What to Do With Too Many Tomatoes: Creative and Easy Ways to Try Out
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Do you have a surplus of tomatoes and are struggling to find ways to use them all up? If you’re a gardener or farmer, you know that sometimes you end up with more tomatoes than you know what to do with. But don’t let them go to waste! Whether you prefer to eat them raw or cooked, there are plenty of options to suit your taste buds.
If you enjoy fresh, raw tomatoes, try making a classic tomato salad by slicing them up and tossing them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Alternatively, you could use them as a topping for bruschetta or crostini or make your own fresh salsa or pico de gallo.
There are plenty tomato-based dishes to make for those who prefer cooked tomatoes. You could make a simple tomato sauce to use in pasta dishes or on top of pizza, or try canning or preserving them for use throughout the year. Additionally, roasted tomatoes can add delicious flavor to soups, stews, and sauces.
Preserve Them
When you have too many tomatoes, preserving them is a great way to ensure you can enjoy them all year round. There are several ways to keep tomatoes, including canning, freezing, and drying.
Canning
Canning tomatoes is a great way to preserve them for long periods. You can either can them whole or diced. The process involves boiling the jars of tomatoes in water to sterilize them and then sealing them tight. Canned tomatoes can last up to a year.
If you’re new to canning, it’s important to follow proper safety procedures to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Use high-quality jars, lids, and bands specifically designed for canning. Follow a trusted recipe and processing time, and check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.
Freezing
Freezing tomatoes is a quick and easy way to preserve them. You can freeze them whole, sliced, or diced. To freeze them, blanch them in boiling water for a few seconds, then transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool. Once cool, remove the skins and any excess liquid, then pack them into freezer-safe containers or bags. Frozen tomatoes can last up to 8 months.
Another option for freezing tomatoes is to make tomato sauce or paste and freeze that instead. This is a great option if you’re short on freezer space or want a more convenient way to use your tomatoes later.
Drying
Drying tomatoes is a great way to intensify their flavor and make them last for several months. You can either sun-dry them or use a dehydrator. To sun-dry them, simply slice them in half, sprinkle with salt, and place them on a baking sheet in the sun. It may take a few days for them to dry completely.
If you’re using a dehydrator, slice the tomatoes and place them on the trays. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time and temperature. Once they’re dry, store them in an airtight container or bag.
Powdering
Tomato powdering is another creative way to preserve tomatoes. This comes in after you have dried the tomatoes. Once the tomato slices are completely dry, grind them into a fine powder using a blender or food processor. Store the tomato powder in an airtight container and use it as a seasoning or flavor enhancer in your favorite recipes.
This option will save you a lot of space and keep the tomatoes good to use for a long period of time (not less than a year). However, many people claim that it does not preserve the taste contained in fresh tomatoes, so keep in mind that you are compromising on the flavor.
Cook with Them
If you have too many tomatoes, you can make many delicious recipes with them. Here are some tomato-based dishes to make:
Classic Tomato Sauce
The most obvious way to use excess tomatoes is to make classic tomato sauce. This versatile sauce can be used in various dishes, from pasta to pizza to meatballs. To make it, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, add chopped tomatoes and let simmer for about 30 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like basil or oregano to taste. You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is a simple and refreshing dish that highlights the flavor of fresh tomatoes. To make it, slice tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese and arrange them on a plate. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves. Serve as a side dish or light lunch.
Tomato and Basil Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer perfect for using up your excess tomatoes. To make tomato and basil bruschetta, slice a baguette into thin rounds and toast them in the oven. In a bowl, mix diced tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, minced garlic, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Spoon the tomato mixture onto the toasted bread and serve as a delicious and easy appetizer.
Gazpacho Soup
Gazpacho soup is a refreshing and healthy way to use your excess tomatoes. To taste, combine tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, garlic, onion, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and salt and pepper. Chill the soup in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. You can also add croutons or diced vegetables on top for added texture.
Tomato and Mozzarella Tart
Another great way to use up your excess tomato harvest is by making a tomato and mozzarella tart. Roll out some puff pastry and top it with sliced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. Bake in the oven until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This dish is perfect for a summer lunch or dinner and will impress your guests.
Share Them
Consider sharing your surplus tomatoes with friends, family, community programs, or food banks. Not only will you be helping others in need, but you’ll also be reducing food waste. This will help also reduce the level of food deserts.
Friends and Family
Start by reaching out to your friends and family members. Chances are, they’ll be happy to take some of your extra tomatoes off your hands. You could also organize a tomato swap, where everyone brings their excess produce to trade with each other.
Community Programs
Many communities have programs that accept fresh produce donations. Check with your local food bank, soup kitchen, or homeless shelter to see if they accept fresh tomatoes. Some organizations even have programs specifically for gardeners, such as Plant a Row for the Hungry, which encourages gardeners to plant an extra row of produce to donate to those in need.
Food Banks
Food banks always need fresh produce to distribute to those in need. When donating to a food bank, following their guidelines for accepting fresh produce is important. For example, some food banks may only accept tomatoes that are uncut and still on the vine.
When donating to a food bank, consider creating a table or chart that lists the different types of tomatoes you’re donating, along with a brief description of each one. This can help food bank staff better understand what they’re receiving and how to distribute it to those in need.
Sell Them
If you have more tomatoes than you can use, consider selling them. This can be a great way to earn some extra bucks and share your bounty with others. Here are some options for selling your excess tomatoes:
Farmers’ Markets
One option is to sell your tomatoes at a local farmers’ market. These markets are typically held once a week and attract a variety of customers looking for fresh, locally-grown produce. To sell at a farmers’ market, you will need to apply for a vendor’s license and pay a fee.
You will also need to have a way to transport your tomatoes to the market and set up a display. Consider offering samples of your tomatoes to entice customers to buy.
Roadside Stands
Another option is to set up a roadside stand. This can be a great way to sell your tomatoes directly to customers passing by. You will need to find a good location, such as a busy road or near a popular attraction, and set up a display. Make sure to price your tomatoes competitively and have plenty of change. Consider offering a discount for customers who buy in bulk.
Online Marketplaces
Finally, you can consider selling your tomatoes on online marketplaces such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Etsy. This can be a great option if you have many tomatoes to sell and want to reach a wider audience. Take high-quality photos of your tomatoes and provide a detailed description.
Consider offering free delivery or shipping to entice customers to buy. Selling your excess tomatoes can be a great way to share your bounty with others and earn some extra money. Consider these options and choose the one that works best for you.
Bottom Line
Having extra tomatoes doesn’t have to be a burden. With a little creativity and effort, you can turn your surplus of tomatoes into delicious and nutritious meals. There are endless ways to use extra tomatoes, from making tomato sauce and salsa to drying and powdering them. Not only will you reduce food waste, but you’ll also be saving money and enjoying the fruits of your labor. So, don’t let those extra tomatoes go to waste – get creative and start cooking!