Tomatoes and Harvest Prep

My tomatoes are going like gang-busters right now, and I'm obsessed with keeping up with the pickings. I can't stand the thought of any going to waste.

This weekend I did lots of harvesting and am slowly putting each garden bed to rest for the winter as each one is picked out. Good night, snap peas. Good night, edamame. Good night, corn.

While I was harvesting, Colin was doing manly things, like protecting our new trees from the deer. Did you know deer love to mash their antlers against tree bark in the fall? If you don't protect new trees, they'll surely die. Colin likes to use chicken wire to wrap the bark because it's not really noticeable, which just looks a bit nicer in the yard.

I think that canning tomatoes is kind of unnecessary, because freezing is just so much handier (and keeps the nutritional value much higher because it's not all cooked out during the canning process). To process, I simply chop up the tomatoes (not necessary to chop the cherry tomatoes) and blend them up in my cuisinart. Then I place the mixture in a freezer bag (about 2-3 cups in each) and freeze for use in fresh tomato sauce (or soups, etc.) throughout the winter.

For a very simple, yet fresh and summery tasting sauce, heat fresh garlic and olive oil in a saucepan just until the garlic is aromatic. Add in the frozen tomatoes (frozen or thawed is fine) and cook just until heated. Season with basil and salt and serve with pasta.

Tip: Skinning the tomatoes before processing is completely unnecessary here, as the skins are blended up and are not noticeable when eaten.

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Comments

[Tanya @ Lovely Greens]

I'm convinced that the skins of tomatoes contain tons of vitamins (like potato and apple skins) so I try to use them where I can as well. They're lovely in chutneys and I think they add a splash of colour in pastas when I'm using them fresh. Good tip on freezing sauce!

[Kim McCallie]

The tomatoes are beautiful! And, are those pumpkins peeking out there? I'm jealous. I would love to have a pumpkin patch.

[Natalie VV]

Seriously? I have been suffering because I still haven't leaned how to can, and while I would like to learn someday... I cannot believe that 'process and freeze' is all I need to do! This is wonderful. Thank you!

[JuliP]

I've been making tomato sauce in my Cuisinart and freezing for a few year now. It works great and is such a time saver. Canning takes way too much time...I sold all my canning stuff in a garage sale. FoodSaver bags are where it's at for me!

I have also roasted the tomatoes with carrots, onions and garlic to make a delicious bolognese sauce to freeze, it's delicious!
Add fresh peppers and jalapenos for chili. I definitely need to get a bigger freezer! My little garden has runneth over this year!

[Teresa]

did you know that you can freeze tomatoes whole? when they thaw the skins come right off. love it!!

[teresa]

Wonderful tip- thats what I will be doing next year with all my tomatoes-
Happy Day

[Danna Ashby]

I have kept up with mine so far. My favorite is salsa, which I can. But it only comes to a very quick boil and then waterbathed for 15 minutes so it is close to raw. I have limited freezer space and power goes out on occasion, so I do both freezing and canning. . . Determined to keep up with them as well. .

[Kim G.]

I like freezing tomatoes also. A few years ago I did a post on using a tomato press,which removes the skin and seeds, you might be interested: http://campwhimsy.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/07/im-feeling-pres.html Happy Harvesting!

[Julie Harward]

Nothing like the harvest is there...beautiful tomatoes! :D

[A Country Farmhouse]

What a great idea! We wrote in 'can tomatoes' on our calendar for next weekend but the freezing option looks quite appealing.
Thanks for the tip!
Trina

[michelle]

thanks for these great freezing tips serena! really appreciate it!

[Donna Sanders]

Serena!!! Thanks for the tip with garden tomatoes - we successfully grew three types of tomatoes and have them "coming out our ears" now I know how to preserve them without canning! Yay! Thanks for the handy tips - keep them coming! :o)

[Bethany]

Thanks for the tips on freezing tomatoes. I'd much rather freeze than can.

[pamela]

Your tomatoes are gorgeous! What a great harvest.

[Sarah]

I have been putting off processing tomatoes because i hate waiting for them to seal, and i am always afraid a glass jar will break and burn me or worse one of my babies. I am doing this tomorrow and putting away the processor tonight.