How to Preserve Tomatoes: A Complete Guide

Tomatoes are one of the most versatile and beloved ingredients in the kitchen. From sauces and soups to salads and sandwiches, they’re a staple in countless recipes.

But during harvest season or when you come across a great deal at the market, you may find yourself with more tomatoes than you can use right away. The good news? Tomatoes are easy to preserve—and doing so lets you enjoy their fresh, tangy flavor all year long.

Ways To Preserve Tomatoes

Table of Contents

Here’s everything you need to know about preserving tomatoes, with tried-and-true methods for every kitchen.

1. Freezing Tomatoes

Freezing is one of the easiest ways to preserve tomatoes and doesn’t require any special equipment.

How to Freeze Whole or Chopped Tomatoes:

Wash and dry the tomatoes.
Remove the cores and, if desired, slice or chop them.
Place them in freezer bags or airtight containers.
Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
Label with the date and freeze.
You can also freeze tomatoes whole with the skins on. Once thawed, the skins will slip off easily.

These frozen tomatoes are best for –

Soups, stews, and sauces where texture doesn’t matter as much.

2. Canning Tomatoes

Canning is perfect for long-term storage and retains flavor well. You can either water bath can or pressure can, depending on the type of tomato product you’re preserving.

How to Can Tomatoes (Water Bath Method):

Wash and core ripe tomatoes.
Blanch in boiling water for 30–60 seconds, then transfer to ice water. Peel skins.
Place tomatoes in sterilized jars, adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice per pint to ensure proper acidity.
Fill with boiling water or tomato juice, leaving ½ inch headspace.
Remove air bubbles, wipe rims, and seal with sterilized lids.
Process in a boiling water bath (35–45 minutes depending on altitude and jar size).
Let jars cool and check seals before storing.

These tomatoes are best For:

Sauces, stews, and cooking bases. Great shelf-stable option.

3. Drying Tomatoes

Dried tomatoes are intensely flavorful and take up little storage space.

How to Make Sun-Dried or Oven-Dried Tomatoes:

Slice tomatoes (Roma or plum varieties work best) into ¼-inch thick slices.
Remove seeds if desired.
Arrange slices on a baking sheet or drying rack.
Dry in the sun (covered with a screen), in a dehydrator, or in an oven at 200°F (93°C) for 6–12 hours.
Store in airtight jars or freeze in bags.
For extra flavor, you can marinate dried tomatoes in olive oil with garlic and herbs before refrigerating.

These are best For:

Snacking, pasta, salads, and antipasto platters.

4. Making Tomato Sauce or Paste

Turn tomatoes into a delicious sauce or paste and store it in jars or freezer-safe containers.

Basic Tomato Sauce:

Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil.
Add chopped tomatoes (peeled if preferred), salt, pepper, and herbs.
Simmer for 30–60 minutes until thickened.
Blend for smooth sauce or leave chunky.
Cool and freeze or can using safe canning practices.

Tomato Paste:

Cook down your sauce further until it forms a thick paste. Freeze in tablespoon portions using an ice cube tray.

These are best for – Pasta, pizza, soups, and stews.

5. Fermenting Tomatoes

Fermenting offers a probiotic-rich way to preserve tomatoes and add a tangy twist.

Simple Fermented Cherry Tomatoes:

Pack cherry tomatoes into a sterilized jar with garlic, herbs, and spices.
Mix 1 tablespoon sea salt per 2 cups of filtered water and pour over tomatoes.
Weigh tomatoes down so they’re fully submerged.
Cover jar with a cloth or fermentation lid and let sit at room temperature for 3–5 days.
Once tangy, store in the fridge for several months.

These are best for:

Snacking, salads, or as a condiment.

Tips for Preserving Tomatoes:

Use ripe, unblemished tomatoes for best results.
Label and date everything to keep track of freshness.
Sterilize jars and lids before using them for canning.
Store in a cool, dark place if canning. Refrigerate or freeze as needed.
Some preservation methods change texture, but the flavor and nutrients are worth keeping!

Wrapping Up

Whether you’re looking to stock your pantry with rich tomato sauce, enjoy tangy dried tomatoes on your next pizza, or simply avoid waste during peak tomato season, these preservation methods have you covered. With just a bit of prep, you can enjoy the taste of summer tomatoes all year round.