How to Peel a Tomato
Tomatoes are an absolutely delicious fruit that is used extensively in South American, European and well pretty much every type of cuisine round. The tomato itself packs a great number of nutrients and vitamins that are beneficial to our health. They not only taste good but tomatoes are very good for you as well.
Many recipes may ask for tomatoes to be peeled, making it an important thing to know how to do. The following guide details everything you need to know about peeling tomatoes easily and effectively.
Things Required:
– a sharp knife
– tomatoes
– pot
– bowl
– water
– ice
Instructions
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1
Clean Everything:
Be sure that before you begin to peel any tomatoes, you should carefully wash or clean the entire work area that you will be using. Make sure that you also thoroughly wash your hands, utensils, ingredients and other items that you will be using to peel tomatoes. Always keep your kitchen work area clean and free of any clutter so that you can always find what you are looking for quickly. -
2
Bring to a Boil
Fill a pot halfway with water and bring to a boil on the stove top. Be careful while using the stove as you should always observe all safety precautions. Make sure that you factor in the weight of the tomatoes that will be going in to the pot so only fill in the appropriate amount of water so that it does not spill over the top. -
3
Score and Drop
Using the end of your sharp knife, score the bottom of your tomatoes. To do this, gently cut a plus sign (or cross) into the bottom of the fruit piercing the skin. Be careful while using a sharp knife as you will want to hold the tomato firmly in your hands so that it does not slip out. Be sure not to hold too tightly otherwise you could end up squishing your tomatoes.
Drop the tomatoes one at a time into the boiling water and allow the tomato to sit for no more than 20 seconds. -
4
Get Out and Cool
Once the time has elapsed, quickly remove the tomato from the boiling water with a spoon and drop it immediately in a bowl filled with cold water and ice. Allow the tomato to sit for 10-15 seconds to cool. -
5
Pull and Peel
Remove your tomato from the water once cooled.
Using either your fingers or knife, you will now pull the four ends of your score downwards towards the top of your tomato. Be sure to carefully remove all the skin that should be easy due to the boiling. -
6
Repeat and Go
Repeat the process in the above 3 steps with each tomato as needed. Be sure to take your time as it takes a little bit of practice to get used to this technique. After a few attempts you should be able to do this with ease.
