Storing fruits and vegetables for winter use, is an age old practice, which is still followed by many, especially in the inaccessible rural areas. Those living in urban areas have supermarkets to supply these food items, even during winter. But, storing or preserving is always preferable as it can be economical and convenient, especially for those who grow such tomatoes too, as many people have no clear cut idea regarding storing tomatoes for winter use.
Steps for Storing Tomatoes for Winter Use
You may not even be able to imagine a garden fresh tomato during winters. But, you can store these fruits during the harvest, when they are available in plenty. However, many people are still in dark about the best way to store tomatoes for winter. If you want to store tomatoes for a few days, then freezing is not necessary. You can keep them in the kitchen itself, so that the fresh flavor is retained. You can also freeze whole tomatoes or the peeled ones, but it may not retain the freshness for a long time. There are many alternative methods, which may help you in storing tomatoes for winter, without compromising on its freshness and flavor. The following are some guidelines regarding storing tomatoes for winter.
Freezing
There are various methods to store tomatoes. But, if you are not interested in canning or drying, you may adopt this easy method for storing tomatoes for winter use. Boil water in a container and add fresh and ripe tomatoes to the container. Allow the water to boil for almost sixty seconds. Now, you have to take out the tomatoes immediately and dip them in ice cold water. Peel off the skin and allow the tomatoes to cool. Place them in freezer bags and add some salt to each bag of peeled tomatoes. Squeeze out the air in each bag, seal them and place in the refrigerator. You can thaw them and use whenever necessary. Read more on freezing vegetables.
Canning
If you like canned tomatoes, you may go for the canning method of storing tomatoes for winter. For canning.
Drying
Drying is another method of storing tomatoes for winter use. If you like the flavor and taste of dried tomatoes, you can try this method. In order to dry tomatoes, take fresh, ripe tomatoes and wash them. Then, cut them in half and sprinkle some salt on the up turned half. Now, allow them to get dry in a food dehydrator and this may take one or two days. You have to check whether these tomatoes have become completely dry and firm, before storing. Once dry, store them in a jar, which does not have any trace of moisture.
Apart from the above said methods, you may make chutneys, pickles, jams, juice, etc., out of these tomatoes and store them for winter use. You can even puree them and freeze for future use. However, it is always economical and convenient, as fresh tomatoes are very rare during winter. You can opt for any of the above said methods and become successful in storing tomatoes for winter.
