Freezing Tomatillos
If you planted tomatillo plants in your garden, you know firsthand how prolific they are! One of the easiest ways to preserve your crop for future use is by freezing the tomatillo fruits.
To freeze your excess tomatillos, follow these steps:
- Dehusk and wash each tomatillo with antibacterial soap.
- Dry each fruit completely and lay on a baking sheet.
- Freeze the fruits until they are hard, usually 2-3 hours.
- Drop the tomatillos in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible.
- Store the bags in the freezer until ready to use. The tomatillos will keep for at least six months.
Tip: You can also freeze tomatillos in slices or chunks. Follow the same steps as above, just slice or chop the tomatillos before freezing.
Storing Tomatillos the Pantry
If you prefer the taste and texture of fresh tomatillos, you can store them in your pantry instead of freezing them. If you place them in a basket where they can get adequate air flow, the tomatillos will keep for about two months.
You can also string the tomatillos together, similar to how you string peppers or braid garlic and hang them from a hook in the kitchen. If you store them this way, the fruits will last a month or more, depending on how warm your kitchen is.
Tip: Inspect the husks of the tomatillos regularly, and if you notice mold on any of them, remove the shell and wash the tomatillo, then place in the fridge.
Other Ways to Store Tomatillos
Of all of the different ways to store tomatillos, freezing is the best way to retain their fresh taste for long periods of time. However, they will also keep in the refrigerator for about a month, or you can preserve them as salsa or other home-canned recipes.
Whichever method you use to store your tomatillos, you will be thrilled to be able to use the tangy fruits long after the harvest has ended.
