When preparing tomato soup, stuffed squash, Marinara Sauce, pasta sauces, and other delicious recipes, you will need to know how to peel tomatoes. We have prepared this comprehensive guide on how to peel tomatoes to make your work easier.
Why should I peel tomatoes?
Many recipes require you to peel or even seed your tomatoes before use. In most of these recipes, the tomato skins and seeds usually add unwanted bitterness caused by the alkaloid's compound in the tomato, not to mention a skin texture that can mess up your dish.
If you wish to can your tomatoes, peeling them is a must. Again it is recommended that you peel tomatoes before canning to reduce bacteria, yeast, and molds. Additionally, getting rid of the tomato skin gives tomato sauces a smoother texture and a sweeter taste.
So let's get started on the step-by-step directions on peeling and seeding tomatoes.
There are usually three main methods you can use:
- Blanching
- Over a flame
- By Peeler
Which method you use is up to you and what time you have available.
Peel a Tomato Properly: Using Blanching
Step 1: Sort the tomatoes
You will need to ensure that you are only using the healthy tomatoes. Tomatoes with dark green or black spots on the tomato skin have probably gone bad even on the inside.
Also, if there are signs of wrinkles on the tomatoes or the tomatoes are leaking, it is more likely they have gone bad, so avoid using them.
Step 2: Wash the tomatoes thoroughly
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Wash your hand thoroughly using soapy water for about 20 seconds before washing your tomatoes.
It is advised that you wash your tomatoes under cool running water. Remember to remove any pesticides or herbicides on the surface of the tomatoes by washing them thoroughly.
Step 3: Remove the stem and score the tomato
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Remove the tomato stem and cut an "X" on the bottom of the tomato, this is called scoring. This will make it easier to remove the skin later. Try not to cut too deep, just a thin cut horizontally and vertically will do the trick.
Step 4: Place the tomatoes in boiling water
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Place a large pot of water on the stove and bring it to a boil, if you want to kill bacteria further, you can add a small pinch of salt. Carefully lower your tomatoes into the boiling water and give them at least 30 seconds while the water is still boiling. If the skin starts to peel off then they are ready to remove.
Step 5: Place the tomatoes in a bowl of ice water
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Prepare a large bowl of ice water while your tomatoes are busy blanching. After they begin to peel, you can immediately transfer them into the bowl using a slotted spoon or strainer.
Let the tomatoes sit in the ice water for up to five minutes or until the peels wilt.
Step 6: Peeling Tomatoes Skin
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Since the tomato skin is wrinkled, it should peel off by itself. However, if there is still stubborn skin that is not loose enough, you can use a paring knife to peel.
It will be best if you are extra careful to avoid squeezing the tomato flesh when doing this.
Peel a Tomato Properly: Using a Flame
Step 1: Wash your hands & prep the tomato
Sanitize your hands with soap and clean water then proceed to wash your tomatoes under cool running water. Thereafter, carefully remove the stem from your tomatoes and cut the stem scar.
Step 2: Score the tomato skin
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Score the tomato by cutting a shallow X into the bottom of each.
Scoring will help the skin lift away from the flesh, making it easier to peel.
Step 3: Hold the tomato over a flame
You use metal tongs or even a fork to hold the tomato over the flames to avoid burning your hand. Hold your tomato over a flame until tomato skin starts to split, blister, or charred.
Step 3: Peel the tomatoes
Set the tomatoes aside to cool before peeling them. In case a tomato still has stubborn skin after scoring, you can use a paring knife for effective peeling.
Peel a Tomato Properly: Using a Peeler/Knife
Step 1: Wash your hands & prep the tomato
Sanitize your hands with soap and clean water then proceed to wash your tomatoes under cool running water.
Step 2: Use a Peeler/Knife
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lace the peeler on the tip of the tomato and gently remove a strip of the skin using light strokes. Move the peeler over and repeat until the whole tomato is completely peeled. Then you can make tomato sauce or prepare delicious recipes, with the peeled tomatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tomatoes
1. What is the easiest way to peel tomatoes?
The best and most effective way of peeling tomatoes is by using the boiling method. The other amazing thing is that you can also use this method to peel green tomatoes though they will take a bit longer than ripe tomatoes for the tomato skins to release.
2. Do I need to peel tomatoes for sauce?
Yes, in most cases, if you want to achieve a sauce with a smooth texture, you will require to peel and seed the tomatoes. Peeled and seeded tomatoes will reduce any bitterness caused by the alkaloid compound in the tomato.
3. What is the secret to growing healthy tomatoes?
Tomatoes are super easy to grow and can easily be grown in your kitchen garden or in small containers. You will need to use the right fertilizers to ensure that your tomatoes have the necessary nutrients, this way, you will be guaranteed a great growth rate.
When you have planted the tomatoes, you will also need to monitor the plant to ensure you get high yields. For instance, if you notice white spots on the leaves or the leaves start to turn yellow, it can indicate a problem you must deal with immediately.