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#### Step 3: Peel and Core the Tomatoes
Once the tomatoes are cool, you can easily peel off the skin. The “X” you made earlier should allow the skin to slip off easily. After peeling, remove the stem and core the tomatoes by cutting out the tough section at the top of the fruit.
At this point, you can leave the tomatoes whole or cut them into halves or quarters, depending on your preference and intended use. If you’re going to use the tomatoes for sauces, you may want to crush or dice them at this stage.
#### Step 4: Prepare Tomatoes for Freezing
Before freezing, it’s important to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. This is where vacuum sealing comes in.
1. **Vacuum Seal the Tomatoes**: Place the peeled and cored tomatoes into vacuum seal bags, ensuring that you don’t overcrowd them. Using a vacuum sealer, remove the air from the bags and seal them shut. A vacuum sealer will create an airtight environment, which is critical for long-term storage.
2. **Label the Bags**: Use a permanent marker to label each vacuum-sealed bag with the date and contents. This will help you keep track of when the tomatoes were preserved, ensuring you use the oldest bags first.
3. **Freeze the Tomatoes**: Place the vacuum-sealed bags in the freezer. Spread them out so that they freeze individually, which will prevent them from clumping together. Once frozen, you can stack the bags to save space.
#### Step 5: Storing and Using Frozen Tomatoes
Frozen tomatoes can be stored in the freezer for up to two years. While frozen tomatoes are not suitable for fresh eating, they can be used in cooking, baking, and sauces. Here’s how to make the most of your frozen tomatoes:
1. **Defrosting**: When you’re ready to use your preserved tomatoes, you can either thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or place them in warm water to speed up the process. Alternatively, you can add frozen tomatoes directly to soups, stews, or sauces without thawing them first.
2. **Using Frozen Tomatoes**: Frozen tomatoes are perfect for recipes where texture is less important, such as sauces, soups, salsas, and casseroles. The freezing process alters the texture, but it retains the flavor, making them ideal for cooked dishes.
#### Step 6: Optional Additions
While the primary method for preserving tomatoes is freezing and vacuum sealing, there are some optional additions that can help enhance flavor and texture before freezing.
– **Herb Infusions**: If you like, you can add herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme to your tomatoes before sealing them. This adds flavor and makes them ready for use in specific recipes. Simply chop the herbs and mix them into the tomatoes before vacuum sealing.
– **Lemon Juice**: While vinegar is not used in this method, some people prefer to add a small amount of lemon juice to their tomatoes before freezing. Lemon juice can help maintain the tomatoes’ acidity and prevent the growth of bacteria during storage.
### Benefits of Freezing and Vacuum Sealing Tomatoes
Now that you know the process, let’s explore the advantages of using freezing and vacuum sealing to preserve your tomatoes.
1. **No Need for Vinegar**: This method preserves the tomatoes without the need for vinegar or other preservatives, making it an all-natural solution.
2. **Long Shelf Life**: Frozen tomatoes can last up to two years in the freezer, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the harvest long after it’s over.
3. **Preserved Flavor and Nutrients**: Freezing tomatoes locks in their flavor and nutritional content, allowing you to enjoy them year-round without sacrificing taste or quality.
4. **No Texture Loss**: By vacuum sealing the tomatoes, you minimize the amount of air and moisture in the packaging, which helps prevent freezer burn and preserves the fruit’s texture.
5. **Versatility**: Frozen tomatoes can be used in a wide variety of cooked dishes, from sauces to soups to stews, making them a versatile pantry staple.
6. **Time and Effort Saving**: Unlike canning, which can be time-consuming and requires careful attention to food safety, freezing and vacuum sealing are straightforward methods that save time and effort.
### Conclusion
Preserving fresh tomatoes for two years without the need for vinegar or other chemicals is not only possible but simple when using the combination of blanching, freezing, and vacuum sealing. This natural method ensures that you can enjoy fresh, flavorful tomatoes long after the growing season ends, and it’s a technique that anyone, whether a novice or experienced home cook, can easily master.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to preserve the taste of summer and stock your freezer with tomatoes for future use. Whether you’re making hearty pasta sauces, savory soups, or flavorful salsas, your preserved tomatoes will be ready to add a burst of fresh flavor to your favorite dishes, all without the need for vinegar or other artificial preservatives.
So go ahead, take advantage of tomato season, and preserve your harvest using this infallible method to enjoy fresh tomatoes year-round!
