Peeling and Deseeding Tomatoes

Ever wonder how they get the skins off the tomatoes you buy in cans? It’s really quite a simple process. In this tip I’ll show you exactly how and also how to take the seeds out.

1. Cut a superficial X into the bottom of your tomatoes.

1. Plunge them into boiling water for a few seconds.

1. Remove them from the water and place directly into ice water.

1. Allow to sit for about half a minute.
2. Remove them from the ice water and simply peel by pulling the skin from the X down.

1. Once peeled you can either:
2. Cut a little off the top of the tomato and holding the tomato from the bottom, squeeze the tomato until the seeds squish out.
3. Or you can (my preferred method) cut the tomato into quarters length wise and with a pairing knife cut under the seeds from the base of each quarter to the top.

Paul Hegeman

Paul is a personal Chef to exclusive Sydney clients and is also our most frequently contributing writer. Paul was born in The Netherlands and moved to Canada at a very young age. Experience with traditional European meals at home and the diverse multicultural influence of foods in Canada gave Paul a great appreciation for different culinary styles. Over the years Paul traveled extensively and worked at every level of professional kitchens, from the deep fryer in the local burger joint, to the Head Chef in Five Star Hotels. He now resides full time in Sydney, Australia with his wife and their children. You will find his recipes emphasize natural, uncomplicated flavours and fresh ingredients such as those found in Mediterranean and South East Asian cuisines.