Yes, you can freeze tin tomatoes, but it's important to do it correctly.
Freezing Canned Tomatoes: What You Need to Know
While the convenience of canned tomatoes is undeniable, sometimes you don't use the entire can in one go. Rather than letting the leftovers go to waste, you can safely freeze them. However, it's important to avoid keeping leftovers in the metal tin as the acidic tomatoes can react with the metal. Here’s a simple guide:
How to Freeze Canned Tomatoes
- Transfer: Immediately transfer any leftover canned tomatoes from the tin to suitable freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. This prevents any potential reaction between the acidic tomatoes and the metal of the can.
- Label: Don't forget to label the containers or bags with the date to help keep track of how long they've been in the freezer. This is good practice for all frozen goods.
- Freezing Time: Frozen canned tomatoes can be stored for up to six months.
- How to Use: You have two options once frozen:
- Use straight from frozen. Add the frozen tomatoes directly to your recipe while cooking.
- Defrost in the microwave for one or two minutes before cooking.
Why Not Freeze in the Tin?
It's best practice to never store or freeze food in open metal cans. This is because:
- Metal Reaction: The acidic content of canned tomatoes can cause a reaction with the metal of the can once opened, potentially leading to a metallic taste and making the food unsafe.
- Quality: Storing opened cans in the refrigerator is also not a good idea, so transferring to another suitable container is important to maintain quality.
- Freezing Issues: Freezing liquid in the can can cause expansion which may lead to the can bursting or distorting.
Summary
| Action | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Freezing | Yes, in freezer-safe bags or containers. |
| Metal Tin | Avoid freezing or storing in. |
| Storage Time | Up to 6 months in the freezer. |
| Preparation | Freeze directly or defrost briefly in microwave. |
By following these simple steps, you can safely freeze leftover canned tomatoes, preventing waste and saving time in the kitchen.
