Wondering if you can Freeze cherry tomatoes?
Do you find yourself overwhelmed with too many cherry tomatoes from your garden or the market? Don't worry!
Freezing those juicy cherry tomatoes is a great way to keep them fresh all year round.
In this cherry tomato guide, you'll learn how to freeze cherry tomatoes with simple steps and tips.
Imagine it's summer, and your cherry tomato plant is giving you more tomatoes than you can eat.
Instead of wasting them, freezing saves their delicious taste.
Whether you grow them yourself or just like having frozen fruits, this method will make cooking easier.
Grab your ripe tomatoes and let's start freezing!
Can I freeze cherry tomatoes?
The short answer is yes.
If you’re dealing with an abundance of cherry tomatoes, freezing keeps them fresh.
Use fresh ones daily in salads, pasta, or omelets.
Freeze for later to use in soups, chili, stews or casseroles. Or make a delicious marinara sauce for pasta!
Freezing ensures you won't waste any precious tomatoes, allowing you to preserve their flavor at peak ripeness to enhance dishes long after tomato season ends.
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What You’ll Need to To Freeze Tomatoes
To freeze cherry tomatoes successfully, you'll need a sturdy baking tray to keep them from rolling.
A colander with small holes is ideal for washing and drying the tomatoes.
Use freezer-friendly bags or containers to store them without freezer burn.
How to Prepare Cherry Tomatoes for Freezing
To freeze cherry tomatoes, start with fresh, ripe ones.
✅ Wash them thoroughly using a colander.
✅ Dry the tomatoes completely with a clean towel or by letting them air dry.
✅ Remove the stems by pinching and twisting them off.
✅ You can also blanch the tomatoes by boiling them briefly and then placing them in ice water to preserve their color and flavor.
Optional: Blanching
Blanching cherry tomatoes before freezing can help maintain their texture and flavor.
To blanch, boil a pot of water and prepare a bowl of ice water. Drop the tomatoes into the boiling water for 30 seconds to 1 minute until their skins start to wrinkle.
Quickly transfer them to the ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their color and firmness.
What's the Best Way To Freeze Cherry Tomatoes Whole: Instructions
Here's how to freeze whole cherry tomatoes step by step:
- Wash them gently under cold water to make sure they're clean. Pat them dry with a paper towel or let them air dry to remove any moisture.
- Check each tomato for blemishes or soft spots and discard any bad ones. Remove the stems by twisting or cutting them off with a knife.
- Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the cherry or grape tomatoes on it in a single layer so they don't touch.
- Freeze the tray for 1-2 hours until the tomatoes are solid, then transfer them to freezer bags or containers, squeezing out excess air before sealing (squeeze as much air as possible!). Your frozen cherry tomatoes are now ready for storage and future use!
- Label the containers with the date and store in the freezer for up to 6-12 months.
- This method helps prevent the tomatoes from sticking together and allows you to use them conveniently in soups, sauces, or stews straight from the freezer.
Vacuum Sealing Cherry Tomatoes for Freezing
Vacuum sealing is a great way to preserve cherry tomatoes for a long time.
This method removes excess air, preventing freezer burn and maintaining quality.
- First, make sure you have a vacuum sealer and freezer-friendly bags.
- Wash and remove stems from the tomatoes.
- If you want, blanch them by dipping them in boiling water, then an ice bath.
- Place the prepared tomatoes into the vacuum-sealable bags, making sure not to overcrowd them.
- Seal the bags with the vacuum sealer, removing all air.
- Label each bag with the freezing date, then store them in the freezer to keep fresh for months.
Freezing Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Roasting cherry tomatoes enhances their flavor and sweetness before freezing.
You can use one of my recipes or roast the cherry tomatoes from scratch.
How to roast cherry tomatoes from scratch:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Place washed and dried cherry tomatoes on the tray in a single layer.
- Drizzle with little olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any preferred herbs or spices.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes until they start to burst and caramelize. After cooling, transfer the roasted tomatoes to a freezer-safe container, remove excess air, and seal tightly.
- Label with the date and enjoy these flavorful tomatoes in your dishes year-round.
How to Freeze Diced Cherry Tomatoes
- Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly under running water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Dice the tomatoes into small, uniform pieces on a cutting board with a sharp knife.
- Spread the diced tomatoes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking tray to prevent clumping.
- Freeze the tray for 1-2 hours until the tomatoes are solid.
- Transfer the frozen diced tomatoes into freezer-friendly bags, squeeze out excess air, and seal tightly.
- Label the bags with the date and enjoy using your diced cherry tomatoes in various dishes all year round!
How To Defrost Frozen Tomatoes?
To defrost frozen tomatoes, you can either let them thaw at room temperature or use them directly in cooking without thawing fully.
They work well in soups, stews, and pasta dishes.
How Long Do Frozen Cherry Tomatoes Last?
Frozen cherry tomatoes will last up to 12 months in the freezer, but it's best to use them within 6 to 8 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.
Keep them in the coldest part of your freezer where the temperature is consistently low.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your frozen cherry tomatoes for a long time.
Proper Cherry Tomatoes Storage Tips
- Use high-quality freezer bags or airtight containers specifically designed for freezing food.
- Label containers with the date of freezing to track storage time; aim to use within 8-12 months for optimal quality.
- Store containers in the back of the freezer where temperatures are most consistent; avoid the freezer door to prevent temperature fluctuations.
- Set your freezer to 0°F (-18°C) or below to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
- Avoid overcrowding the freezer to ensure even cooling and preserve the texture of your tomatoes.
- Minimize thawing and refreezing by removing only what you need at a time; promptly return the rest to the freezer.
Best Way To Store Cherry Tomatoes
To keep cherry tomatoes fresh, store them on a countertop away from sunlight or in a container with holes for airflow.
Only wash them right before using to prevent them from spoiling too quickly.
Cherry Tomatoes Gone Bad
To inspect for any signs of spoilage in cherry tomatoes, follow these tips:
🍅 Check for any discoloration such as dark spots or a dull color, which may indicate spoilage.
🍅 Feel the texture; if the tomatoes are mushy or slimy instead of firm and juicy, discard them.
🍅 Sniff for any strong or unpleasant odors emanating from the tomatoes, a sign that they have spoiled.
How To Use Frozen Cherry Tomatoes
Add frozen cherry tomatoes directly to stews, soups, or pasta sauces for a burst of fresh flavor as they thaw and cook.
Use roasted tomatoes as toppings for salads, bruschetta, pizzas, or blend them into a tasty tomato sauce.
Cooking with Frozen Cherry Tomatoes
- Make pasta sauces tastier by adding frozen cherry tomatoes, letting them thaw and infuse flavors as they cook.
- Roast frozen cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until they caramelize a bit.
- Add roasted cherry tomatoes to salads, sandwiches, or as toppings for grilled meats or fish to enhance your dishes with gourmet flavors.
Other Ways to Use Cherry Tomatoes
- Make a colorful caprese salad by cutting cherry tomatoes in half, adding mozzarella balls, drizzling with balsamic glaze, and sprinkling with basil, sea salt, and cracked pepper.
- Try them in breakfast frittatas.
- Use cherry tomatoes in lunches or dinners for added flavor and color.
Freezing Cherry Tomatoes: Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Freeze Cherry Tomatoes Without Blanching?
Blanching cherry tomatoes before freezing helps maintain their color, texture, and flavor, but you can skip this step if you prefer.
Without blanching, the tomatoes may have a slightly different texture and color after freezing.
Do You Need to Peel Cherry Tomatoes Before Freezing?
Peeling cherry tomatoes before freezing isn't required since their thin skins won't affect taste or texture when frozen whole.
Freezing them with skins on preserves their natural flavor and nutritional value.
If you prefer peeled tomatoes for recipes, briefly blanch them in boiling water to loosen skins before freezing.
What Is The Best Way To Preserve Fresh Tomatoes?
The best way to preserve fresh tomatoes is to freeze them.
You can either freeze them whole or make tomato sauce and freeze it.
This way, you can enjoy the taste of summer tomatoes all year round.
Can You Freeze Tomato Sauce?
Yes, you can freeze tomato sauce. It is a convenient way to have ready-to-use tomato sauce whenever you need it.
Simply freeze it in an airtight container or a zip-top bag and thaw when ready to use.
Do Cherry Tomatoes Get Mushy After Freezing?
Yes, freezing cherry tomatoes makes them mushy because the water inside expands and damages their cells.
When they thaw, they lose their firm texture and become soft, which can change how they look and feel.
Use thawed tomatoes in soups, marinara sauces, stews and casseroles or frittatas.
Does Freezing Tomatoes Change The Flavor?
Although freezing may alter the flavor slightly, if they are properly frozen at their peak ripeness, they will still taste delicious.
Can You Freeze Cherry Tomatoes in Olive Oil?
You can freeze cherry tomatoes in olive oil for added flavor and preservation.
Wash and dry the tomatoes, then pack them in a container with olive oil.
Thaw and use them as toppings or in dishes like pasta sauces for a burst of fresh flavor.
How to Freeze Other Types of Tomatoes
Freezing larger tomatoes such as beefsteak or Roma involves similar steps to freezing cherry tomatoes, with a few adjustments.
- Start by washing them thoroughly and removing stems and tough cores.
- To peel, blanch them briefly in boiling water and cool in an ice bath before removing the skins.
For Roma tomatoes used in sauces, consider seeding them to reduce moisture.
Cut them in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Then, prepare them for freezing as you would cherry tomatoes.
Keep in mind that frozen tomatoes may have a different texture when thawed but are ideal for cooked dishes like soups and sauces.
Final Thoughts: Can You Freeze Cherry Tomatoes?
Freezing cherry tomatoes is a smart way to keep their fresh taste and nutrients for later.
Whether you have too many from your garden or got a good deal at the market, freezing ensures none of these colorful gems go to waste.
Remember, it's simple: wash them well, remove stems, and decide if you want to blanch them for better storage.
Once ready, freezing them in tight containers or bags keeps them fresh for up to a year, ready to add flavor to sauces, salads, and more whenever you need.
Freezing is an easy way to enjoy summer flavors anytime with little effort.
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Elise H.
Freezing in olive oil? Genius! That sounds super handy for quick meal preps. Totally trying this out. Thanks for the awesome suggestion, Julia!
Ronny
Nice one on freezing diced cherry tomatoes. Always had a bounty and never knew a good way to keep them before. Will defo give this a shot next season.
Ted
Tried freezing roasted cherry tomatoes like suggested and they turned out amazing. Perfect for adding a pop of flavor to pasta dishes anytime. Great tip!
Karla F.
Hey Julia, great guide on freezing cherry tomatoes! Quick question - does blanching them before freezing make a big difference in taste or texture after thawing? Thinking about prepping these little guys for some winter stews. Thanks!