How To Store Tomatoes For Months
Tomatoes are something that can be added in almost all vegetables and you need them daily in your refrigerator. But sometimes it is not possible to get fresh tomatoes readily available in your fridge and you can easily use earlier saved tomato. You can freeze, cook or simply dry the tomatoes so they can be easily stored for the time when you are feeling short of fresh tomatoes in your kitchen. Indian curries cannot do without tomatoes in them.
Here we are sharing four simple and easiest ways to store tomatoes at home. Especially during Coronavirus pandemic you need tomatoes daily but due to lockdown you are not able to go to market frequently so why not buy tomatoes in bulk and store them easily so that you can increase their shelf life and use them for months.
Tomato Puree
Pureed tomatoes have a longer shelf life and can be stored in your refrigerator for a longer time. Tomato Puree with some salt in it is basic of any vegetable we prepare so making puree in advance will not only save your time but also keep your tomatoes fresh long.
To make tomato puree you need to buy fresh tomatoes wash them properly and dice them. In a pressure cooker add the tomatoes with little water and salt. Tomatoes will become mushy and pulpy you can easily grind them in a mixer and your puree is ready to be stored.
Freezing Tomatoes
Freezing tomatoes is the easiest way to have tomatoes available whenever you need them. Plus a frozen tomato is easily peelable and use in whatever way you want unlike puree or canned tomatoes.
Wash your tomatoes in freshwater properly and remove the black eye, cut them into pieces and transfer them in the storage bags. Seal your bag and try to remove as much air as possible and store it in the freezer. The frozen tomato will retain its flavor even up to 12 months. You can also make a paste of tomatoes in a mixer and freeze the paste in an ice cube tray.
Canning Tomatoes
Canned tomatoes are turning fresh ripes tomatoes into a canned puree that you can use all year long. You just need to wash the tomatoes, slit them from the top and put them in boiling water for 10 seconds so that it becomes easy to peel their skin. Remove the black eye of tomatoes and take care of tomatoes are blemish-free. The jar in which you need to store should be cleaned and sterilized for that you can leave the jar in boiling water for some time. Add one tablespoon of concentrated lemon juice in the jar fill it with peeled tomatoes remove the bubbles and put the lids.
Oven Dries Tomatoes
You can save tomatoes as oven-dried in a jar with little oil in the fridge. The dried tomatoes can be stored in the freezer or refrigerator and will maintain the flavor and texture for months. Sun-dried tomatoes in oil are available in the market but you can make your own dried tomatoes in the home.
Wash tomatoes thoroughly and remove their black eye and cut them in halves and place them in the oven at a preheated oven to 225° F. Bake them for 1 hour and allow them to sit in the oven overnight. You can add fresh garlic, olive oil, basil, pepper, and salt to taste. Store them in a jar in the refrigerator for months. If you add garlic and herbs then they tend to spoil fast and should be used within weeks.
Suggested Read: How to Grow Tomatoes
