If you love cherry tomatoes as much as we do, you’ll be excited to learn how to freeze them. Freezing cherry tomatoes is like giving them a ticket to stay fresh and tasty even when they’re not in season. We’ve got a super easy guide for you, so let’s dive in!
Choosing the Right Cherry Tomatoes
First things first, let’s pick the best cherry tomatoes for freezing. Look for the ones that are perfectly ripe, meaning they’re not too hard and not too squishy. If they have any bumps or bruises, it’s better to leave them out. The ones that are bright in color and feel just right when you hold them – those are the winners! These tomatoes will give you the yummiest frozen treats.
Washing and Preparing
Okay, time to give those cherry tomatoes a little bath. Just rinse them gently under cold water. Imagine you’re giving them a splash to wake them up. Dry them off with a soft towel or let them sit for a while. After that, say goodbye to their little stems – they won’t need those where they’re going (the freezer, that is). You can also make a tiny cut at the bottom if you want to make peeling them easier later on.
Blanching
Now, if you want to get a little fancy to help the tomatoes keep their color and snap, you can try blanching. It’s like giving them a quick dip in hot water and then a chilly bath. First, bring a pot of water to a boil – like it’s having a little party. Carefully put the tomatoes in the boiling water for just a short while, like counting to 30 or 60 (not too long!). Then, scoop them out and gently plop them into a bowl of icy water. It’s like a tomato spa day – hot tub and then a cold plunge. This step isn’t a must, but it’s like giving your frozen tomatoes a nice outfit.
Freezing Whole Cherry Tomatoes
Now, let’s get these cherry tomatoes ready for the chilly adventure in the freezer. Find a baking sheet – it’s like a comfy bed for them. Make sure they’re not too close, they need their space. Lay those tomatoes on the baking sheet, just like they’re sunbathing. Pop the baking sheet in the freezer, and let them hang out there for a few hours. Once they’re rock solid and frozen, put them in a bag that’s good for the freezer. Squeeze out any air, seal it tight, and write the date on it. This way, you can use them later and they’ll still taste like they just came from the garden.
Freezing Cherry Tomatoes in Puree
If you’re thinking of using these tomatoes to make sauces or soups, we’ve got a cool trick for you. Turn those cherry tomatoes into a smooth, yummy puree. Give them a whirl in a blender until they’re all happy and mixed up. Pour the puree into an ice cube tray or special molds. Slide them into the freezer and let them have their frozen party. Once they’re solid as a rock, pop them out of the tray and put them in a bag for the freezer. Whenever you need a burst of tomato goodness, grab a puree cube and let it thaw out.
Whether they’re frozen whole or in their fancy puree form, these tomatoes are ready to be your cooking sidekick, even when it’s not tomato season!
Thawing and Using Frozen Cherry Tomatoes
Alright, it’s time to wake up those frozen tomatoes! If you’re using the whole frozen ones, take out as many as you need from the freezer bag. Let them hang out in the fridge until they’re soft and squishy again. If you blanched them before freezing, you can peel off the skin easily by rinsing them under warm water.
For the puree cubes, pick the number of cubes you want for your recipe and let them warm up in the fridge or gently on the stove. They’ll melt into your dishes, adding that garden-fresh flavor.
Tips and Considerations
Here are a couple of helpful tips for your frozen tomato adventures:
- Remember, frozen cherry tomatoes are best buddies with cooked dishes. They might not be as crunchy as fresh ones, but they’ll give amazing flavor to your recipes.
- Keep your frozen tomato treats happy by sealing them really well in those freezer bags. They can stay tasty for about 6 to 8 months if you do.
- If you want to use a little bit at a time, it’s smart to freeze them in portions. That way, you won’t need to defrost a whole bunch when you only need a few.
Conclusion
So there you have it, your cherry tomatoes’ frozen journey! You’ve learned how to freeze them whole or turn them into tasty puree cubes. Now you’re all set to enjoy the vibrant taste of these little guys all year round. Remember, it’s like having a piece of summer in your freezer – ready to brighten up your meals whenever you want.
