How to Keep Tomatoes Longer in Jars

In Cameroon, in Africa, and elsewhere around the world, tomatoes are sometimes cheaper on the market. When it's in season in Cameroon, you can get a crate of tomatoes for 3,500 francs, sometimes less, while the price of that same crate of tomatoes sometimes reaches 15,000 francs or more. Hence the importance of being able to grow tomatoes off-season using an agricultural greenhouse.

We know that some households don't have a freezer to be able to keep tomatoes longer and take advantage of the drop in tomato prices to make the most of this unique period for consumers. The trick we're about to share will be useful to you; whether your tomatoes are bruised or not, and even if you don't have a freezer for frozen storage, don't worry, this trick is for you. All you have to do is follow the steps below to build up your stock of tomato puree in jars, which can be kept for up to 1 year or more.

Steps to keep tomatoes longer without a freezer

1. Cleaning the fruit

Wash your tomatoes with vinegar or baking soda to remove any chemical residue.

2. Cut and remove the seeds

Cut open the tomatoes and remove the seeds. These seeds should be discarded, as they make the tomato acidic. Keep only the flesh.

3. Mash and bring to a boil

Mash the tomatoes and bring the tomato puree to a boil until there's no water left at all. Just add a little salt. Meanwhile, prepare your glass jars (not plastic). Sterilize your jars by boiling them and clean them with a clean cloth.

4. Packing

Once your puree is ready, put it inside the jars after adding a few drops of vinegar to the bottom of each jar (to help with preservation and keep the tomato flavor). Don't fill the jar all the way, add a little vegetable oil of your choice, and seal tightly. At this stage, the puree can keep for up to 3 months or more.

5. Bonus tip

If you want to keep your tomatoes even longer, this step is for you.

After sealing your jars of puree, place them in the bottom of your pot with water and bring them back to a boil for 45 minutes, then remove them, wipe them dry, and store them in your kitchen cupboard - basically, somewhere dry and away from light. There you have your tomato, ready to use for years to come.

Choose small jars if you don't have a large family, since once a jar is opened, you'll only have about 7 days to use it up.