Can you freeze tomatoes?

What freezing does to tomatoes

Freezing causes the water inside the tomato cells to expand and rupture the cell walls, which destroys the firm texture. As a result, thawed tomatoes lose their crispness and release a lot of liquid, so they are no longer suitable for salads or fresh eating.

How to freeze it

1. Wash and dry the tomatoes thoroughly.
2. Remove the cores and cut into wedges, slices, or leave whole depending on your preference.
3. Place the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid (about 2 hours).
4. Transfer the frozen tomatoes into airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
5. Label the bags with the date and return them to the freezer.

Thawing and using it

Thaw the tomatoes in the refrigerator or in a bowl of cold water; they will be very soft and watery. Use the thawed tomatoes immediately in soups, stews, sauces, or casseroles where texture is less critical.

Depends on the form

• Whole tomatoes freeze better than slices or wedges because they retain more shape during the process.
• Cooked tomato products like sauce or soup freeze well and maintain quality better than raw tomatoes.
• Very ripe or overripe tomatoes may become too mushy to handle even after freezing.