In preparing tomato soup, stuffed squash, marinara sauce, pasta sauces and other delicious recipes, you will have to learn how to peel tomatoes. This is why we have provided this detailed article on the best methods on how to peel tomatoes.
Why should I peel tomatoes?
Many recipes will require you to peel or even core your tomatoes before using them. In most of these recipes, the tomato skin and seeds normally bring in unwanted bitterness resulting from the compound in the tomato alkaloid as well as skin feel that can ruin the product.
If you intend to can your tomatoes then it is recommendable to peel them. As it will be suggested again , it is advisable to peel tomatoes before canning because of bacteria , yeast and molds presence. Further, peeling of skin from tomatoes helps on making tomato sauces to have better texture and lightly sweet 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:
- By Peeler/knife
- Over a flame
- Blanching
Which method you use is up to you and what time you have available.
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
Place 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.
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
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.
Peel a Tomato Properly: Using Blanching Using
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
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
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tomatoes
1. What is the easiest way to peel tomatoes?
Boiling method is the right and most efficient way when it comes to how to peel tomatoes. The other incredible thing is that you can apply the same process for peeling green tomatoes though the latter may take slightly longer time for the skins to come off.
2. Do I need to peel tomatoes for sauce?
Yes, in most cases, say for a silken sauce, it’s preferable to peel and seed the tomatoes. Any bitterness which may be caused by the presence of the alkaloid compound in the tomato will be eliminated by peeling and seeding the tomatoes.
