Tomato Question

[almonds]

I have an overabundance of cherry tomatoes right now and no more neighborhood takers. Is it possible to freeze them and then use in cooked recipes? I did a Google search and it said it could be done. What I'm wondering is if anyone has actually tried freezing cherry tomatoes and successfully used them.  I know it works with basic sized tomatoes but the little ones???

[wilderness]

No difference big or little they will freeze just fine.  However I wouldn't want to have to peel them first.  I had an over abundance of cherry toms one year and ended up making and canning salsa from them.

[almonds]

Thanks Wilderness! In the past when I've frozen the larger tomatoes I just wash them, core them, and toss in a freezer bag. I'm able to remove just the number I need. By running under very hot water or putting in a bowl with hot water, just briefly, the skins slide right off. Years ago someone mentioned that idea to me and so far I've been able to do so successfully.

[pghjan]

When I get too many I oven dry them.  I just did a batch yesterday.  JMartinelli13 on TOH said her son calls them tomato raisins.  Some people use olive oil and other things.  I just cut them in half.  Place them on a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake them at 170 degrees for about 7 hours.  Once cooled I put them in a plastic bag or container and stick them in the freezer.  They'll keep all winter.

[almonds]

Thanks pghjan, that's something new to me. I'll have to experiment and give that a try.

[tasty]

I've never tried baking them before freezing - must try that.

The little tomatoes freeze beautifully and yes, you can use as few or as many as you need.  Handy to have in the freezer.  Mostly I can mine but the freezer ways gets a few!

[Carole]

I used to can tomatoes but i no longer have my pressure canner. I do chop them up in the food processor and freeze them, but there's not a whole lot of room left in the freezer.

[Deleted]

Try making tomato jam!

[Carole]

margbazone6--what is tomato jam used on? regular toast or what?

[pippin3]

I like the oven dry ones too but for some reason our tomatoes just didn't produce well this year.

[Gayle]

The one & only time I tried freezing tomatoes I ended up with mush when they thawed.  I must have done something wrong.  LOL

[almonds]

Gayle, I don't thaw frozen tomatoes before using, just use hot water to remove the skins and then add them frozen to what I'm cooking. So far has worked for me.

Thanks to everyone for the ideas, I'll certainly make good use of them. My Sun Sugar (little orange) tomato plant decided to deposit a huge harvest almost all at once. When I'm out picking them and see the neighbors scurry inside, lock their doors, and pull the shades down I know I need another use for them so thank you. Fortunately the other tomatoes are ripening in a mannerly fashion. Must have something to do with those plastic forks that have kept that pesky chipmunk away!

[Gayle]

About those forks.  Do you put them in with tines down in the dirt or handle down in the dirt with the tines up.  (Like a little fence)

[annrms]

I was wondering about the forks, too, Gayle. Glad you asked!!! LOL
I've frozen cherry tomatoes; when they thaw they are only good for sauce or similar. I have dried them like Jolene says...they are great and so sweet. I also roast them and turn them into ratatouille with other roasted veggies...I have a recipe...you add brown sugar and vinegar to get a sweet and sour taste. You can add olives and capers...a great Mediterranean dish. Freezes well.
I've made tomato jam...I believe it was a Lidia's Italy recipe. I've also made her "Hamburger Sauce". Love that because it only had a little bit of honey to sweeten it. It's close to ketchup and keeps quite a while in the fridge.

[almonds]

Hi! About the forks...tines up, pointing out, and placed very closely next to each other. Sure has our chipmunk confused, finally we get the laugh on him! No missing tomatoes...so far...this year and now the lower ones have been picked so would be even harder for him to get one....hopefully!