Tomatoes are the heart and soul of summer gardens, bursting with vibrant colors and rich flavors. But what if you could savor that summer goodness all year long? The answer lies in two simple techniques: canning and freezing. In this article, we'll explore how to preserve garden - fresh tomatoes and introduce you to an easy stewed tomatoes recipe that can serve as the perfect base for soups and pasta sauces.

### The Benefits of Preserving Tomatoes

Preserving tomatoes is not just about extending their shelf life; it's about capturing the essence of summer. When you preserve garden - fresh tomatoes, you're locking in their natural sweetness, acidity, and nutrients. Canned and frozen tomatoes can be used in a variety of dishes, from hearty stews to light - flavored salsas. They are also a cost - effective way to enjoy high - quality tomatoes throughout the year, especially when they are out of season.

### Canning Tomatoes

Canning is a traditional method of preserving tomatoes that has been passed down through generations. It involves heating tomatoes in jars to kill bacteria and create a vacuum seal, which prevents spoilage. Here's a step - by - step guide on how to can tomatoes:

1. Select the Right Tomatoes: Choose ripe, firm tomatoes. Varieties like Roma or San Marzano are ideal for canning because they have a lower water content and are meatier.
2. Prepare the Jars: Wash the jars and lids in hot, soapy water. Then, sterilize them by boiling them in a large pot for 10 minutes.
3. Blanch and Peel the Tomatoes: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Make a small X on the bottom of each tomato and lower them into the boiling water for 30 - 60 seconds. Remove the tomatoes with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge them into ice water. The skins should easily peel off.
4. Fill the Jars: Pack the peeled tomatoes into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. You can add a little lemon juice or citric acid to each jar to ensure proper acidity.
5. Seal the Jars: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth. Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip - tight.
6. Process the Jars: Lower the filled jars into a boiling water bath. Process pint jars for 40 minutes and quart jars for 45 minutes. Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool on a towel. You should hear a popping sound as the jars seal.

### Freezing Tomatoes

Freezing is another simple way to preserve tomatoes. It's less time - consuming than canning and doesn't require any special equipment. Here's how to freeze tomatoes:

1. Wash and Core the Tomatoes: Rinse the tomatoes under cold water and remove the cores.
2. Blanch the Tomatoes (Optional): Similar to canning, you can blanch the tomatoes to make peeling easier. However, you can also freeze them with the skins on if you prefer.
3. Pack the Tomatoes: Place the tomatoes in freezer - safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing them.
4. Label and Freeze: Write the date on the bags or containers and place them in the freezer. Frozen tomatoes can be stored for up to a year.

### An Easy Stewed Tomatoes Recipe

Now that you have your preserved tomatoes, it's time to put them to use. This stewed tomatoes recipe is a versatile base that can be used in a variety of dishes.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of canned or frozen tomatoes (thawed if frozen)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until they are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the tomatoes, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer the tomatoes for 20 - 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.

You can use this stewed tomatoes as a base for soups, pasta sauces, or even as a topping for pizza. It's a delicious way to enjoy the taste of summer all year long.

In conclusion, preserving garden - fresh tomatoes through canning or freezing is a great way to make the most of your summer harvest. With these simple techniques and recipes, you can enjoy the flavors of summer in your dishes throughout the year.