Can You Freeze Tomatoes?
Fresh whole, diced, or crushed tomatoes for cooking.
The Short Answer
Yes, you can freeze tomatoes. Yes. Fresh tomatoes freeze easily and the skins slip right off after thawing, making them perfect for sauces and soups.
Freezer Storage Time
Source: USDA FoodKeeper | Last verified: March 26, 2026 | Our methodology
How to Freeze Tomatoes
- Wash and dry tomatoes.
- For whole tomatoes: core, place on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid (2-3 hours). Transfer to freezer bags.
- For diced: chop, spread on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then bag.
- The skin does not need to be removed before freezing; it slips off easily after thawing.
Texture and Quality Changes
Frozen tomatoes become soft and mushy after thawing. They will not work for fresh applications like salads or sandwiches. The flavor is well preserved, making them excellent for cooked dishes. The cell walls break down during freezing, which is actually an advantage for sauces since the tomatoes cook down faster.
How to Thaw Tomatoes Safely
For sauces and soups, add frozen tomatoes directly to the pot. No thawing needed. To remove skins, run a frozen tomato under warm water for a few seconds and the skin slides right off.
Refreezing is not recommended. Quality and texture degrade significantly with repeated freezing and thawing.
Best Uses After Freezing
After freezing and thawing, tomatoes works best in: pasta sauce, soup, stew, chili, salsa, curry.
Freezing tomatoes at the peak of summer is one of the best kitchen tricks. Buy a flat of tomatoes from the farmers market, core them, freeze on sheet pans, and bag them. You will have garden-quality tomatoes for sauce all winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Unlike most vegetables, tomatoes do not need blanching before freezing. Simply wash, core, and freeze. The skins will slip off easily after thawing.
Yes. Wash, dry, spread on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to bags. They work well in cooked dishes. Pop them frozen right into a hot pan for a quick sauce.
The Bottom Line
Tomatoes can be frozen for 6–12 months when packaged properly. The key is removing as much air as possible and using freezer-safe containers or bags. While texture may change slightly after thawing, frozen tomatoes works well in cooked dishes and recipes.