Want to enjoy delicious tomatoes all year round, even in winter? Then there are several ways to store tomatoes that you should know about! In the refrigerator, in the freezer, for whole tomatoes, for sliced tomatoes…… In short, here’s what you need to know!
How to store tomatoes in the refrigerator?
If you can’t store your tomatoes in the open air, the refrigerator is still an option. However, there are a few rules to know to preserve their flavors and aromas!
Raw tomatoes
To preserve raw tomatoes, it is best to avoid the refrigerator. Indeed, tomatoes are very fragile and delicate and do not tolerate thermal shocks. In the crisper, they tend to lose their flavor and are much less juicy and aromatic. In addition, they take on a floury taste that is not always pleasant.
Ideally, they should be kept in a cool place at a temperature of about 12°C. Tomatoes can be kept for about 7 days. To enjoy them as long as possible, you should place them next to mushrooms, eggplant, cucumbers, broccoli or cabbage. If you still want to put them in the refrigerator, cut them up and put them in an airtight box before eating them the next day.
Cooked tomatoes
It is much easier to store cooked tomatoes in the refrigerator. Simply place them in a plastic bag or airtight glass container to preserve their flavour. They usually keep for 3 to 5 days and remain deliciously juicy. If you have a large crop, you can also make a ketchup or chutney. This method of storing tomatoes can last up to 4 months in the refrigerator.
To store cooked tomatoes in the refrigerator, you can also opt for the sterilization option. For example, for peeled tomatoes, simply cook them for about 20 minutes with herbs before putting them in jars. To preserve whole tomatoes, you will need to boil them in a kettle for 15 seconds before rinsing, peeling and placing them in a sterilized jar. Finally, you can also try the famous basil-flavored tomato coulis, which can be used as a sauce for up to 4 months!
How to store tomatoes in the freezer?
If you have a large crop, you can also turn to storing tomatoes in the freezer. This is a trick that will allow you to enjoy them for several months in your recipes. The simplest method is to store tomatoes whole. Simply wash them, dry them and place them directly in a freezer bag with a small cut in the skin. This technique saves time and makes it easier to remove the skin when thawing.
Do you like stuffed tomatoes? Then you can also freeze empty tomatoes. Again, this is an extremely simple method, as you simply empty the tomatoes and place them on a tray in the freezer at regular intervals for a few hours. Once they are frozen, you can put them in a freezer bag and use them as much as you like. Finally, to store sliced tomatoes, start by slicing them before placing them on a tray in the freezer. After a few hours, remove the slices and place them in the freezer bag! Now all you have to do is come up with some delicious recipe ideas to enjoy your tomatoes all year long!
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