Whole tomatoes tend to crack and collapse when they thaw. To successfully freeze fresh raw tomatoes, you can:
- 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.
- OR slice tomatoes into at least 1/2-inch slices. Package in a rigid airtight container and fast freeze.
- 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.
- National Center for Home Food Preservation. Freezing Tomatoes.
Reviewed in 2021