The Tomatoes Are Too Good Not to Save


Hi Reader,

Every August, I have the same conversation with myself.

"How many tomatoes did I really need?"

The honest answer is never the one on the counter.

Here's what happens when tomato season hits: a friend presses a bag into your hands. A farmer's market vendor insists you take "just a few more." You convince yourself you'll make one salad, just one, and suddenly your kitchen looks as though the San Marzano mafia has taken over.

I love this problem.

Tomatoes ripen fast and unforgivingly. Miss the moment, and next week the ones at the store taste faintly of disappointment and cardboard. So I turn a little obsessive this time of year. I roast them. Simmer them. Cook them down into a brick-red paste so concentrated it tastes like August itself. I freeze sauce, pickle green tomatoes, and somehow still find room for one more batch.

Preserving tomatoes isn't really about stocking the pantry.

It's about opening a jar in January, when the sky is the color of wet cement, taking one spoonful, and remembering that summer existed, and that you were smart enough to save some of it.

Save Summer Before It Sneaks Away

  • Don't wait for "the perfect weekend." Ripe tomatoes have their own schedule. When they're ready, so are you.
  • Cook down the best tomatoes, not the prettiest ones. A cracked, lopsided heirloom heavy with juice will always beat a flawless supermarket tomato.
  • Freeze more than you think you'll need. Future You, cold, tired, and craving real tomato sauce in February, will thank Present You.
  • Preserve in different ways. Paste, marinara, freezer sauce, pickles, even tomato jelly. Each earns its place depending on what dinner demands.
  • Leave a few for today, and put the rest to work. Slice one thick, sprinkle it with flaky salt, drizzle with good olive oil, and remember why you're preserving the rest in the first place. Then open the collection below and pick a project for the weekend.

WHAT'S INSIDE...

Homemade Tomato Paste

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.73 from 48 votes

Making tomato paste at home is surprisingly easy and a great way to use up lots of fresh tomatoes. All you need are tomatoes, salt, olive oil, a food mill, and a flair for classic Italian goodness.
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Freezer Tomato Sauce

This freezer tomato sauce is a simple homemade spaghetti sauce made with that glut of garden tomatoes. Stash it in the freezer now, and thank yourself later.
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Sugo Di Pomodoro ~ Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce

This red sauce, or sugo di pomodoro, is an easy, classic Italian tomato sauce made with tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, and basil. Ideal for busy weeknights as well as easy entertaining.
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Portuguese Tomato Jelly

This Portuguese tomato jelly, made with fresh tomatoes, sugar, water, and some patience, is a favorite Portuguese condiment. It's perfect for serving with cheese and crackers.
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Pickled Green Tomatoes

These pickled green tomatoes have loads of flavor from the sweet and salty brine and the freshness of green tomatoes. You'll wish that you made more, I promise.
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Spicy Marinara Sauce

This marinara sauce is so delicious. The hint of sugar balances out the acidity in the tomatoes, and the pop of heat from the red pepper flakes really brings it full circle. Not all canned tomatoes are created equal, though! My favorite brands are San Merican (S.M.T.) Whole Peeled Tomatoes and Target’s house food brand, Good & Gather.
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Tomato Sorbet

Tomato sorbet can be made with any tomatoes that you desire, or have on hand. This stunning dessert adds lemon, basil, and sugar to make a fresh and bright dish.
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