Peeling tomatoes: Innovative methods beyond boiling water
Most people don't worry at all when eating tomatoes with the skin on. However, in some cases, peeling tomatoes is necessary. In smooth tomato sauces, the skin is an undesirable addition. Also, when it comes to store-bought tomatoes, it's often better to remove the skin to eliminate pesticides.
The most popular method for removing tomato skins is to pour boiling water over them. After a few minutes, you take them out and peel them using a sharp knife. Few people know that a similar effect can be achieved using other techniques. Choose the best one for you, but keep in mind that not all of them are suitable for preparing a sandwich topping.
Peeling tomatoes using a microwave
You can quickly remove the skin from tomatoes by placing them in the microwave for a short time. First, cut a cross on the opposite side of the stem and place the tomatoes in an appropriate container. After heating for 30 seconds on the highest setting, remove the tomatoes. Let them cool for a few minutes and then peel by pulling the skin from the cut.
Method using a freezer
The skin can also be easily removed from tomatoes after chilling them in the freezer. Cut out the stems, make an X cut, and place them in a freezer-safe container. Leave for a few hours, then remove. Wait a moment and peel off the skin.
This method is not suitable for a salad or putting tomatoes on a sandwich. However, it can be handy when you plan to prepare a larger quantity of homemade ketchup, concentrate, or tomato sauce for canning.
You can put tomatoes in the oven
If you don't want to use boiling water, cut the tomatoes and place them in an oven preheated to 220°C (you can use the grill setting). Bake for a few minutes until the skin starts to crack. Remove the tomatoes, let them cool, and peel – after a short roasting, this task becomes easy.
Charring over a gas burner
If you have a gas stove, you can use this method. Pierce the tomatoes with a fork and then, using tongs, roast them one by one over the flame of the gas burner. Turn them until the skin begins to crack. Place the tomatoes on a plate, wait for them to cool, and then peel them.
Be careful not to let pieces of tomato fall on the burner. If this happens, after turning off the stove and once the burner has cooled, clean it thoroughly and check the openings where the gas exits. You'll know the burner is clean by observing the colour of the flame on the gas stove.
