Stewed tomatoes are tomatoes that have been peeled and cooked just enough to allow them to be preserved for later use. The tomatoes may be prepared as whole tomatoes, cut into sections, or diced. Going through the process of making stewed tomatoes helps to lengthen the shelf life of the tomatoes so they can be used in various recipes at a later date.

Part of the charm of stewed tomatoes is that they can be prepared using several different herbs and spices. This helps to accentuate the natural taste of the tomato while locking in all the nutrients that are released during the cooking process. Ingredients such as green peppers, garlic, parsley and onions may be added to the stewed tomatoes during the preparation process.

The actual process for creating stewed tomatoes requires nothing more than a saucepan and a few simple ingredients. First, the skin is removed from the tomatoes. In the event that the cooked tomatoes are going to be sliced or diced, it is a good idea to remove the core. For stewed tomatoes where the tomatoes will be left whole, there is no need to remove the core.

After placing a small amount of margarine in the saucepan, the stewed tomatoes are arranged in the pan. A small amount of granulated sugar is added, along with salt, pepper and any other spices desired. Place the lid on the pan and allow the tomatoes to cook over a low heat for roughly twenty minutes, making sure to stir the tomatoes every few minutes. The end result will be tender stewed tomatoes that are ideal for use in soups, stews, and casseroles.

Once the tomatoes are stewed, the whole tomatoes or sections can be placed into freezer bags and stored with ease in the freezer for several months. Make sure to press as much air out of the bag before sealing in order to maintain the highest level of freshness.

If preparing stewed tomatoes from scratch is not feasible, it is possible to purchase canned tomatoes that are already stewed. Available as whole tomatoes as well as diced versions, these canned versions of the stewed tomatoes are offered without any type of seasoning, as well as brands that include a range of herbs and spices. These canned versions will last a long time on the shelf and usually contain just as many nutrients as the homemade stewed tomatoes.