Should I defrost tomatoes before I use them?

[SLC]

Before I went on vacation I cored/seeded all my ripe/semi-ripe tomatoes and froze them.

I just got back after 10 days and there were so many more ripe ones! I just picked every ripe one out there and want to make sauce tomorrow.

Should I defrost the frozen tomatoes first or just throw them in the pot frozen?

Is it okay to mix the frozen ones with the ones I just picked?

[Marlingardener]

If the frozen ones haven't had the peels removed, thaw them and slip the skins, then use them in your sauce.
I'd thaw the frozen ones--they will lower the temperature of the whole pot, and perhaps overcook the fresh ones while they are thawing and then cooking for the sauce.
So basically, thaw and then cook. And enjoy your fresh, homemade tomato sauce!

[gixxerific]

yes defrost them. I made the mistake of throwing half frozen toms in the pot with fresh ones. As marlin said it took forever to heat up in a pressure canner. It was also extra watery which would increase cookdown time.

[SLC]

Thank you so much for replying!

Yup, I need to peel them. Should I defrost them like you need to do for meat - in the fridge? Or can I defrost them at room temperature so they will defrost faster?

Gixxerific - sorry I haven't checked my PMs yet since before I left for vacation, will do tomorrow when I have more time!

Also, do you need to defrost peppers before you use them or can you start to sauté them frozen? What about if you want to use them as an ingredient on a pizza?

[gixxerific]

I defrosted mine roughly 24 hours in the fridge that was not enough. They were in gallon. I rarely throw anything in a pot frozen as for the peppers but that is just me.

Yeah I have some seeds ready to go for you as soon as you pm me your addy.

[Marlingardener]

About frozen peppers, if you try to saute them frozen the water content will steam them instead. Defrost by all means.
If you are using them as a pizza topping, I just toss my chopped frozen peppers on the pizza--even if they steam a bit, the heat of the oven dissipates it quickly and no harm is done.
Tomatoes can be thawed on the counter. I put them in a colander and set them in the sink.

[greenstubbs]

Normally I just throw the froen ones into a pot with some butter & garlic, and a shot of hot sauce and make Stewed Maters with them. It's simple but good!