Cherry tomatoes can be a delightful addition to any meal—bursting with flavor, vibrancy, and a hint of sweetness. But as with all fresh produce, they don’t last forever.
If you are left with a bunch of cherry tomatoes that have started softening, don’t throw them just yet!
There are plenty of ways to salvage them and put them to good use. Here are some creative ideas to ensure your leftover cherry tomatoes don’t go to waste.
How to Preserve Cherry Tomatoes That Are Going Bad?
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Here are some lipsmacking ways to cook down and preserve cherry tomatoes that have started to soften.
1. Roast The Cherry Tomatoes
Roasting cherry tomatoes and cooking them down is one of the best ways to preserve their flavor and extend their lives. When you roast cherry tomatoes, their natural sugars caramelize. This adds a rich and concentrated taste that you can use in multiple dishes.
How to Roast Cherry Tomatoes?
Now here is how you can roast cherry tomatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the tomatoes in half if you want to roast them evenly.
- Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a touch of balsamic vinegar or garlic.
- Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes until they become soft and slightly charred.
How to Use Roasted Tomatoes?
You can use the roasted cherry tomatoes to improvise a number of dishes. Here are few ideas:
- You can add them to pasta dishes.
- Spread the roasted cherry tomatoes over toast with ricotta or goat cheese.
- Blend them into a soup or sauce.
- Use as a topping for grilled meats, fish or seafood.
- You can also mix the roasted cherry tomatoes into salads for an extra depth of flavor.
2. Make a Quick Tomato Sauce
If your cherry tomatoes are starting to wrinkle, transform them into a simple yet delicious tomato sauce. You can then store them in the fridge for a couple of months.
Easy Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe
Here is a simple way to prepare sauce from your cherry tomatoes.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté some minced garlic and onions until fragrant.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and let them cook until they soften and burst.
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, a few cloves of garlic or you can also add some herbs like parsley, basil or oregano.
- Now, blend the mixture for a smooth sauce or leave it chunky for a rustic feel.
- Enjoy the sauce over pasta, pizza, or grilled items.
3. Make a Flavor-Packed Tomato Jam
Tomato jam is an underrated delight that can be used as a dip, spread, or condiment. It’s a perfect way to you can use up the leftover cherry tomatoes before they spoil.
Basic Tomato Jam Recipe
Here is a basic tomato jam recipe that you can make without any effort:
- Combine cherry tomatoes with sugar, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and spices like cinnamon, ginger, or red pepper flakes.
- Simmer the mixture on low heat until it thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Let it cool and store in a jar.
You can then use this jam on Toasts, Burgers and sandwiches, Cheese boards and Grilled meats.
4. Freeze Them for Later Use
If you don’t have time to cook, freezing cherry tomatoes is an easy way to store them for later.
How to Freeze Cherry Tomatoes?
Follow these steps to properly refrigerate and store the cherry tomatoes.
Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes thoroughly.
Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 6 months.
You can use frozen cherry tomatoes in soups, stews, and sauces without thawing them first. They might not have the same texture as fresh ones, but their flavor remains intact.
5. Make a Delicious Bruschetta Topping
A quick and easy way to use up the leftover tomatoes is by making a fresh bruschetta topping.
How to Make it?
Dice the cherry tomatoes and mix them with olive oil, some fresh basil, a few cloves of garlic and a dash of balsamic vinegar.
Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to mix up the flavors.
Once you cool it down, you can readily spoon it over toasted baguette slices and enjoy!
6. Prepare Soup
Tomato soup is a comforting way to use up cherry tomatoes that are past their peak freshness.
Easy Cherry Tomato Soup Recipe
Follow these steps to make a simple yet yummy tomato soup.
- Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften.
- Pour in vegetable or chicken broth and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth.
- Stir in some cream or coconut milk for added richness.
- Serve with crusty bread or grilled cheese.
7. Pickle Them for a Tangy Treat
Pickled cherry tomatoes are a fun and unique way to preserve their flavor.
How to Pickle Cherry Tomatoes?
Here are the steps to pickle tomatoes.
Prepare a brine with equal parts vinegar and water. Then put some salt, sugar, and spices like garlic, peppercorns to it.
Pack the cherry tomatoes into a jar and pour the hot brine over them.
Seal the jar and let them sit in the fridge for at least 24 hours before eating.
These pickled tomatoes make a great addition to salads, sandwiches, or cheese boards.
8. Make a Cherry Tomato Salsa
If you love fresh salsas, cherry tomatoes can be used to make a delicious homemade version.
Fresh Cherry Tomato Salsa Recipe
Chop the tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
Mix with lime juice and salt.
Serve with tortilla chips, tacos, or grilled fish.
9. Dehydrate Them for Homemade Sun-Dried Tomatoes
If you have a food dehydrator, drying cherry tomatoes is a great way to preserve them.
How to Dehydrate Cherry Tomatoes?
Slice them in half and place them on a dehydrator tray.
Sprinkle with salt and herbs if desired.
Dehydrate at 135°F (57°C) for 6-10 hours until they are dry and chewy.
Store them in olive oil or an airtight container for future use in salads, pasta, and pizzas.
10. Blend Them into a Smoothie or Juice
While it might sound unusual, cherry tomatoes can be a refreshing addition to smoothies and juices.
Ideas for Tomato-Based Smoothies?
Blend tomatoes with watermelon and basil for a hydrating drink.
Mix them with cucumber, lemon, and mint for a light and refreshing juice.
Combine with carrots, bell peppers, and ginger for a nutrient-packed vegetable smoothie.
Wrapping Up
Next time you notice your cherry tomatoes starting to wrinkle or soften, don’t throw them away!
There are countless ways to make the most of them, from roasting and freezing to making sauces, jams, and pickles. Not only will you reduce food waste, but you’ll also enjoy delicious homemade creations that elevate your meals.
Try one or more! of these methods and give those tomatoes a second chance at being something extraordinary!
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