If you’re a gardener, you know the joy of harvesting fresh, homegrown produce. But sometimes, that joy comes with a challenge: what do you do with a bumper crop of cherry tomatoes? Whether you’ve grown too many or want to make the most of your harvest, finding creative ways to use your extra cherry tomatoes can be fun and rewarding.
Cherry tomatoes are among the most popular garden crops because they’re easy to grow, productive, and versatile in the kitchen. However, once you’ve eaten all your salads, made pasta sauce, and shared with friends, you might wonder, “What now?” In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ways to use your extra cherry tomatoes, from preserving them for later use to turning them into delicious meals.
With over 15 years of experience in gardening and cooking, I’m here to share tips and ideas that will help you make the most of your tomato bounty. Let’s dive in!
1.Can Them for Future Use
One of the best ways to preserve extra cherry tomatoes is by canning. Canning tomatoes allows you to enjoy their fresh flavor long after the growing season ends. Whether you can them whole, crush them, or turn them into a sauce, this method can help you store your tomatoes for months.
How to Can Cherry Tomatoes
- Sterilize Jars: Sterilize your canning jars and lids in boiling water. This ensures they’re free from bacteria that could spoil the tomatoes.
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Wash your cherry tomatoes thoroughly. Depending on your preference, you can either leave them whole or cut them in half.
- Blanching: To remove the skins, blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer them to ice water. This will make peeling them much easier.
- Packing the Jars: Pack your tomatoes into the jars, leaving a small space at the top. Add lemon juice or citric acid to maintain acidity and prevent spoilage.
- Seal and Process: Seal the jars tightly and process them in a hot water bath for about 35-45 minutes, depending on their size. Once sealed, they can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Tip: You can also make a simple tomato sauce or salsa and can it the same way to have a ready-to-use ingredient for cooking throughout the year.
2.Freeze Them for Later
Freezing cherry tomatoes is another simple way to preserve your harvest. While freezing may change their texture slightly (they’re best used in cooked dishes), they will still retain much of their flavor.
How to Freeze Cherry Tomatoes
- Wash and Dry: Rinse the tomatoes under cold water, then dry them with a clean towel.
- Freeze on a Baking Sheet: Spread the tomatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the sheet in the freezer for a few hours until the tomatoes are frozen solid.
- Transfer to a Bag: Transfer the tomatoes to an airtight freezer bag once frozen. Label the bag with the date, and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Frozen cherry tomatoes are perfect for adding to soups, sauces, and stews during the colder months.
3.Make Homemade Tomato Sauce or Salsa
If you have a lot of cherry tomatoes, why not turn them into something delicious like homemade tomato sauce or salsa? These dishes are incredibly versatile, and you can adjust the flavor to suit your tastes.
Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Ingredients: 2 pounds of cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and fresh basil.
- Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan and sauté chopped garlic and onions until soft.
- Add the tomatoes and cook until they start to break down.
- Season with salt, pepper, and fresh basil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Blend the sauce to your desired texture, either smooth or chunky.
Salsa Recipe
- Ingredients: 3 cups of cherry tomatoes (halved), one small onion (diced), one jalapeño (seeded and chopped), cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
- Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Stir to mix, and adjust seasoning with more lime juice or salt to taste.
- Serve fresh or store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
These dishes can be made in large batches and enjoyed with everything from pasta to tacos or tortilla chips!
4.Dry Them to Make Sun-Dried Tomatoes
If you’re looking for a way to store your cherry tomatoes that intensifies their flavor, consider drying them. Drying them out gives you sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for tossing into salads, pasta, or even pizza.
How to Dry Cherry Tomatoes
- Oven Drying: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Cut the tomatoes in half and remove the seeds (optional). Place them on a baking sheet, cut side up, and bake for 4-6 hours, checking periodically until thoroughly dried and wrinkled.
- Dehydrator Drying: If you have a dehydrator, set it to 125°F (52°C) and place the tomatoes on the dehydrator trays. Dry for 8-12 hours until they’re leathery and dry.
- Storage: Store your dried tomatoes in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. You can also store them in olive oil for added flavor and preservation.
5.Share Them with Family and Friends
Share the bounty if you’ve grown too many tomatoes to eat alone! Fresh cherry tomatoes are a great gift for neighbors, friends, and family. Not only will you be giving them something delicious, but you’ll also be sharing the joy of homegrown produce.
6.Create Cherry Tomato Preserves or Jam
For something unique, why not make cherry tomato jam or preserves? This sweet and savory spread can be used on toast, in spicy dishes, or even as a topping for grilled meats.
Simple Cherry Tomato Jam Recipe
- Ingredients: 4 cups of cherry tomatoes, 2 cups of sugar, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Instructions:
- Halve and crush the cherry tomatoes in a large pot.
- Add sugar, lemon juice, and spices, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir occasionally, cooking for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency.
- Transfer to sterilized jars and seal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I eat cherry tomatoes raw after freezing them?
While freezing changes the texture of cherry tomatoes, they are still safe to eat raw after freezing. However, they may be mushy, so it is best to use them in cooked dishes.
Q. How long do canned cherry tomatoes last?
Canned cherry tomatoes can last up to a year if stored in a cool, dark place. Always check the seal before use to ensure they haven’t been compromised.
Q. Can I use cherry tomatoes in cooking instead of regular tomatoes?
Yes, cherry tomatoes can be used in cooking just like regular tomatoes. They’re particularly great in sauces, soups, and as toppings for pizzas and pasta.
Maximize Your Cherry Tomato Harvest
Extra cherry tomatoes from your garden don’t need to go to waste. Whether you can freeze, dry, or cook them into delicious dishes, there are endless possibilities for using up your harvest. By preserving them, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor long after the growing season ends.