Freezing Tomatoes to Enjoy the Harvest Year-Round

Looking for ways to preserve your garden harvest? While canning is the most popular, freezing tomatoes is super easy and works just as well!

Canning or freezing tomatoes is a great way to preserve your vegetable garden harvest to enjoy all year round. In this post, I’m sharing how to freeze tomatoes so you can do just that!

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I don’t know about you, but I never got into the canning thing.

You think I would but just haven’t.

While my kids were young, it just wasn’t something I had the time or the energy to learn and do.

But now that they are grown and don’t need me as much, I have a little more time to focus on ways to preserving my garden.

For years, I’ve been drying flowers for DIY wreaths and arrangements.

I especially love to dry hydrangeas using this easy method.

And even dried flowers to make this DIY hydrangea wreath.

This year, my raised garden bed produced SO MANY vegetables that I don’t want them to go to waste.

So I’m looking for simple ways to preserve them.

I could try canning the tomatoes, but decided to freeze whole tomatoes instead.

It’s simple to do and can be done in under an hour.

Wait until you see how easy it is to freeze your tomato harvest!

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What Is the Best Way to Freeze Fresh Tomatoes?

While you can freeze tomatoes whole, they actually work better if you cut them in half.

There are a few ways to freeze tomatoes.

• Blanch and place in an airtight, food safe container for freezing.
• Slice tomatoes in half, put on baking sheet, pop in the freezer for 2 hours then place in freezer safe bags for long term freezing.
• Slice tomatoes in half, place in rigid freezer safe container, and flash freeze.

Since I typically use my frozen tomatoes for Sunday sauce, salsa for loaded nachos, bruschetta, and creamy balsamic tomato soup, I prefer blanching them.

The consistency is easier to work with after freezing and tastes SO FRESH in dishes during the off season.

True, the blanching process is a bit more laborious than the other two methods, but to me, it creates a better consistency for use later.

Can You Blanch Tomatoes and Freeze Them?

As we just stated yes.

Blanching tomatoes means they are dropped in a pot of boiling water for a short period of time and then dropped into ice cold water to stop the cooking process.

Can You Freeze Tomatoes Without Cooking Them First?

Yes you can. As stated above, simply slice them in half then follow either method for freezing.

The flavor is pretty delish and its super easy to use in dishes after freezing.

Is It Best to Blanch Tomatoes Before Freezing?

To me, this is a personal preference. I suggest you try the various methods of freezing tomatoes and see which one you prefer.

How to Use Frozen Tomatoes

Frozen tomatoes are best used in sauces, salsas, soups, and stews as they can get a little mushy after thawing.

The flavor is still there, but the consistency is a bit softer than prior to freezing them.

How to That Frozen Tomatoes

To use tomatoes that were frozen, simply remove from the freezer and allow to thaw. And then immediately use them in a recipe of your choosing.

How to Freeze Fresh Tomatoes

This year, I grew several varieties of tomatoes.

And they are all ready to be harvested but not enough people in my family to eat them all.

I would love to spend a day canning them but don’t have the time to dedicate it this year.

So freezing them is the next best thing!

It is ridiculously easy to do and the best part?

You’ll be able to enjoy fresh tomatoes from your garden any time of year!

Here’s how to do it!

Supplies Needed for Freezing Tomatoes

• stockpot
• sharp knife
• cutting board
• storage containers
• slotted spoon

Instructions for Freezing Tomatoes

• Wash and dry tomatoes.
• Bring a stockpot of water to a boil.
• Cut out the stem tops. And if there is a bottom, cut that off too.
• Carefully drop the tomatoes in boiling water with slotted spoon.

• DO NOT COOK! Keep the tomatoes in for a bout 30-60 seconds tops.
• Remove from boiling water with slotted spoon.
• Allow tomatoes to cool.

• Peel skin off.
• Rough chop tomatoes.
• Place in a freezer friendly storage container.

• If needed, add some of the tomato juices so there isn’t a lot air in the container. This will help prevent freezer burn. And leave about an inch or so to the top of the container to allow for expansion. Do not overfill.
• Label the container with date and variety.
• Freeze until you are ready to use them.

Isn’t that so easy?

It takes about an hour or so from start to finish.

But totally worth it to enjoy fresh tomatoes from the garden year-round.

My Favorite Fresh Tomatoes Recipes

One of the best parts about growing tomatoes is harvesting and using them in the kitchen.

Wait until you try some of my favorite tomato based recipes!

• Bruschetta Tomatoes Recipe from Grandma’s Vault
• Simple Salad with Cucumbers, Tomatoes and Onion
• The Best Recipe for Caprese Salad
• Loaded Nachos
• Quick and Easy Spinache Tortellini Soup
• How to Make Sunday Sauce with Meatballs Like a Pro

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