How to Freeze Diced Tomatoes

1. Clean the Tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes and remove any stems.

2. Cut tomatoes into dice. Use a sharp knife to cut the peeled tomatoes into small, bite-sized dice. Cut as evenly as possible for consistent results.

3. Prepare the tray: Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper. Transfer the diced tomatoes onto the lined sheet, spacing them evenly in a single layer. Ensure the tomatoes are not touching to avoid clumping during freezing.

4. Freeze the Tomatoes: Place the tray in the freezer for 1-2 hours or until the tomato cubes are completely frozen.

5. Transfer to freezer bags or containers: Once frozen, transfer the frozen diced tomatoes into freezer-safe storage bags, containers, or airtight freezer bags. Squeeze out excess air from the bags or containers to prevent freezer burn.

6. Label and Store: Label the storage containers with the date and contents. Store them in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) for long-term preservation.

Tips

- To save space, you can stack multiple layers of parchment paper-lined baking sheets in the freezer.

- If desired, you can blanch the tomatoes before freezing to retain more flavor, texture, and color. To do so, blanch the diced tomatoes in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to cool. Drain thoroughly before spreading on the baking sheet.

- When ready to use, take out the frozen diced tomatoes and let them thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature. For quick thawing, place the tomatoes in a colander under running cold water. Thawing under running water is also helpful if you want to remove some of the juice.