Can you freeze green tomatoes? Summer is upon us, and that means enjoying the abundance of green tomatoes. Green tomatoes may not be as popular as red tomatoes, but they’re just as tasty and nutritious! They are tart and much firmer than red tomatoes because green tomatoes are not quite ripe yet. But because they’re firmer, green tomatoes are perfect for frying. They’re good at holding their shape, so yes, green tomatoes freeze well too!
Selection of tomatoes for freezing
Start by choosing any pristine green tomatoes you can find at the grocery store. These are best for freezing. Avoid oddly soft, bruised, and undamaged tomatoes. Wash the tomatoes under running water, removing the stalks and any debris that may have settled on the core of the fruit. Using a sharp knife, core and cut the tomatoes into equal slices (diced, sliced or halved) and then remove the seeds. Once the tomatoes are cleaned and sliced, you can pack the tomatoes for freezing.
How do you freeze green tomatoes?
Freezing sliced green tomatoes
Prepare a baking sheet lined with wax paper, then place the sliced tomatoes in an even layer on the sheet. Make sure the tomato pieces are not touching. If there is too much moisture, blot the sliced tomatoes with a paper towel to keep the fruit from sticking to the baking sheet. Put the baking sheet in the freezer and let it freeze for 2 hours.
Once the sliced tomatoes are frozen stiff, remove the baking sheet from the freezer and prepare several resealable plastic bags. Carefully lift the sliced tomatoes off the baking sheet and place in the resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out the excess air and seal the bag. Write down the storage date and put the bag in the freezer. Store the tomatoes flat to save space in the freezer.
Freeze whole green tomatoes
You can also freeze the green tomatoes whole. Simply prepare the tomatoes as you would normally prepare them, then submerge them in boiling water for 30 seconds. Immediately give them an ice bath. The changing temperature makes it much easier to remove the shell. Peel off the peel and set aside.
Prepare a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Place the skinned whole green tomatoes on the baking sheet, making sure none of the tomatoes are touching. If there is too much moisture, pat the tomatoes dry with a paper towel to keep the fruit from sticking to the baking sheet. Put the baking sheet in the freezer and let it freeze for 2 hours.
After two hours, remove the baking sheet from the freezer and prepare a resealable, heavy-duty, freezer-safe plastic bag. Carefully lift the frozen tomatoes off the baking sheet and place them in the resealable bag. Squeeze out the excess air and seal the bag. Write down the storage date and put the bag in the freezer.
Freezing green tomato puree
Yes, it is also possible to store tomato puree in the freezer! Simply prepare the tomatoes as you would normally prepare them and then quarter them. Process the tomatoes in a food processor and transfer the puree to a tight, airtight container. Don’t fill the container to the brim, but leave about 2 inches of room for the puree to expand as it freezes. Cover the container with cling film, then secure with the airtight lid. Write down the storage date and then stick it in the freezer.