Cooking with Tomatoes

Recipes, prep techniques and kitchen know-how for turning fresh tomatoes into delicious dishes.

All Cooking with Tomatoes articles

30 articles

Frequently asked questions about cooking tomatoes

Why should you peel tomatoes before cooking?

Peeling removes the tough skin that can curl up and turn leathery or bitter once cooked, which matters most in smooth sauces, soups and canned tomatoes. It's optional for salads or a quick sauté. Step-by-step method in How to Peel a Tomato.

What's the best way to store tomatoes so they last longer?

Keep ripe tomatoes at room temperature, stem-side down and out of direct sunlight – refrigeration dulls their flavor and texture. To extend their life by weeks or months, canning, freezing, drying or turning them into powder all work well. We compare every method in How to Preserve Tomatoes.

Can I substitute tomato powder for fresh tomatoes in recipes?

Yes – tomato powder is dehydrated, ground tomato, so it's best used to boost flavor in soups, rubs and sauces rather than as a one-to-one swap for fresh fruit. Roughly 1 tablespoon of powder whisked with 3 tablespoons of water approximates one fresh tomato. Full ratio guide in Tomato Powder.

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