FAST and EASY! You won’t believe how quickly you can peel and seed a tomato when you learn this method! Easy-to-follow instructions for how to peel and seed a tomato.
Why This Method Works
- Fast
- Easy
- Uses tools you already have at home
Uses for Peeled, Seeded Tomatoes
Peeled and seeded tomatoes are perfect for sauces, salsas, salads, and canning. They work well in tomato pie, tomato gravy, fried green tomatoes, cucumber and tomato salad, and many party dips.
How to Peel and Seed a Tomato
STEP 1. Cut a small X on the bottom of each tomato.
STEP 2. Drop the tomatoes into simmering or boiling water for about 1–2 minutes, until the skin begins to loosen.
STEP 3. Transfer the tomatoes immediately to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking.
STEP 4. When cool enough to handle, the skin will slip off easily. Gently peel it away.
STEP 5. Cut the tomato in half and use an upside-down spoon to scrape out the seeds and gel. Do this gently to preserve the tomato flesh. You can seed tomatoes whether or not you removed the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of tomatoes work?
This method works for any tomato variety — large slicing tomatoes, Roma, beefsteak, or small tomatoes you want to peel and seed for sauces, salsas, or canning.
Can I use the microwave instead of boiling?
Yes. Make an X on the bottom, microwave on high for about 25 seconds, then place in an ice bath and peel when cool. Be aware there is a small risk the tomato could burst in the microwave, so the stovetop method is generally safer.
How do I remove the core?
Use the tip of a small sharp knife to cut into the top of the tomato in a circular motion and lift out the core. This is quick and effective, and you can do it before or after peeling.
Can I peel with a knife instead?
Yes. For just a tomato or two, carefully removing the skin with a very sharp knife works well. But for three or more tomatoes, blanching and shocking (boiling then ice bath) is faster and less fiddly.
Tips and Tricks
- Wash tomatoes to remove dirt before you begin.
- A larger X can make peeling easier, but a small X will work too.
- A gentle simmer is sufficient — you want to loosen the skin, not cook the tomato.
- Have a bowl of ice water ready to cool the tomatoes immediately after boiling. A spider strainer or slotted spoon makes transfer quick and easy.
- Work in small batches (1–2 tomatoes at a time) so the water temperature stays hot and the tomatoes blanch quickly.
Simple Recipe Card
How to Easily Peel a Tomato
Ingredients
- 1 saucepan of boiling water
- 1 lb tomatoes (any amount works with this method)
- 1 bowl of ice water
Instructions
To Peel the Tomatoes
- Wash tomatoes.
- Cut an X on the bottom of each tomato.
- Submerge in simmering water for about 1–2 minutes until the skin loosens.
- Move tomatoes to ice water for 2–3 minutes to stop cooking.
- When cool, slip the skins off.
To Seed the Tomatoes
- Cut the tomato in half and use an upside-down spoon to scrape out seeds and gel.
Notes
- Use a spider or slotted spoon to transfer tomatoes quickly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot—work in small batches so the water stays hot.
- A gentle simmer is enough; the goal is to loosen skin, not cook flesh.
Pro tip: Blanch 1–2 tomatoes at a time for the best results. Larger batches can drop the water temperature and slow the process.
Nutrition (per serving)
**This post originally appeared on Loaves and Dishes on July 22, 2015 and has been updated with new photos, video, and tips.
A Verse to Share
It’s a hard command, isn’t it. Always walk in love — especially when there are people we don’t instinctively want to love. But try anyway.
2 John 1:6
And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.