomatoes in jars filled with olive oil. These will keep in the refrigerator for up to two
- months.
- Why it’s great: Oven-dried tomatoes add intense bursts of flavor to pasta, salads, and even sandwiches.
2. Freeze Tomatoes for Easy Use Later
Freezing tomatoes is one of the easiest preservation methods, and it allows you to portion them out in freezer bags for future use.
- How to do it: Start by peeling the tomatoes. To make this easier, score an “X” at the bottom of each tomato and briefly submerge them in boiling water for about 20 seconds. Once cooled, the skins will slide right off. Then, quarter the tomatoes, place them into quart-sized freezer bags, and remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Why it’s great: Frozen tomatoes are perfect for soups, sauces, and stews. They may lose their firmness when thawed, but their rich flavor remains intact.
3. Make Tomato Jam for a Sweet and Savory Twist
If you’re looking for a more unique way to preserve your tomatoes, tomato jam is a fun and delicious option. It brings together the sweetness of the tomatoes with a touch of acidity from lemon juice.
- How to do it: After peeling your tomatoes, simmer them with sugar, lemon, and spices like cinnamon or ginger. The mixture will thicken into a sweet and savory jam.
- Why it’s great: Tomato jam is perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with cheese, or using as a glaze for meats. Its versatile flavor makes it a pantry favorite.
4. Can Tomatoes to Preserve Freshness for the Year
Canning is a time-tested method of preserving tomatoes, and it’s perfect for ensuring that your tomatoes stay as fresh as when you jarred them.
- How to do it: Cut your tomatoes into cubes and place them in sterilized canning jars. The twist? You’ll place the jars into a cool oven (no preheating needed), set the oven to 275°F (135°C), and leave them to process for 75 minutes. Once done, allow the jars to cool on a rack. You’ll hear the satisfying “pop” of the lids as they seal.
- Why it’s great: Properly canned tomatoes can last up to a year, and they won’t get mushy. They’re perfect for adding to soups, sauces, or stews when you need a burst of summer flavor in winter.
5. Make Tomato Chips for a Healthy Snack
For a crispy, flavorful alternative to potato chips, try making tomato chips. These are easy to make if you have a dehydrator and are a healthy, low-calorie snack.
- How to do it: Slice your tomatoes thinly and sprinkle them with salt and dried basil. Lay them out in your dehydrator until they’re crispy, which typically takes a few hours.
- Why it’s great: Tomato chips are a guilt-free snack that’s packed with flavor. You can enjoy them on their own, crumble them over salads, or add them to soups for extra texture.
6. Make Your Own Tomato Paste for Rich, Homemade Dishes
Tomato paste is a kitchen staple, adding depth and flavor to countless dishes. Making your own is easier than you think and allows you to control the flavor and ingredients.
- How to do it: Simmer your peeled tomatoes with olive oil and salt, cooking them down until they reduce into a thick, rich paste. Spread the paste out on a baking sheet and continue drying it in the oven for a few hours. Once ready, jar the paste or freeze it in small portions.
- Why it’s great: Homemade tomato paste lasts up to nine months in the freezer and is perfect for adding to soups, sauces, and casseroles for a deep, rich tomato flavor.
7. Make Quick and Fresh Salsa in Five Minutes
If you’re looking for a way to use up your fresh tomatoes quickly, salsa is the way to go. Not only is it delicious, but it’s incredibly easy to whip up in minutes.
- How to do it: Combine chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and serrano pepper in a food processor. Pulse a few times until you reach your desired consistency.
- Why it’s great: Homemade salsa is the perfect accompaniment to chips, tacos, or grilled meats. Best of all, it’s a great way to ensure no tomatoes go to waste.
Conclusion: Preserve the Taste of Summer All Year Round
Whether you’re a fan of canning, freezing, or creating flavorful snacks and sauces, there are plenty of ways to preserve tomatoes for later use. By taking a little time during the height of tomato season, you can ensure that you have access to their rich flavors well beyond the summer months. Try out one (or more!) of these seven methods, and enjoy the taste of garden-fresh tomatoes all year long.
