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    Home / Recipes / Salads & Dressings

    Tomato Water | The Fresh Tomato Recipe You Didn't Know You Needed

    Posted On May 24, 2020 · Updated On Jun 20, 2022

    Tomato Water | The Fresh Tomato Recipe You Didn't Know You Needed

    A how-to guide for making Tomato Water + the best ways to use it!

    BeveragesPaleo FriendlyRecipes & Techniques by Cooks We LoveSalads & DressingsTips & TricksVeganYou Say Tomato

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    Tomato Water? If you haven't heard of it, I don't blame you. But once you try it, you'll wonder why you've gone this long without it.

    That is, assuming you like the flavor of fresh tomatoes. Which I do.

    So, what is Tomato Water exactly? It's the flavorful, fragrant liquid that releases from ripe tomatoes when they're cut. So, the stuff that ends up all over your cutting board when you're slicing tomatoes. Which is such a waste really, because it has SO much flavor. So, I save it, and I make a ton of delicious things with it. It takes a little time sitting in the fridge, but other than the waiting, it's completely easy.

    You need: a fine mesh (or similar) strainer & a large bowl it can sit on, plus either cheesecloth or a clean flour sack towel. I use cheesecloth for this because I always have it,  but a single layer of a flour sack towel works just about the same. You also need a spot in your fridge that the bowl will fit in.

    How to Make It:

    tomato water recipe

    Pop 4 large tomatoes (or 5-7 medium ones) in your blender or food processor. You don't have to core them or anything, just make sure they are clean. (Unless you need to cut them in half to get them close enough to the blade.) I add one cucumber, because I it think it really enhances the flavor. If you don't have a cucumber or don't like them, skip it and add another tomato.

    Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sea salt in there too, for flavor and to help the tomatoes release their juice. Process until you're somewhere between finely chopped and pulp. Position the strainer over the bowl, line the strainer with the cheesecloth or towel, and pour the tomato mixture in the strainer.

    Then put the whole thing in the fridge overnight. Resist the urge to mess with it.

    The next day, you'll have a bowl of lovely Tomato Water. You'll also have a strainer full of remaining tomato + cucumber solids that are still usable and delicious.  I add them to soups, stews, make salsa, or toss them on the stove with some olive oil, garlic & fresh basil for a fabulous quick pasta sauce.

    Carefully pour the Tomato Water into a glass jar or lidded container, and store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The color of the finished product will depend on what variety of tomatoes you use.

    how to make tomato water and wine bloody mary

    Now you're ready to use it:

    My favorite application for Tomato Water is, by far, the Farmers Market cocktail.  It's like a wine-based Bloody Mary, and it might be my favorite libation ever. You can also use the water to make a more traditional Bloody Mary with vodka, use it in vinaigrette + salad dressing for knockout flavor, or use it in place of vegetable stock. You can make Tomato Sorbet.  You can even drink it by itself, which is what I often do. Sometimes with a little ice and a squeeze of lemon or a splash of club soda. Sometimes straight - no chaser.

    You can double this recipe if you have a bowl + strainer big enough. You can add fresh herbs or peppers or even an onion. It's your tomato goodness, after all. Once you try it, I'm pretty sure you'll be making it again.

    tomato water
    Print Recipe
    5 from 7 votes

    Summer Tomato Water

    Tomato Water tastes like concentrated summer garden in a sip. Use it to make cocktails, flavorful sparkling water, dressings, pasta + more.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Resting time12 hrs
    Course: Appetizer, Drinks, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: tomato recipes
    Servings: 1 batch
    Calories: 125kcal
    Author: K.C. Cornwell

    Equipment

    • strainer, cheesecloth or flour sack towels and large bowl

    Ingredients

    • 4 large fresh tomatoes or 5-7 medium
    • 1 cucumber
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt

    Instructions

    • Set a fine-mesh strainer over a large bowl, and line the strainer with cheesecloth (or a clean flour sack towel).
      Add the tomato water ingredients to a blender or food processor, and pulse until pulpy or finely chopped. (You may need to cut the tomatoes or cucumber in large chunks to get it next to the blade. If you do, make sure to pour any extra juice in with them!)
    • Pour the mixture into the prepared strainer, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or up to a day.
    • Tip: for clear tomato water, don’t press or stir the pulp.
    • Discard the solids, and keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    Notes

    Use the remaining solids for pasta, salsa, soups or smoothies.
    Store refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Recipe can be doubled.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 125kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2356mg | Potassium: 1574mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 4314IU | Vitamin C: 77mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 2mg

    Photos: Meg van der Kruik

    OK, you made the water. Now it's on to the Farmers Market. You're gonna love this one.

    wine and tomato water cocktail recipe

    Frequently Asked Questions about Tomato Water:

    What do you do with tomato water?

    Tomato water is a fabulous ingredient for cocktails and drinks. It can also be used in vinaigrette + salad dressings, as a base for summer soups, or even to finish risotto or pasta dishes. Our favorite tomato water cocktail is this Farmers Market wine cocktail.

    What does tomato water taste like?

    Since tomato water is all the liquid of the fruit without the seeds, skin or flesh, it tastes purley of fresh tomato. If there is anything that truly tastes like a summer garden, this is it.

    How long can I keep tomato water?

    Tomato water will last for 3 days if kept refrigerated in a sealed container. It can be frozen for up to 6 months.

    Can you freeze tomato water?

    Yes. The easiest way to freeze tomato water for future use is to fill ice cube trays with fresh tomato water and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe plastic bag. Then you can pull out a few cubes to thaw and use throughout the year.

    What do you do with the tomatoes left over after making tomato water?

    The tomato pulp left over after making tomato water can be used in soups, sauces, or in pasta. You can blend the pulp with a bit of olive oil in a food processor or blender for easy use.

    How do you preserve water from tomatoes?

    Carefully pour it into a glass jar or lidded container, and store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen.

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    Comments

    1. Frances Frey says

      March 28, 2022 at 9:46 pm

      Is it possible to can tomato water

      Reply
      • K.C. Cornwell says

        April 26, 2022 at 11:41 am

        I've never tried to can it Frances! Let me know if you do!

        Reply

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    K.C. is a farm-grown foodie, born and raised in the fertile fields of California’s San Joaquin Valley. After being diagnosed with Celiac Disease following years of unexplained illness, she has infused her gluten-free life with flavor, fork in hand. Learn more about K.C.

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