Q. Hey there, Jenny! My garden's bursting with tomatoes and I'm stumped about how to save all this vibrant summer deliciousness without any of it going to waste. Got any tricks up your sleeve for preserving these beauties?

A. I'm glad to hear that you've had a bountiful tomato harvest this season! You're absolutely on the right track with wanting to preserve those delicious summer tomatoes to avoid any waste. One of my favorite ways to do this is to freeze them whole. Here’s how you do it:

  • Wash and dry the tomatoes and arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer. Put the baking sheet in the freezer. Once the tomatoes are frozen solid, transfer them to airtight freezer-safe bags or containers. This method prevents the tomatoes from sticking together, making it easier to grab just the amount you need. When you're ready to use your frozen tomatoes, simply take them out of the freezer and thaw. The skins will slip off effortlessly and you can use these thawed tomatoes in sauces, soups, stews, and other dishes to enjoy the taste of summer all year long.