Preserving Your Harvest- Easiest way to Freeze Tomatoes and The Straw Trick

[@Scott-vq3qs]

Love it

[@edgecru5her]

The straw deal worked so well I broke out laughing. Fantastic! Thank you for sharing

[@tetet7phils]

i got two great ideas from this video: preserving tomatoes and using straw to vacuum...thanks, such brilliant ideas

[@lynnpeterson6149]

Love that Vacuum Seal technique. Thanks for the info. I never knew tomatoes could be stored in the Freezer. No more giving away the Crop!

[@samuelkerbo4243]

we usually always go and pick tomatoes from local organic farmers or grow them and cook them into to sauce which we then can them, but it always ends up being to much work. So this time i picked my tomatoes i tried your method. Today i just pulled a bag out to make sauce for chicken Parmesan and tasted fresh as it was from the garden loved your tips especially the straw tip. thank you.

[@Jkaye13]

I LOVE how you vacuum sealed that! Slick! 😊

[@GrowFamilyNetwork]

Wow ...that straw trick is about to be my best friend lol

[@ISLANDHARMONYSTJ]

AWESOME VIDEO. So excited to know i can freeze tomatoes whole instead of having to can them and lose that nutrition. I am a new gardner and watching videos like crazy to get up to speed and minimize mistakes my first year.... then on top of that I thought i had to learn how to can foods too. SO GRATEFUL that i have an easy way to store my first harvest. Thanks you. Just love all of your videos.

[@trishlilly7863]

Thanks for this video. Nothing better than garden vegetables to cook with.

[@reneeemigree9004]

This is crazy, meaning, ingenious, ty, wonderful. How easy and inexpensive, and lest time consuming, re: sealing the bags, by taking the air right out of the bags. This method gets the prize for efficiency, all around. Thank you so much.

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Neil - pinky finger would work great too! Fresh tomato sauce is the best - I can't go back to canned now. Glad you are enjoying the vids - thanks for your encouragement!

[@hunterdogztc]

I've got Cherokee Purple Tomatoes coming out of my ears this year. I am definitely going to give freezing a try. Thanks for the video, Kim. Big thumbs-up.

[@pantrypurge105]

A genius way to vacuum seal a bag! Such a great idea and so simple!!

[@jessicahegland9235]

The straw method of removing air from the freezer bag....mind blowing! THANK YOU!

[@dm1045]

Been doing this all summer with my cherry tomatoes. 9 bags so far. Can't wait to thaw and enjoy this winter!

[@ItsaboutMakingnotBuying]

CaliKim29 A cheap way to vacuum seal a bag. To get the air out of the plastic bag after you fill it. I get a deep pot and fill it with water, then I close the zip lock part leaving just the corner open a little bit. Then I submerge the plastic bag in the water, the water will force the air out of the bag and then I close it.

[@suekol]

Exactly what I was looking for, thank you so much! The freezing method and the straw 👍😃

[@user-hz7kv6js6l]

Good hack to know using the straw in case the power goes out. I have one of those expensive vacuum sealers. I do use it and I love it!

[@CaliKim29]

It is a very handy trick! Thanks for stopping by!

[@jillarrowood8935]

Oh my goodness I love this ziploc baggie tip! I cannot believe I never thought of this. Simply genius.......another great video from CaliKim, keep them coming!

[@sharonstevens432]

Short and informative! I am impressed with your vacuum-packed seal using a straw. Brilliant! I'll be using that idea for sure!! Thank you!!

[@conniebogdan3961]

I just froze my first two batches. Looking forward to using them. Looking forward for your spaghetti sauce recipe! Thank you!

[@CaliKim29]

How exciting, Connie!! Keep us informed! If you are finding my channel helpful - do subscribe and the thumbs up the videos that you watch! That would be appreciated!!! CaliKim

[@joyfullittlethings9448]

The straw thing is super smart!

[@fayekeller7411]

Used this method for 50+ years great way to save food

[@johnsmith-sw7ii]

LOL I also do your straw trick on everything in freezer bags and yes....my wife laughs at me too!

[@CaliKim29]

Hey Anna - glad I made you laugh - My husband was laughing when he was filming! Yes, it does work great! Thanks for watching.

[@100Ronster]

That straw trick works great!

[@jeweleratlarge]

Thanks for taking the time to help...This method seems the easiest. The straw thing is great too.

[@CaliKim29]

+jeweleratlarge It is super simple and quick - easy for a a busy person to do. Thanks for watching!

[@CaliKim29]

Thanks, bananaman. I love giving mine away too - always fun to see people try homegrown tomato and rave about the taste!

[@CaliKim29]

I think so too, and I also have lots of freezer space. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@deview123]

I used to do the same thing, except I put my pinky finger in the bag and sucked the air out. I now have a vacuum sealer. That is a great tip. Nothing better than making sauce with fresh tomatoes. Love your videos.Thank you. Neil.

[@woodworkinggirl5525]

i hope you have more videos on preserving your harvest 🤗

[@CaliKim29]

Love Harbor Freight! Was just there today buying tarps to prepare for a rain storm that is coming tonight! I'll have to check out their vacuum pumps! Although a straw is much cheaper. Thanks for the suggestion and thanks for watching!

[@danchicoine40]

i made zucchini bread last night 8 loafs and i am going to freeze most of it i have a food saver but i am going to use your straw trick with zip lock bags i will share this video with my wife and friends my wife does a lot of work getting her tomatoes ready for the freezer thank you Cali i love to learn new tricks

[@CaliKim29]

dan chicoine MMM zuch bread is soo good! Love the straw trick, glad you do too! Thx so much for watching, Dan, and for sharing my video!

[@Kmia0206]

Smart never taught about using a straw or freezing my tomatoes whole. Thank you

[@luvurobert]

Human vacuum sealer! I love it!! =) Thank you for this video as this is the 1st time I've ever grown my own tomatoes and wasn't sure what to do with all of them.

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Kim - congrats on your first garden. Good to start out small so you don't get overwhelmed. I LOVE the yellow pear tomatoes - one of my favorites. Besides just eating them for snacks, they are great bruschetta and pico de gallo - be sure to watch that video. I also put them in omelettes, salads, sandwiches, give baggies away to friends and neighbors, and pop in the freezer to add to my spag. sauce (see video on that too!) Hope this helps and thanks so much for watching!

[@Kathleen58]

I’m going to try this. It’s just me and food and gas is just getting crazy expensive so I thought I’d start doing some canning and freezing again. Thanks for this method.

[@joycemillar5125]

Great ideas. Thanks for sharing. I have NEVER frozen tomatoes without blanching first....don't always have the time for that. Will give this a try today. Thank you. Love the straw idea too.

[@JameyReads]

That DIY vacuum sealer is the greatest thing I’ve seen today 😂❤

[@CaliKim29]

That's funny!!! Thank you for watching and hope that you have subscribed, Jamey - CaliKim

[@JameyReads]

@@CaliKim29 I definitely have! I just found your channel and I love it. ☺️

[@CaliKim29]

This is great Jamey, great to have you. You may also enjoy collabing with other gardeners on my Monday Livestreams at 12pm PT - no on holidays. Gardeners show up early in the chat and ask each other questions. We also have in the chat the SmartPots and Monterrey Lawn and Garden Team, available for questions and insights . If you can't make that, the livestream is available for playback. CK

[@charmed2u2]

Thanks for this video!! I've been watching videos of people canning...pressure cooker etc.. Wanted something simple. This is great. I have lots of tomatoes from my garden. I am going to use your method. Thanks again!!!!!

[@yvonnemesle8446]

What a kool hack! Now I don't need a vacuum packer! THANKS!

[@autumnv9438]

These are such great videos and I love your personality! Thanks for all your tips and tricks

[@CaliKim29]

Glad its helpful to you - thanks for watching, Ron!

[@PsychicSanctuary]

Love the straw thing! Brilliant can't wait to try it! Crystal Green Scotland

[@Dragon34th]

That's the information I've been looking for. Friz em whole 😏 I thought I'd be crazy thinking to do something like that ❄️🏔️ 🍅👈😅 I'm tired of loosing my tomatoes every few days & finding myself having to go back to the shopping centre again & again. Thanks 👍

[@emmakikundwa885]

I like this. I will do it even when there is a lot of tomatoes in the market priced low. Thanks.

[@spitharoo]

Fantastic idea with the straw. I was looking for advice about smaller tomatoes and found it. Thank you.

[@edallen5119]

Thanks Cali for your help

[@lastglance8782]

Nine years later awesome video I’m heading out to the garden and I’m doing it just like you showed me

[@GmanfromTexas]

Great looking tomatoes

[@lisamaracle7650]

Thank u for this! I hate buying canned tomatoes. This preserving method will help stretch my budget!

[@ruthcrowder8164]

What a great idea, I love it. Can't wait to try it...going to check my tomatoes vines.I hope there's some tomatoes ready to harvest.Thank you for sharing.

[@Beautifulunquie]

Never thought about using the straw👍👍 Thanks

[@LabGenius17]

I love the simplicity and efficiency of this video! I heard a tip to add a coffee filter in the bag before sealing to prevent freezing crystals during the freezing process.-Charlie

[@CaliKim29]

Your welcome! I've never gotten the canning thing down - but would like to try it again. I love freezing because its quick, simple, cheap and no special equipment required except freezer bags. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@CaliKim29]

Glad this method worked for you, Sam. That's one reason why I like it, because I rarely have time to make sauce when all the toms are ripe. Its easier to make it as I have the time. Its super fresh tasting, and I make a big batch and the freeze the sauce. Thanks for watching!

[@lolawhites6687]

I am amazed by the straw trick! Thank you so so much for all your tips!

[@bryanvagenos5089]

very cool vacuum sealer..... i forgot where I saw it and have been doing it since it works great

[@davidelo5843]

Kim this is Dave from WV I love this very quick way to put up tomatoes, we always canned them ! this saves so much time ! Thank you very much ! Keep up the good work !

[@CaliKim29]

Hello Dave, a time saver it is! That way you can make sauce as you have time, then freeze or can! Thanks for watching!

[@davidelo5843]

I see on our news about the terrible fires in California , I hope you and your family are in a safe area ! I feel so badly for their losses , and pray for their safety !

[@sailorgirlk1]

I really like your methods!

[@CaliKim29]

Hey Angie - thanks so much for watching - glad vids are helpful to you. Hang in there with the toms - your harvest will come!

[@mfuller29]

Great suggestions. Freezing cherry tomatoes today.

[@MiaHessMusic]

Thank you! We grow cherry tomatoes and I was lookig for a way to preserve them.

[@ginamorales3436]

Brilliant!!! I'm so sharing this! Thanks!

[@nudistone1]

you are beyond awesome in your vids,,,i am a nudist chef from sunny florida cec, cia grad,, ect,ect, your videos are beyond good!! don't stopp em,,sometimes common sense and practical uses are very superior to what one buys,, i learned along time ago,, a cook caNT tell another cook how to do stuff,,, just provide diection,, been a chef since 81 and certified in 95,, but stil congrads,, on your presentatation,, major kudos

[@kimberlysadowski4443]

Thank you! We have tomatoes coming out of our ears and I'm glad to know we can freeze them. Your videos are so helpful.

[@CaliKim29]

I love freezing because it is so simple and plus I have three freezers and not a lot of shelf space for canning. But I would like to try some canning this year - esp your salsa. Soon as my peppers come on, I plan to try that recipe. Thanks for watching, Reaganite!

[@daundimery9576]

Thank you for shareing. I give so many of them away from my garden. I cook all the time from scratch love to cook. But now I am sorry to say I am not going to be giving my tomatos away. This is a great idea I will share this myself.

[@dianenelson112]

Nice, loved the straw tip.

[@patriciabonifant2781]

Awesome, I just received two large boxes of tomatoes and had no idea what I could do to store them. I was thinking about canning and or dehydrating them. Then I saw your video and it is so easy. I already freeze other veggies but had idea I could do the same with tomatoes. Thank you so much for this quick and easier way to save and store those tomatoes.

[@CaliKim29]

Patricia Bonifant You will just love the ease of this method, Patricia! Its so quick and then you can pull them out when you have time to process them into sauces or whatever. I even pull out a few when I need "can" of tomatoes for a recipe. Quick and simple! Thx for watching!

[@grahamlack3302]

Wow thanks very much for tip,have just preseved 5 bags of tomatos this way and still more to do neet trip with staw!!.

[@CaliKim29]

+Graham Lack Hello Graham - Thanks so much for watching and for the feedback! I do love this quick method, as it preserves all those extra tomatoes when time is in short supply. Glad you are finding it helpful!

[@jtangelbad1079]

Thank you so much for the tip! Will be freezing my tomatoes this year.

[@TheGrandma12]

Thanks for the video on freezing tomatoes.

[@victoriahatten9746]

Just like a vacuum sealer...mind blown

[@TomTom-df9ph]

Best straight to the point video.. Brilliant. Thanks.

[@sarahsmith2156]

So helpful! I'm new to gardening and not ready to learn how to can yet. Love this!

[@CaliKim29]

Stay tuned - I am waiting to get enough tomatoes -should be coming soon! Thx for stopping by!

[@chu81a]

You are so creative in your vacuum method. You are wonderful. Love it and I will try. Thx for sharing

[@carolhensley3857]

Thank you. I didn't know I could do this. I have tons of tomatoes left from the garden!!

[@denise6546]

Thanks for the video. I will be using this method

[@profitprofit19]

Thanks for the straw tip to vacuum the freezer bags, that's just down-right smart ;)

[@virgil3687]

You are awesome. Always learn something.

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Rick - bummer about having so much blossom drop. I have had some of that too with the heat here, but am still getting good harvest so far. Hopefully yours will pick up soon. I hope to can some salsa this year too. yes, my cages are a bit tight - but that's the only wire I could find that was affordable. I do have a few that I need to stake up since I ran out of wire. It does make it a lot more open, and I'm sure easier to harvest. Thanks for watching!

[@jonihughey1352]

I used those metal stands they put flower arrangements on at the cemetery. I came across a pile of them being discarded, & they work beautifully. 😂

[@debbaergen8949]

This was great to learn. Perfect for tomatoes ripening at different times. Thanks.

[@greenhousefun3235]

Mind blow n... straw trick is perfect

[@andrewlittlefield3425]

This is the best video for this👍🏻😁

[@mariaboschelli4368]

you are a genius, love the video. I was looking at how to preserve the extra tomatoes that I have.AMAZING. Thank you for posting it.

[@erlpen2016]

hi kim....i see you did pretty well with the tomatoes...lots of them...i got my first tomato about ten days ago and i haven't gotten that many afterwards but i like the bag and the straw trick....

[@kimanderson9135]

LOVE your straw trick!

[@jillsdeal]

I use a vacuum sealer. I also gently boil, core and de skin my tomatoes before I put in vacuum bags, once in bag, I freeze with bag not sealed, once frozen I vacuum seal the bags and stack, ready for cooking!! About 5 large tomatoes/bag for a big pot of chili or soup

[@terrybiker2625]

I didn't laugh but did smile. Great idea re vacuum packaging. Also liked the idea of mesh around your tomatoes. I'm new to growing,,,,,,,a new allotmenteer from Uk, and soaking up info like a sponge! Now i need to find out how to make said sauce! Subscribed as you are also into home diy. Have a great week.

[@trish59100]

Love the straw tip thanks.

[@2utransparent]

That straw tip blew my mind! 😂 Thank you!

[@ceceliabeck8967]

Have straw. Will vacuum seal. Love it

[@emilymanley8646]

Thank you so much My first year growing, and I have lots. Thanks for using a cutting board. I cringe when I see people cutting directly on their counter tops. Thanks for the straw tip.:)

[@CaliKim29]

Hi CC - yes, its perfect for small gardens, and you never know, if you have a prolific producer, you might have enough for some sauce! The big orange tomato is called Kellogg's Breakfast tomato, from Baker Creek Seed Company. Heirloom variety, super sweet and juicy and huge! Its my second year growing it from seed, and has done well for me every year.

[@jenny9249]

Thank you, just started growing tomatoes and have loads, this is so easy, love the straw idea.😊😊

[@ashleyambrocio498]

I love the straw trick i had never thought about that!!😋 I will definitely be using that😁

[@zukosmom3780]

What a great idea