How to Press Tomatoes
Growing tomatoes, or purchasing them in large quantities, inevitably results in waste if you do not use them quickly. A popular method of processing large amounts of tomatoes is pressing them. Pressing tomatoes removes the skins and seeds, expelling usable juice and paste for cooking. Additionally, pressing tomatoes allows them to keep for an additional two weeks time. If you want to press tomatoes, all you need is a tomato press from your local cooking store. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Paper towels
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Tomato press
- Bowl
- Large spoon
- Airtight container
Instructions
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1
Rinse the tomatoes under cool water to remove any dirt or dust from their exterior. Dry the tomatoes with a clean paper towel and set them on a cutting board.
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2
Use a sharp knife to cut the tomatoes into quarters. As you quarter the tomatoes, place them in the opening of the tomato press.
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3
Place a bowl beneath the spout on your tomato press. If you are unsure of the spout's location, consult the tomato press' user manual. Some tomato presses expel paste from one spout and juice from another. If this is the case, place a bowl under each spout.
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4
Press down on the tomatoes lightly with a large spoon. Some tomato presses come with an implement to use instead of the spoon, and some do not require pressure. Consult with the user manual for clarification.
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5
Begin to turn the crank on your tomato press slowly. As you turn the crank, the press will process your tomatoes and expel paste or juice into the bowl. Continue turning the crank until all tomatoes are processed.
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6
Wash the tomato press immediately after use in warm water to prevent any tomato leavings from hardening in its interior.
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7
Refrigerate any unused pressed tomato paste or juice in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
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Tips & Warnings
Pressing fresh, ripe tomatoes produces the best results.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
