We usually store tomatoes in the fridge for 10-15 days. Let's see how to store tomatoes for longer time. We can preserve tomatoes by freezing them.
Here I'll show you 4 methods.
We need to clean them before freezing. To a bowl, add water and 1/2 cup vinegar. Remove the stems from the tomatoes and put them in vinegar water. Soak for 5 minutes, wash under running water and dry the tomatoes. Wipe the water off with a dry cloth. Separate smaller tomatoes and bigger ones.
Method 1:
Let's store the smaller tomatoes as it is. Remove the white part of the tomatoes and cut a cross in the back. This will make the frozen tomatoes easier to use. Put these tomatoes in a zip-lock bag, seal it without any air bubbles and put it in the freezer for 5-6 hours.
To thaw, put the frozen tomatoes outside for 15-20 minutes. Freeze the rest of the tomatoes.
Method 2:
Cut tomatoes into pieces. Put the pieces in a plate and wrap it with plastic wrap. This will prevent frost from forming on the tomato pieces. Cover with a wrap or silver foil. Put it in the freezer for 5-6 hours. To thaw, put the frozen tomatoes in water for 10 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds. Put the rest of the tomatoes in a zip-lock bag, seal it without any air bubbles and put it in the freezer. These pieces could be peeled easily and used as we wish.
Method 3:
Cut the tomatoes into pieces and put them in a bowl. Add 1/4 cup water and boil it. Boil for 10 minutes and let it cool down. Grind it into a soft paste. Fill the paste into an ice tray. Cover with a wrap or silver foil. This will prevent frost from forming on the tomato pieces. Put it in the freezer for 5-6 hours. Put these tomato cubes into a plate, take a zip-lock bag and move the cubes into it. Freezer friendly boxes also could be used. Put the tomato cubes in a zip-lock bag, seal it without any air bubbles and put it in the freezer.
To thaw, put the frozen tomato paste outside for 15-20 minutes.
We could use these tomatoes for 3-4 months.
Method 4:
For this method, make tomato paste as shown earlier. Take a sterilized glass bottle, add 1/2 teaspoon salt and put it in the fridge. This could be used for 15-20 days.
