Now is the perfect moment to dive into the world of tomato preservation. With a little effort, you can enjoy the rich flavours of summer long after the season has passed.
Why Preserve Tomatoes?
Preserving tomatoes is an excellent way to savour the bounty of the season long after summer has ended. Whether you choose to can, freeze, or dehydrate, you'll be able to enjoy the taste of fresh tomatoes throughout the year. With just a bit of time and effort, you can keep the flavours of summer alive all winter long.
Click here to order tomatoes
Tomatoes can be transformed into a delightful array of preserves and recipes, from zesty salsa and rich pasta sauce to tangy chutney and even sweet tomato jam. Each variety of tomato brings its own unique qualities to these culinary creations. Here’s a breakdown of how different types of tomatoes shine in various preserving recipes.
These tomatoes are thicker with fewer seeds and less water, making them ideal for sauces and paste.
Best For: Canning and making sauces or salsas. Their rich flavour and low moisture content make them perfect for preserving.
Round Field Tomatoes
These are the classic, all-purpose tomatoes that are juicy and versatile.
Best For: Fresh eating, freezing and canning. They work well in a variety of dishes, from salads to sauces to salsas.
Cherry Tomatoes
Small, sweet, and bursting with flavour. They’re great for snacking and salads.
Best For: Fresh eating, freezing and dehydrating. Their concentrated sweetness intensifies when dried, making them a fantastic addition to dishes or as a standalone snack. Click here to order Cherry Tomatoes
Different Methods of Preserving Tomatoes
Canning
How It Works: Canning involves sealing tomatoes in jars and heating them to kill bacteria and create a vacuum seal. This method is ideal for making sauces, salsas, and whole tomatoes.
Pros: Canned tomatoes retain their flavour and can be stored for up to a year. It's a great way to stock up for winter soups and stews.
Tips: Use a pressure canner or hot water bath for safe processing.
Freezing
How It Works: Freezing tomatoes involves washing, chopping, and placing them in freezer-safe bags or containers. This method is simple and preserves the fresh taste of tomatoes.
Pros: Freezing is quick and easy, and you can use the tomatoes straight from the freezer for cooking.
Tips: Blanching tomatoes briefly before freezing can help preserve their texture.
Dehydrating
How It Works: Dehydrating removes moisture from tomatoes, turning them into a concentrated form that can be stored for a long time. You can use a dehydrator or your oven for this method.
Pros: Dehydrated tomatoes take up less space and are perfect for adding to soups, stews, and snacks.
Tips: Store dried tomatoes in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain their flavour and texture.
When you order bulk tomatoes through our website you get to choose;
* The variety: Choose from all plum tomatoes, or Farmer's Choice (the best tomatoes of the week!) - whatever floats your canning boat!
* The pick up time: Choose from early, mid-season, or late-season for your collection time - whichever suits your schedule.
* The amount: You can order from 20-100lbs of tomatoes straight from the website. Looking for even more? Send us an email!
Once your order is placed, we'll process it on a first-come, first-served basis and email you when it's your turn to select a convenient pickup date.