How to USE UP SURPLUS TOMATOES

Got more tomatoes than you know what to do with? Here are some delicious and practical zero waste tips to help you make the most of your surplus tomatoes:

1. Make Homemade Tomato Sauce - One of the easiest ways to use up a lot of tomatoes is to make a big batch of homemade tomato sauce. Simply chop up your tomatoes, sauté with onions and garlic, and simmer with herbs like basil and oregano. Once it's cooked down, blend it to your desired consistency. You can freeze the sauce in portions for easy pasta dinners or use it as a base for soups, stews, and casseroles.
   
   
2. Create Sun-Dried Tomatoes - Sun-dried tomatoes are a fantastic way to preserve tomatoes while intensifying their flavour. You can dry them in your oven or dehydrator.  Store in olive oil with garlic and herbs for a flavourful addition to salads, pasta, and sandwiches.
   
   
3. Make Tomato Jam - Tomato jam might sound unusual, but it’s a sweet, tangy spread that's perfect for cheese boards, sandwiches, or even as a topping for grilled meats. It’s a great way to enjoy your tomatoes in a completely new way!
   
   
4. Freeze Them Whole - If you're short on time, simply freezing whole tomatoes is an easy and effective way to preserve them. Wash the tomatoes, remove the stems, and place them in freezer bags. When you're ready to use them, just thaw and the skins will slip off easily. They’re perfect for tossing into soups, stews, or sauces.
   
   
5. Make a Fresh Salsa - Turn your surplus tomatoes into a fresh, homemade salsa. It’s great with tortilla chips, as a topping for grilled fish, or even on scrambled eggs. Fresh salsa can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
   
   
6. Can Them - Canning is a tried-and-true method for preserving tomatoes for the long term. Whether you’re making whole peeled tomatoes, diced tomatoes, or a seasoned sauce, canning lets you enjoy your summer harvest throughout the year.
   
   
7. Tomato Soup - There’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade tomato soup. Tomato soup freezes well, so you can store portions for those chilly days when you need a warm, comforting meal.
   
   
8. Harvest Tomato Seeds - Harvesting tomato seeds allows you to grow your own tomatoes year after year.

 
By finding creative ways to use up surplus tomatoes, you’re not only reducing food waste but also enjoying the bounty of tomatoes all year round. So, roll up your sleeves and get cooking!
 
Geraldine Fitzpatrick