How to Peel and Seed Tomatoes
Whether you’ve picked fresh tomatoes from the garden or bought them, start by giving tomatoes a thorough wash to remove any dirt or contaminants. Then follow our easy way to peel tomatoes.
Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes
Make a shallow “X” on the bottom (aka blossom end) of each tomato using a sharp paring knife ($10, Bed Bath & Beyond).
Step 2: Blanch Tomatoes
Working in batches, immerse tomatoes in boiling water 1 to 2 minutes or until the skins begin to split open. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the tomatoes to a large bowl of ice water. (Get more Test Kitchen tips on blanching veggies.)
Step 3: Peel Tomatoes
After the tomato has cooled slightly, use your fingers or a paring knife to gently pull the peel where the scored skin has begun to split. The tomato skin will slip off easily.
Step 4: Remove Seeds from Tomatoes
If your recipe calls for it, remove the seeds by cutting the tomato in half crosswise. Holding one half over a bowl, use the tip of a spoon to scoop out the seeds. That’s it! You can now properly peel and de-seed tomatoes. Plan your next Italian night with a batch of delicious homemade tomato sauce (we love this fresh tomato-meat sauce). From there, find a new spicy salsa recipe to tantalize those taste buds. Garden producing a bumper crop of tomatoes this year? Use our guides for freezing tomatoes and canning tomatoes so you can continue enjoying them throughout the year.
