Can You Freeze Tomatoes?
Written by Jordan Morley · Reviewed against USDA FoodKeeper · Last updated 28 October 2026
Yes, you can freeze tomatoes. Best quality within 2 months; it stays safe beyond that at a constant -18°C.
What freezing does to tomatoes
Frozen tomatoes lose their firm texture entirely and come out soft and watery, which is fine for soups, sauces and stews where the skin slips off easily after thawing. Do not expect to slice them for salad afterwards. FoodKeeper gives tomatoes a best-quality freezer window of 2 months. For comparison, the same database gives strawberries 8–12 months, bananas 2–3 months, grapes 1 month.
You can also check the calorie content of tomatoes alongside their safety information.
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Tomatoes next to similar foods
| Food | Freezer window |
|---|---|
| Basil | 1–2 months |
| Coriander | 1–2 months |
| Fresh Herbs | 1–2 months |
| Tomatoes | 2 months |
| Bananas | 2–3 months |
Of the 16 fruit and vegetable foods in the freezing guide, tomatoes have a best-quality window that is longer than 5 and shorter than 10.
Tomatoes: the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| In pregnancy | Safe — wash first |
| In the fridge | until ripe in the cupboard |
Common questions
How long can you freeze tomatoes?
For best quality, up to 2 months (USDA FoodKeeper). It stays safe beyond that, because bacteria cannot grow at a constant -18°C; the time limit is about taste and texture, not safety. Label the pack with the date so you can use the oldest first.
How should I freeze tomatoes?
Wash, dry and prepare it first (hull, slice or halve), spread on a tray in a single layer until solid, then bag it. That way it stays loose and you can use what you need.
How do I defrost tomatoes?
Many uses need no defrosting; blend from frozen or add frozen to baking. To thaw, leave in the fridge in a bowl to catch the juice.
Can you refreeze tomatoes?
Not recommended; the fruit will go to mush.
Related answers
Primary source: USDA FoodKeeper.
General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.