Tomatoes are one of the most versatile and beloved ingredients in the kitchen. Their peak season is relatively short, but the good news is that there are many ways to preserve them and enjoy their rich flavor year-round. Whether you have a garden brimming with ripe tomatoes or you’ve stumbled upon a great deal at the farmer’s market, preserving tomatoes is a fantastic way to reduce waste and keep enjoying them in soups, sauces, and salads long after summer has ended.
And, it’s that time! At least here in Northwest Ohio. The breeze is a little cooler, leaves are starting to change and fall, and football is on 24/7! I’m harvesting the last of my tomatoes this week (at least from my outdoor garden-I’ll share about my indoor winter garden soon!) and I’m excited to do more than just tomato sandwiches and salads. Not that they aren’t delectable, but one can only have so many tomato sandwiches in a season!
So, here are my top 10 ways to preserve tomatoes:
1. Canning Tomatoes
Canning is a classic and reliable method of preservation. The process involves sealing tomatoes in jars and heating them to kill bacteria and enzymes. Tomatoes can be canned as whole, crushed, diced, or as sauces. The high acidity of tomatoes makes them suitable for water-bath canning, although adding a bit of lemon juice or vinegar is often recommended to ensure safety.
Best Used For: Sauces, soups, and casseroles
2. Freezing Tomatoes
Freezing is one of the easiest methods of preservation, requiring no special equipment. Tomatoes can be frozen whole, chopped, or pureed. Blanching them briefly before freezing helps to preserve color and flavor. Simply remove the skins, place them in freezer-safe containers or bags, and store them for up to a year.
Best Used For: Soups, stews, and sauces.
3. Drying Tomatoes (Sun-Dried or Oven-Dried)
Drying removes moisture from the tomatoes, concentrating their flavor and sweetness. Traditionally, tomatoes are dried in the sun, but they can also be oven-dried or dehydrated. Sun-dried tomatoes are great in pastas, salads, and as a pizza topping. They can be stored in airtight containers or preserved in olive oil for enhanced flavor. I oven-dried a bunch of cherry tomatoes and made the most incredible pasta out of them! Read how I dried them here<—-. And take a peek at the recipe that kept my kids asking for 2nds…and 3rds here!<—
Best For: Salads, pastas, and gourmet pizzas.
4. Making Tomato Paste
Homemade tomato paste is richer and fresher than the store-bought version. It requires simmering down fresh tomatoes to reduce the water content, straining out seeds and skins, and then cooking the liquid again to reduce to a thick rich concentrate. After you’ve achieved a nice thick paste you then can or freeze the paste in small portions. I personally freeze mine in heaping tablespoon sized portions. I usually only use a few Tbs. at a time so that way I’m not opening up a big jar and having leftovers in my fridge. Tomato paste adds intense flavor to sauces, soups, and braised dishes. I use it all the time!
Best For: Intensifying sauces and gravies.
5. Pickling Tomatoes
Pickling isn’t just for cucumbers! Green or small cherry tomatoes can be pickled in a vinegar solution, producing a tangy, crunchy snack or condiment. The pickling process enhances the tomatoes with flavors of garlic, dill, and spices, making for a unique addition to salads or charcuterie boards. It usually takes a couple of weeks after pickling to get the best flavor.
Best For: Snacks, salads, or sandwich toppings
6. Tomato Jam
Tomato jam is a sweet, savory, and spicy spread that can be used in a variety of dishes. It’s made by cooking tomatoes with sugar, vinegar, and spices until it thickens into a jam-like consistency. Tomato jam can be canned or stored in the refrigerator for several weeks. Since myself and my husband are the only ones who will eat this in our house, there’s always plenty to last us for a few weeks. Ha!
Best For: Sandwiches, burgers, and cheese boards.
7. Fermenting Tomatoes
Fermentation is an ancient method of preservation that also adds probiotics to your food. Cherry tomatoes work well for fermenting. They are submerged in a brine solution and left at room temperature to ferment. The result is tangy, effervescent tomatoes perfect for salads, salsas, or just as a snack. I fermented a bunch of cherry tomatoes a couple of weeks ago and am so excited to bring them out for the holidays!
Best For: Unique appetizers or healthy snacks
8. Making Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce is a versatile base for many dishes, from pasta sauces to soups and stews. Cook your tomatoes down with onions, garlic, and herbs, then blend to your preferred consistency. Once made, the sauce can be canned, frozen, or even pressure-canned for longer storage. I did a little of all 3 ways of preservation this year. I’m testing out which way works best for our family and the amount of space we have.
Best For: Pasta, pizza, and casseroles
9. Roasting and Freezing Tomatoes
Roasting tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness and adds a slightly smoky flavor. Simply cut your tomatoes, season them with salt, pepper, and olive oil, and roast them in the oven. Once roasted, freeze them in batches. Roasted tomatoes add a depth of flavor to any dish, especially in winter months. This is my personal favorite way of preserving them!
Best For: Pasta dishes, soups, and stews
10. Making Salsa
Homemade salsa is a delicious way to preserve tomatoes. You can make a variety of salsas—from spicy to mild—using fresh tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cilantro. Get creative and throw in some of your extra banana peppers or tomatillos. Once made, salsas can be canned or frozen for longer storage.
Best For: Tacos, nachos, or chips and dip…I mean seriously anything though! Top your egg sandwich, make quesadillas for game day, or even top grilled chicken with it!
**Final Tips for Tomato Preservation**
– **Choose ripe, unblemished tomatoes**: The better the tomato, the better the preservation result.
– **Sanitize your jars**: If canning, be sure to use sterilized jars to avoid contamination.
– **Label your containers**: Whether freezing or canning, always label with the date to track freshness.
Preserving tomatoes is a satisfying way to capture summer’s essence and bring it into your kitchen year-round. Whether you’re looking for a quick and simple method like freezing or you’re excited to dive into canning and pickling, there’s a method here for everyone. Happy preserving!
By preserving your tomato bounty, you can enjoy their fresh flavor even when they’re out of season, all while reducing food waste. Have you tried preserving tomatoes? Let us know your favorite method in the comments!