How to Store Tomatoes, Pesto & More Puree Food

You've likely started harvesting those garden veggies, and now it's time to think about how to store peppers, tomatoes, and other produce to preserve their freshness before any of that delicious flavor is lost. While many types of produce can be vacuum sealed and frozen after being plucked fresh from the vine, you might want to consider a more strategic approach to how to store fresh tomatoes and peppers for long-term enjoyment.

• Storing Broccoli & Cruciferous Vegetables Too? Discover the most effective ways to freeze vegetables while keeping them fresh and full of nutrients.

Learning How to Puree Food

Learning how to puree food can save you time and effort when it comes to meal prep. But what exactly does puree mean? To purée means to blend or mash food until it becomes smooth and creamy, with no solid pieces left. This technique is often used for making soups, sauces, baby food, or dishes where a soft, uniform texture is needed. So, you simply add your cooked vegetables or fruits to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. For better preservation, vacuum seal your pureed foods to maintain their fresh taste.

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1. Puree Food Ideas: Fresh Garden Tomatoes

What will you do with the ripe, juicy tomatoes in your kitchen? After adding them to your go-to salads and sandwiches, why not try a tangy tomato soup in the winter or a light and flavorful sauce year-round?

• How to Store Tomatoes for Months: If you're wondering how to store tomatoes for months, the trick is to vacuum seal them after pureeing. Storing tomatoes in the fridge after sealing them in an air-tight jar will help retain their freshness for longer periods. You can also freeze pureed tomatoes and vacuum seal them to keep them for several months.

2. Puree Food Ideas: Hot Peppers for Chili

You're no stranger to adding a few chopped hot peppers to your chili. Jalapenos, habaneros, ancho chilies - they all add a spicy kick to your dish. However, chopping and tossing the peppers in isn't the best way to fuse the intense flavor with the chili.

• How to Store Peppers Long Term: Wondering how to store peppers long-term? After pureeing, vacuum sealing them ensures they maintain their bold flavors for extended periods. Whether red or hot peppers, pureeing and sealing them is an ideal method for long-term storage.

• Shop FoodSaver Food Vacuum Sealers
• Shop FoodSaver Vacuum Seal Bags & Rolls

3. Puree Food Ideas: Homemade Pesto

Pine nuts, basil, garlic, parmesan, and a little olive oil are all you need to make a superb homemade pesto, and the fresh substance is sure to please your taste buds more than any of that jarred stuff at the store.

• How to Keep Pesto Green: One of the best tricks on how to keep pesto green is to vacuum seal it immediately after preparation. Storing pesto in a sealed jar or bag helps lock out the oxygen that would cause it to brown. You can also freeze pesto to maintain its vibrant color for months.

Store Your Favorite Foods Longer with FoodSaver Puree

Preserving fresh vegetables and puree ingredients doesn’t have to be a challenge when you know how to store and puree foods properly. With techniques like vacuum sealing and freezing, you can maintain the fresh flavors of tomatoes, peppers, and pesto for months. Whether you're learning how to store tomatoes for months, puree vegetables, or keep homemade pesto vibrant and green, these simple methods ensure your ingredients remain delicious and ready to use. With the right storage practices, you can enjoy the fresh taste of summer produce all year round.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to store tomatoes in the fridge?

Whole tomatoes should ideally be kept on the counter, away from direct sunlight. But once they are cut, it's best to store them in the fridge. Vacuum sealing the tomatoes before refrigerating helps maintain their juicy texture and flavor.

How to store cut peppers?

Red peppers should be stored in a cool, dry place. Once they are cut, you must store cut peppers in airtight bags or containers in the fridge. For extended storage, vacuum seal cut peppers to keep them fresh for a longer period.

How to puree vegetables?

To puree vegetables, simply cook them until soft, then blend them in a food processor or blender. Pureed vegetables are ideal for soups, sauces, or baby food, and vacuum sealing helps keep them fresh longer.