Tomatoes are beloved for their vibrant taste and versatility in cooking. But what happens when your tomato garden yields an abundant harvest, and you want to save that fresh flavor for months or even years? There is an ancient preservation technique that has been used across cultures to retain tomatoes’ taste and nutrients long after the harvest season ends. This method requires no complicated equipment or modern preservatives—just a few natural ingredients and careful steps.
Why Preserve Tomatoes?
Preserving tomatoes has benefits beyond just avoiding waste. It allows you to enjoy the rich taste of garden-fresh tomatoes any time of the year, even in the heart of winter when fresh produce is scarce or expensive. This method also retains the nutrients and flavor of tomatoes, so each jar you open provides an experience that’s close to fresh-picked. Let’s walk through each step of this unique preservation technique.
Step 1: Selecting the Right Tomatoes
For the best preservation results, you want to choose tomatoes that are fully ripe, firm, and free from blemishes or bruises. Varieties like Roma, San Marzano, or other paste tomatoes work especially well because they have thicker flesh and fewer seeds, but any tomato will do.
Tip: Avoid overly soft or damaged tomatoes, as they may spoil faster even with the best preservation methods.
Step 2: Thoroughly Wash the Tomatoes
Once you’ve selected the tomatoes, rinse them well to remove any dirt, bacteria, or pesticide residues. Even if they are from your garden, a thorough wash will help prevent contamination during the preservation process.
Step 3: Blanch and Peel the Tomatoes
Blanching is the process of briefly immersing tomatoes in boiling water and then transferring them to an ice bath. This step helps to loosen the skin, making it easy to peel the tomatoes without damaging the flesh.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Use a slotted spoon to gently lower the tomatoes into the boiling water.
- Let them sit for about 30 seconds or until the skins start to split.
- Remove the tomatoes immediately and place them in an ice water bath to stop the cooking process.
Once they’ve cooled, peel the skins off carefully. Peeling is essential as tomato skins can become tough over time and could affect the texture of your preserved tomatoes.
Step 4: Prepare a Natural Salt Brine Solution
Salt is one of the oldest preservatives known to humanity. For this method, create a saltwater brine to act as a natural preservative.
- Use natural rock salt or sea salt (avoid iodized salt as it can cause cloudiness in the brine).
- Dissolve about one to two tablespoons of salt per quart of water.
- Stir until the salt is completely dissolved.
The salt solution will inhibit the growth of bacteria and preserve the tomato’s freshness and nutrients.
Step 5: Sterilize Your Jars and Lids
Sterilizing your jars and lids is crucial to prevent spoilage. Here’s how:
- Place the glass jars and lids in a large pot of boiling water for about 10 minutes.
- Remove them carefully with tongs and let them air-dry on a clean towel.
Sterilization helps to eliminate any lingering bacteria that could cause the tomatoes to spoil.
Step 6: Pack the Peeled Tomatoes Tightly in Jars
Place the peeled tomatoes in the sterilized jars, packing them as tightly as possible. The less air between the tomatoes, the longer they’ll keep, so try to eliminate as many air pockets as you can by pressing down gently.
Tip: You can add whole tomatoes or cut them into halves if they’re too large for your jars.
Step 7: Pour in the Salt Brine Solution
Once your tomatoes are packed into the jars, fill the jar with your saltwater brine solution, covering the tomatoes completely. Ensure there’s no air trapped at the top, as this can lead to spoilage.
Pro Tip: Gently tap the jar on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
Step 8: Add a Layer of Olive Oil
Adding a thin layer of olive oil on top of the brine is an extra step that helps to create an airtight seal, preventing oxygen from spoiling your tomatoes. This layer also imparts a slight richness to the tomatoes, making them perfect for cooking when you’re ready to use them.
Pour enough olive oil to form about a quarter-inch layer on the surface. Ensure that the tomatoes are completely submerged.
Step 9: Seal the Jars Tightly
Secure the lids tightly on each jar. The jars should now be completely airtight and ready for long-term storage.
Step 10: Store in a Dark, Cool Place
Place the jars in a cool, dark storage area like a pantry, cellar, or cupboard. Consistent cool temperatures will keep the tomatoes from spoiling, and a dark environment will prevent light from degrading the nutrients.
Step 11: Rotate the Jars Occasionally
Once every few months, give the jars a gentle rotation to ensure the brine and oil coat all parts of the tomatoes evenly. This rotation also allows you to check that the tomatoes are still submerged and that there are no signs of spoilage.
Step 12: Check for Spoilage Before Use
When you’re ready to use your preserved tomatoes, open the jar carefully and inspect it. The tomatoes should smell fresh and vibrant, and there should be no cloudiness or mold in the brine.
Step 13: How to Use Your Preserved Tomatoes
These preserved tomatoes work beautifully in various recipes, from pasta sauces to soups and stews. The salt brine intensifies the tomato flavor, making them ideal for dishes that benefit from rich, savory flavors.
Benefits of Using This Ancient Preservation Method
- Nutrient Retention: This method preserves the full spectrum of nutrients found in fresh tomatoes, including vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene.
- Natural and Chemical-Free: Unlike canned or commercially preserved tomatoes, this technique uses only natural ingredients—salt and olive oil—so there’s no need to worry about additives or chemicals.
- Enhanced Flavor: The brine and olive oil add layers of flavor to the tomatoes, making them perfect for recipes that require a robust tomato base.
Final Thoughts: Keeping Summer’s Bounty Year-Round
Preserving tomatoes with this ancient technique not only gives you access to garden-fresh tomatoes year-round but also connects you to time-honored food preservation traditions. Each jar becomes a tribute to nature and the delicious rewards of a season’s work in the garden.
Ready to give it a try? Start today and share the joy of homemade preserved tomatoes with friends and family. There’s no better way to savor the taste of summer—no matter the time of year!
Join the Conversation!
Have you tried preserving tomatoes this way? Share your experience or tips below, and tag a friend who would love to know this amazing preservation method!