I have a small garden patch in my backyard, where my cherry tomatoes are thriving happily. I’ve noticed that my little tomatoes seem to ripen all at the same time! While I love having tomatoes for just about any dish, I simply can’t consume them all at once. I share them with my neighbors and friends, but I don’t want any of the leftovers go to waste.
Cherry tomatoes indeed are lovely additions to all sorts of dishes. It’s practical to care for your own produce, but having too much – and wanting none to go to waste – is a common problem. Good thing that’s easily solved by freezing your cherry tomatoes.
Freezing cherry tomatoes are the best option if you’ve got a lot of them on hand. While you won’t be able to use these tomatoes in a fresh salad, they’re great for cooked meals and sauces. Simply freeze them individually then store in freezer-safe containers. You’ll be able to enjoy your small harvest for a longer time.
Can You Freeze Cherry Tomatoes?
Frozen cherry tomatoes will lose their shape, become a bit grainier in texture, and have mild changes in flavor. Protect them from odor transfer by using tightly sealed containers.
If you’re dealing with full-sized tomatoes, core them first before placing them inside freezer bags or freezer-safe containers. You don’t need to peel cherry tomatoes – they’re too small for that.
Freezing the cherry tomatoes without peeling them retains all the nutrients found in their skin. This is great for those who like not only the taste but the health benefits of tomatoes as well.
Once the cherry tomatoes are thawed, they become soft and saggy. While they can’t be used in tossed salads, defrosted cherry tomatoes make great additions to stews, soups, and casseroles.
Thawed cherry tomatoes are also useful in making dressings. Blend them with pesto and oregano for a tasty pasta sauce, or mix with peppers and lime to make salsa.
You can keep your frozen cherry tomatoes inside the freezer for up to an entire year. However, for best results, use them within 6 months to prevent them from losing their flavor.
How to Freeze Cherry Tomatoes
With a large batch of cherry tomato harvest, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to eat all of them within a week. Preserve your tiny summer fruits with these simple steps:
- First, pick the ripe and unblemished cherry tomatoes among the batch. Remove any stems while washing the tomatoes.
- Next, drain them using a strainer and remove any excess water by placing them on paper towels.
- Then, arrange the cherry tomatoes on wax paper. Make sure that the skins of the tomatoes do not touch the others.
- Freeze solid the cherry tomatoes. This should take around an hour in the freezer.
- Transfer the completely frozen cherry tomatoes into freezer bags or freezer-safe containers. Label them properly with the date of preparation.
- To thaw your cherry tomatoes, retrieve the necessary amount from the freezer.
- Allow the tomatoes to defrost inside the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours.
- Use the thawed cherry tomatoes immediately after defrosting to prevent the fruits from spoiling.
Now, you can enjoy these tasty little tomatoes without worrying about having too much on your plate.
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Cherry Tomatoes?
Cherry tomatoes are a delicious and versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. But what do you do when you have extra cherry tomatoes? Here are five delicious ways to use up your leftover cherry tomatoes:
- Make a salsa – Cherry tomatoes make a great salsa. Just add them to a blender with some onions, cilantro, and jalapenos, and you’ll have a delicious and healthy dip in no time.
- Add them to your salad – To add some extra sweetness and flavor to your salad, just add some halved cherry tomatoes. They’re also a great way to add some extra color and nutrition to your meal.
- Make a tomato sauce – Cherry tomatoes can also be used to make a delicious tomato sauce. Just cook them down with some onions and garlic, and you’ll have a tasty sauce that can be used on pasta, pizza, or anything else you can think of.
- Roast them – Roasted cherry tomatoes are a great way to enjoy the sweetness of this fruit. Just add them to a baking dish with some olive oil and spices, and roast in a preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
- Freeze them – Frozen cherry tomatoes are a great way to enjoy this fruit all year round. Just wash and dry the tomatoes, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can use them in soups, sauces, or any other recipe that calls for fresh tomatoes.
So there you have it – five delicious ways to use up your leftover cherry tomatoes. Next time you find yourself with extra fruit, try one of these recipes and enjoy!
Cherry Tomatoes Recipes
Add some zing to your classic bruschetta by topping it with some roasted cherry tomatoes! Simply follow this Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta recipe for a scrumptious appetizer.
Make a creative dish using your cherry tomatoes with this Cherry Tomato Tulips recipe. The combination of cottage cheese, tomatoes, basil, and green beans make for a healthy snack.
Keep the summer alive with this dish that pairs cherry tomatoes and scallions. This Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomatoes recipe is sure to add some color and flavor to any gathering.
Wrap Up
Yes, you can freeze cherry tomatoes. Frozen cherry tomatoes will last for up to a year in the freezer if stored properly. Frozen cherry tomatoes will lose their shape and change in flavor or texture slightly so it is best to use them for cooked dishes instead of salads. Let us know if these tips have been helpful or not by leaving a comment below.
