For homemakers, tomatoes are an essential staple as they are used in a myriad of dishes. However, their prices fluctuate throughout the year, and there are times when they are either extremely affordable or exorbitantly priced yet lacking in flavor. Thus, when tomatoes are in season, many wish they could stock up and preserve them for future use.
Apart from price considerations, knowing how to properly store tomatoes can also save busy homemakers from last-minute dashes to the market when they run out.
How to select the best tomatoes for long-term storage
Before preserving tomatoes for extended use, it is crucial to choose fresh, high-quality tomatoes. To assess the internal quality, one can rely on external observations. Opt for tomatoes that are pinkish-red, with fresh stems, and feel firm when gently lifted. These tomatoes will be juicy, have dense flesh, and contain fewer seeds.
When tomatoes are fully ripe and red, wrap them carefully and store them in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer at a temperature of 2 to 5 degrees Celsius.
Due to transportation handling, tomatoes may arrive bruised or with dark spots from waterlogging. Avoid selecting tomatoes that have been forced to ripen prematurely, lacking the vibrant red color and aromatic scent, as they will impact the flavor of your dishes.
Storing tomatoes in the freezer compartment
Firstly, wash the tomatoes thoroughly, remove the stems, and ensure they are completely dry either by air-drying or by gently blotting them with a paper towel. Subsequently, arrange the tomatoes in layers within a storage container, separating each layer with wax paper for easier retrieval. Place the container in the freezer for 15-30 minutes or until the tomatoes feel firm to the touch.
Transfer the semi-frozen tomatoes into a zip lock bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing it shut. Store the bag in the freezer for future use. This method of tomato preservation will keep them fresh for 2-3 months. If you intend to freeze a large batch of tomatoes, it is advisable to label the bags with the date of freezing to ensure a first-in-first-out consumption pattern.
Preserving tomatoes in glass jars
This method requires you to prepare a sufficient number of glass jars relative to the quantity of tomatoes you wish to preserve. Follow these steps for effective preservation:
Sterilize the glass jars by boiling them for 10 minutes. Wash the tomatoes, discarding any that show signs of bruising, overripeness, or discoloration. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and briefly blanch the tomatoes for 30 seconds before transferring them into an ice bath.
The blanching process will cause the tomato skins to peel off easily. After peeling, boil a pot of water and fill the sterilized jars with the peeled tomatoes, adding 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of salt to each jar. Then, fill the jars with the boiled water, seal them tightly, and process them in a water bath canner for 45 minutes. Allow the jars to cool before storing them in the refrigerator.
Illustrative image. Source: Internet
Sun-dried tomatoes
Another space-saving method to preserve a large quantity of tomatoes is by sun-drying them. Here are the steps to achieve this:
Cut the tomatoes lengthwise into halves, or thirds if they are large. If desired, remove the seeds. Place the tomato pieces cut-side up on a baking tray or drying rack, ensuring they do not touch each other. Dry the tomatoes at 57 degrees Celsius for 18-24 hours. Once cooled, store the dried tomatoes in airtight containers and keep them in a cool, dry place.
Preserving tomatoes with salt
After washing and drying the tomatoes, place them in a glass jar, layering them with salt between each layer of tomatoes. Continue this process until the jar is filled with tomatoes and salt. Then, seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dry place. This preservation method will allow you to enjoy your tomatoes for up to a month.
Storing tomatoes in ash
Place the tomatoes in a cardboard box or another suitable container, and cover them completely with ash. Seal the container and store it in a cool, dry place. This traditional preservation method can keep tomatoes fresh for 5-6 months.
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