How To Freeze Cherry Tomatoes Without Blanching
This method involves no blanching, takes no time at all, and requires very little effort. Learn how to quickly freeze cherry tomatoes in either a freezer bag or airtight, resealable container.
Equipment
- A colander/strainer
- A clean towel
- A baking sheet
- Resealable, plastic freezer bags OR an airtight, sealable container
- Freezer labels
- A permanent marker
- Space at the back of your freezer
Instructions
- Pluck off the green stems from the cherry tomatoes, if any.
- Place the cherry tomatoes into a colander/strainer and rinse them under running water. Shake off any excess water.
- Lay a clean towel or cloth onto a flat surface. Empty the cherry tomatoes from the colander/strainer onto the cloth. Pat the tomatoes dry.
- Pour the cherry tomatoes onto a baking sheet. Ensure they are evenly dispersed in a single layer, like in the image below. Don't overcrowd or pile the tomatoes on top of each other, or they'll freeze together in a clump.
- Place the baking tray into the freezer and allow the tomatoes to freeze for 2 hours.
- After at least 2 hours has elapsed, remove the baking sheet from the freezer.
- Open a freezer bag or airtight container and fill it with the flash-frozen cherry tomatoes.
- If you're using a freezer bag, gently press the air out of the bag and seal it. You don't need to use the "straw trick" here because the tomato skins do a pretty good job of protecting the tomato's flesh while in the freezer.
- Write today's date on a freezer label, stick it to the bag or container, and place it in the back of your freezer.