Foodanddrink

Can you freeze tomatoes? Here’s the easiest way to do it

Southern Living · Jul 20, 2026 22:12 · 3 min read

Credit: Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Thankfully, tomatoes can actually be frozen in all sorts of ways.

If you’ve ever ended up with way more ripe tomatoes than you can realistically use—whether from your garden, a farmers’ market haul, or sale at the grocery store—you’ve probably wondered if freezing is a good way to extend their life.

While you can absolutely freeze tomatoes, there are some things to consider, including how their texture will change after thawing, and whether or not you’ll need to peel them before you freeze. Here’s a simple guide to freezing tomatoes, how to skip the peeling step if you want to, and the best ways to make the most of the tomatoes after thawing.

Do Tomatoes Freeze Well?

While tomatoes can absolutely be frozen, their texture will change dramatically after thawing. Tomatoes have a high water content, and when they freeze, that water expands, breaking down the cell walls of the fruit. This means that after they thaw, the texture will be soft, somewhat mushy, and liquid may separate. For this reason, frozen tomatoes are best for cooked dishes rather than snacking on or using in fresh salads or sandwiches.

Do You Need To Peel Tomatoes Before Freezing?

No, tomatoes do not need to be peeled before freezing. In fact, leaving the skins on is often the easiest and fastest method. To freeze without peeling, you can simply remove the stems, then freeze the tomatoes whole, halved, sliced, or chopped on a lined baking sheet until firm. Transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze long-term.

While tomatoes don’t need to be peeled before freezing, peeling can be helpful for applications like sauces, soups, or jam when you’re looking to achieve a smooth texture in your final dish.

When Peeling Tomatoes Does Make Sense

Peeling before freezing is optional, but helpful if you’re looking for a smooth result. If you’re planning to use your tomatoes for sauces, purees, jams, or soups, peeling before freezing can save you an extra step later on. Here’s how to peel them before freezing:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil
In the meantime, cut and remove the stems of the tomatoes
Score an X on the bottom of each tomato, just through the skin
Fill a large bowl with ice water
Boil a few tomatoes at a time for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until the skin just starts to curl back
Immediately plunge the tomatoes into the ice bath
Use a towel and pull or rub off the skins, using a paring knife to remove any stubborn bits

As an alternative when freezing whole tomatoes, you can also simply remove the stem, cut an X in the bottom of each, and freeze until firm before packing into freezer-safe containers or bags. Once the tomatoes thaw, it will be easy to slip the skins right off—no blanching necessary.

Southern Living How to Peel Tomatoes skin peeling back from where the tomatoes were scored — Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Different Ways To Freeze Tomatoes

There’s no “right” way to freeze tomatoes. What it really depends on is how you plan to use them later. Here are some common ways to freeze tomatoes:

Chopped or diced: Perfect for quick cooking, chop or dice as desired and freeze until firm before packing into containers.
Pureed: Simmer cut tomatoes in a pot until the juice has started to thicken, then puree in a food processor until smooth. Freeze in silicone molds, ice cube trays, or larger containers for preparing soups and stews.
Whole tomatoes: While these will take up more space, you can freeze tomatoes whole, whether peeled or unpeeled.

How Long Frozen Tomatoes Last

Frozen tomatoes are best used within about eight to 12 months for peak flavor and texture. To get the best results, store in airtight freezer-safe bags or containers, and store toward the back of the freezer where temperatures stay more consistent.

Always freeze the tomatoes until firm before packing, since they’ll easily clump together, and label and date so you know exactly when they were first stored.

The Best Ways To Use Frozen Tomatoes

If you’re wondering about the best ways to use your frozen tomatoes after thawing, we have plenty of recipes that are a perfect fit. Here are some options: