Freezing oil-packed tomatoes takes a bit more work; if you freeze the entire container you'll have to thaw the entire thing in order to remove a single tomato. Reserve oil (now flavored) to use in salad dressing or in sautéed dishes. Cooking, travel and parenting are three of Kathryn Walsh's passions. Select airtight containers like zipped plastic freezer bags, jars, or plastic containers with tightly-fitting lids. Leaf Group Ltd. Freeze the sheets for an hour or until the tomatoes are frozen through, then pull the tomatoes off the waxed paper and place them in a plastic freezer bag or glass container with an airtight lid. University of California Davis Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources: Tomatoes: Safe Methods to Store, Preserve and Enjoy, University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension: Speedy Pork Cassoulet, U.S. Centers for Disease Control: Fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov: Vegetable of the Month: Tomato, PARTNER & LICENSEE OF THE LIVESTRONG FOUNDATION. Sun-dried tomatoes will last far longer than their fresh counterparts, and freezing extends their usability, but improper storage will shorten their shelf life. Each tomato will have a small pool of oil. They'll last in the freezer for up to a year, but try to use them within three months for the best flavor. A single sun-dried tomato can change the entire flavor of a meal. Fill jar with vinegar-dipped dried tomatoes. Seal the bag and place it in the freezer. Drying tomatoes is easy, cheap, and saves space ... Oven dried tomatoes: step-by-step directions to make your own ... Dehydrating tomatoes in a dehydrator: the most reliable drying method. Sun-dried tomatoes stored in oil won't last as long as those stored dry. Tomatoes in oil without added garlic and herbs will keep several weeks in the refrigerator. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the LIVESTRONG.COM Dried tomatoes can be stored in the freezer or refrigerator and maintain flavor and texture for about 18 months. Chop the tomatoes and add them to cold pasta salad or garlic hummus, sprinkle them on a spinach pizza or use them to top burgers or roasted-vegetable sandwiches. Refrigerate for 24 hours. If completely moisture-free, dried tomatoes will keep flavor and texture for up to a year. Dip dried tomatoes into white wine vinegar before placing in jar with oil to sharpen flavor, acidify oil, and to discourage bacteria and mold growth. Storing dried tomatoes in oil. and Fill jar with vinegar-dipped dried tomatoes. Add ¼ cup red wine as desired for flavor and to acidify tomatoes further, which reduces opportunities for bacteria growth. (. Get your free copy of "10 Must-Know Tomato Growing Tips." However, you can make your own. , Once you've pulled your tomatoes out of the fridge or cabinet, or let your frozen sun-dried tomatoes thaw out -- their small size means this process takes only an hour or so -- you may either use them as is or reconstitute them by soaking them in water, stock or even wine. Drain tomatoes before using in recipes. Tomato Dirt’s best recommendation: store dried tomatoes in refrigerator or freezer as a precaution. Freeze sun-dried tomatoes. Select a small jar with a tight-fitting lid. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn. any of the products or services that are advertised on the web site. The oil will solidify and turn white in the refrigerator but will return to liquid after 30 minutes or so left out on the counter. Sun-dried tomatoes stored in oil are shelf-stable until opened, but once you break the seal you'll need to store them in the refrigerator. As tomatoes are removed and used, replenish oil in the jar to cover remaining tomatoes. Copyright Policy Use the smallest possible container for the amount of prepared dried tomatoes. Terms of Use Place sealed containers in a cool, dry, dark place, maintained at about 60-70ºF. Oil will solidify in the refrigerator but will reliquify quickly at room temperature. 2020 All rights reserved. TomatoDirt.com. There, they'll stay edible for up to six months. The LIVESTRONG Foundation and LIVESTRONG.COM do not endorse It should not be However, most dried tomatoes will have remnants of moisture that will permit mold to develop. Don't put them in contact with metal. Place the sundried tomatoes in small freezer bags. Spread the sun-dried tomatoes out in an even layer on a parchment-covered baking sheet or plate. A tomato that is dehydrated in the sun develops an intense flavor and chewy texture without losing the nutrients, including vitamins A and C and the antioxidant lycopene, that make tomatoes a valuable part of your diet. Her work has appeared to The Syracuse Post-Standard and insider magazine. Squeeze any air out of a plastic bag before sealing it; if you're using a container, pack the sun-dried tomatoes in tightly so they fill the entire container. Sun dried tomatoes served in oil are available commercially. Make batches as needed using dried tomatoes and oil (preferably olive oil). Store sealed jars in pantry. Add garlic and additional fresh herbs, such as basil and oregano (optional). Instead, cover a cookie sheet with waxed paper and spread the tomatoes out so no two are touching. If you buy sun-dried tomatoes loose or in a container without liquid, place them in a zippered plastic bag, a jar with screw-on lid or plastic or a glass container with an airtight lid. LIVESTRONG is a registered trademark of the LIVESTRONG Foundation. Let them sit in the liquid for up to two hours on your counter, or in the refrigerator overnight. diagnosis or treatment. Moreover, we do not select every advertiser or advertisement that appears on the web site-many of the Either option is fine, but buyer beware: Quality varies tremendously. If possible, seal jars. Walsh received a master's degree in journalism from Syracuse University. Privacy Policy Remove and transfer the tomatoes to a freezer-safe bag, squeeze out any extra air, then freeze for up to 3 months. Dip dried tomatoes into white wine vinegar before placing in jar with oil to sharpen flavor, acidify oil, and to discourage bacteria and mold growth. advertisements are served by third party advertising companies. Get more tips on our Drying Tomatoes Pinterest board. A single sun-dried tomato can change the entire flavor of a meal. Check for signs of mold or a rancid smell before using the tomatoes. Label with date. The material appearing on LIVESTRONG.COM is for educational use only. Then transfer to the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until the tomatoes are frozen. Select a small jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store the tomatoes in a cool, dark cabinet for up to a year. used as a substitute for professional medical advice, Cover dried tomatoes in good quality olive oil. To store in the pantry or on a shelf More on drying tomatoes Drying tomatoes is easy, cheap, and saves space ...Oven dried tomatoes: step-by-step directions to make your own ...Dehydrating tomatoes in a dehydrator: the most reliable drying method Food dehydrators explained ...Making sun dried tomatoes: step-by-step directions ...How to dry tomatoes in a microwave ...How to rehydrate dried tomatoes ... Drying tomatoes FAQs: answers to your questions ... Return from Storing Dried Tomatoes to Tomato Dirt home. Storing dried tomatoes takes very little space, whether you keep them in the pantry, refrigerator, or freezer. The less air exposure, the better. After this point, they'll start to lose their flavor and nutritional value. Copyright © Check the expiration date on a container of oil-packed tomatoes; it should be anywhere from one to two years. A tomato that is dehydrated in the sun develops an intense flavor and chewy texture without losing the nutrients, including vitamins A and C and the antioxidant lycopene, that make tomatoes a valuable part of your diet. Pack the tomatoes in the bags tightly and press the bag as you add pieces to remove as much air as possible. If you add garlic or herbs, use tomatoes within a week to prevent spoilage. Sun-dried tomatoes can be purchased in two basic forms: dry, in airtight plastic bags; or marinated in oil, with or without added flavorings, and packed in glass jars or plastic containers. . Once you've stored dry sun-dried tomatoes in a bag or container, you can place the entire package in the freezer and the tomatoes will last up to two years. This 20-page guide is filled with  tips you need to know to have a successful tomato crop, whether you’re a beginning or experienced gardener. She makes chicken nuggets during days nannying, whips up vegetarian feasts at night and road trips on weekends. ( Try these jars .) Store unsealed and opened jars in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage. LIVESTRONG.com may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. 10 Must-Know Tomato Growing Tips: 20-page guideGet yours here: © Copyright 2010-2020. This 20-page guide is filled with  tips you need to know to have a successful tomato crop, whether you’re a beginning or experienced gardener. No reproduction without permission. FREE!