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Three ways to freeze fresh raw tomatoes

Big Beef tomato on plant.

Whole tomatoes tend to crack and collapse when they thaw. To successfully freeze fresh raw tomatoes, you can:

  1. Slice tomatoes into at least 1/2-inch slices. Put slices on a cookie sheet and freeze for 2 hours. Remove slices and put them into freezer bags or containers.
  2. OR slice tomatoes into at least 1/2-inch slices. Package in a rigid airtight container and fast freeze.
  3. OR wash tomatoes. Dip wholes tomatoes in boiling water for 30 seconds to loosen skins. Core and peel. Freeze whole or in pieces. Pack into containers, leaving 1-inch headspace. Seal and freeze.

Tomatoes will not be solid when thawed and are best used in cooking. Frozen sliced tomatoes should be eaten in a near-frozen state for fresh taste.

Suzanne Driessen, Extension educator

Reviewed in 2021

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