An Easy Way to Preserve Cherry Tomatoes
The good news and the bad news is that cherry tomatoes are prolific. Just like zucchini, you can end up with so many that you can't consume them fast enough. I've found this recipe to be a great way to preserve them for use during that long tomatoe-less stretch from frost until summer. Tomatoes are first dried, then frozen to prolong their shelf-life.
Dried Cherry Tomatoes
Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
Line two baking sheets with foil. (I prefer the non-stick kind, such as Reynolds Wrap Release foil.)
Cut cherry tomatoes in half and distribute evenly on baking sheets.
Place in oven for 6 to 8 hours until pulpy and chewy but not brittle.
Allow to cool on the baking sheets. If you have room, place the baking sheets in the freezer so that the tomatoes freeze separately. This makes them easier to use later.
Remove from baking sheets and place in a freezer bag. Store in freezer for future use in recipes, including salads.
I've used this recipe for several years and have been very pleased with the results. I hope you enjoy it, too.
Comments
Have you tried using a Silpat or other nonstick baking aid? Aluminum is such a high-embodied-energy product, I try not to use it (or re-use it)
Posted by: Kelli Ploeger | October 17, 2005 08:51 PM
Hi,
Tomatoes are a passion of mine. I have always planted lots - finding ways to use them has always been on the agenda.
I have dried them, frozen, bottled, made jam and chutneys and of course given lots away.
Cherry tomatoes are prolific bearers as you say. I have always told myself never plant out a seedling that has come up in the garden by itself no matter how healthy it looks, because....yes.. it will be a cherry tomato.
I always manage not to take notice to myself and end up with a lot of cherry tomato plants. I have a couple of varieties - one is the small tomato and I have another that is a larger variety. This one is really great in salads. The kids love eating both kinds. Funny thing is that the birds and grubs do not touch these varieties like they do the larger ones.
Thank you for your ways of using these tomatoes.
Regards.
Betty
Posted by: Betty | November 2, 2005 07:39 AM