If your garden is bursting with tomatoes, you’re not alone! It’s that time of year when tomato plants are in full swing, producing an abundance of delicious fruit. The only problem? You’ve got more tomatoes than you can possibly eat fresh. But don’t let those juicy red gems go to waste! With a little creativity and some smart preservation techniques, you can enjoy the taste of summer all year long. From traditional canning to freezing and drying, here are 26 ways to preserve your tomatoes that are both easy and effective.
1. Traditional Canning
Canning is a classic method to preserve tomatoes. You can process whole, halved, or crushed tomatoes in jars using a water bath or pressure canner. This method allows you to store tomatoes for up to a year without losing flavor or nutritional value. Add a bit of lemon juice or citric acid to ensure the acidity is right for safe storage.
2. Tomato Sauce
Cook down tomatoes with onions, garlic, and herbs to create a rich and flavorful sauce. Once it’s thickened to your liking, can or freeze it in portions. This sauce is perfect for pasta dishes, pizzas, and casseroles.
3. Salsa
Whip up a batch of homemade salsa using fresh tomatoes, onions, peppers, cilantro, and lime juice. Can the salsa using a water bath method to enjoy fresh-tasting salsa throughout the year. It’s perfect for dipping, topping tacos, or adding to other recipes.
4. Tomato Paste
Cook tomatoes down to a thick, concentrated paste. Spread the paste on a baking sheet, freeze it in thin layers, and then cut it into cubes. Store the cubes in a freezer bag for easy access to tomato paste without opening a can every time.
5. Freezing Whole Tomatoes
If you’re short on time, freezing whole tomatoes is a quick and effective method. Simply wash the tomatoes, dry them, and place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to freezer bags. You can use these frozen tomatoes in soups, stews, and sauces.
6. Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Slice tomatoes and lay them out in the sun, a dehydrator, or an oven set at low heat. Sun-dried tomatoes are a flavorful addition to salads, pasta, and sandwiches. Store them in airtight containers or jars filled with olive oil for extended shelf life.
7. Tomato Jam
Yes, you can make jam from tomatoes! Combine tomatoes with sugar, lemon juice, and spices like ginger or cinnamon to create a sweet and savory jam that’s perfect on toast or as a glaze for meats.
8. Tomato Juice
Juice your excess tomatoes and can the juice for a refreshing drink, soup base, or cocktail mix. Homemade tomato juice is a great source of vitamins and minerals and can be stored in the pantry for up to a year.
9. Tomato Relish
Make a tangy relish with tomatoes, onions, vinegar, and spices. Can the relish using a water bath method. It’s a delicious condiment for sandwiches, burgers, and hot dogs.
10. Fermented Tomatoes
Fermentation is a traditional preservation method that adds probiotics to your diet. Ferment whole or chopped tomatoes with a brine solution. The process creates a tangy, slightly effervescent product that can be used in salads or as a side dish.
11. Tomato Leather
Create a healthy snack by pureeing tomatoes and spreading the puree thinly on a dehydrator sheet or baking tray. Once dried, cut the tomato leather into strips. It’s a nutritious, portable snack great for hiking or school lunches.
12. Tomato Ketchup
Homemade ketchup tastes better than store-bought and contains no preservatives. Cook down tomatoes with vinegar, sugar, and spices, then blend to a smooth consistency. Can or bottle the ketchup for long-term storage.
13. Pickled Green Tomatoes
If you have unripe green tomatoes, try pickling them. Slice the tomatoes and place them in a brine of vinegar, water, and spices. Pickled green tomatoes add a unique flavor to salads, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards.
14. Tomato Chutney
Cook tomatoes with onions, apples, vinegar, and spices to create a rich chutney. Can the chutney for a savory-sweet condiment that pairs well with meats, cheeses, and curries.
15. Roasted Tomatoes
Roast tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, and herbs in the oven until they are caramelized and tender. Freeze the roasted tomatoes in portions. They add depth to sauces, soups, and pasta dishes.
16. Tomato Puree
Blend cooked tomatoes into a smooth puree and freeze in ice cube trays or small containers. Use the puree as a base for sauces, soups, and stews.
17. Tomato Basil Soup
Prepare a batch of tomato basil soup using fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and cream. Freeze the soup in portion-sized containers. It’s a comforting meal on a cold day.
18. Canned Diced Tomatoes
Chop tomatoes into cubes and can them in their juice. Diced tomatoes are a versatile ingredient for soups, stews, and casseroles.
19. Tomato Powder
Dehydrate tomatoes and grind them into a fine powder. Tomato powder is a concentrated flavor booster that can be used in soups, sauces, and as a seasoning for snacks.
20. Fire-Roasted Tomatoes
Char tomatoes over a grill or open flame to add a smoky flavor. Peel off the charred skin, can, or freeze the roasted tomatoes for a unique taste in recipes.
21. Tomato Vinaigrette
Blend tomatoes with vinegar, olive oil, and herbs to create a tangy vinaigrette. Store it in the fridge for salads, marinades, and drizzling over grilled vegetables.
22. Tomato Relish
Cook tomatoes with onions, sugar, vinegar, and spices to make a sweet and tangy relish. Can it for a tasty topping on sandwiches and burgers.
23. Gazpacho
Prepare gazpacho, a cold tomato soup with cucumbers, peppers, and onions. Freeze it in portions to enjoy a refreshing meal in the summer.
24. Tomato Confit
Slow-cook tomatoes in olive oil with garlic and herbs until they’re tender and flavorful. Store the tomatoes and oil in jars in the fridge. Use the confit as a topping for bread, pasta, and meats.
25. Canned Tomato Salsa Verde
Combine green tomatoes with jalapeños, garlic, and cilantro to create a zesty salsa verde. Can it for a spicy, tangy condiment.
26. Tomato Ice Cubes
Blend fresh tomatoes and pour the puree into ice cube trays. Freeze the cubes and use them to chill drinks or as a base for quick sauces.
Final Thoughts
Tomatoes are a garden favorite, and with these 26 methods, you can preserve their flavor, nutrition, and versatility all year round. Whether you prefer canning, freezing, or drying, there’s a method here that will suit your needs. Get creative and try a few different techniques to see which ones you love best. Your pantry will be stocked, and your meals will be bursting with the taste of summer, no matter the season. Happy preserving!
