Why seed a tomato? Tomato seeds and their surrounding gel contain a lot of liquid. In certain recipes, that extra liquid can mess with the texture– like in Israeli Salad, for example. Some people have trouble digesting the seeds, which is another good reason to seed your tomatoes. During the seeding process, you can also get rid of the tough, white, flavorless parts attached to the core. Most of a tomato’s flavor resides in the red fleshy part, not the seeds and their gel, so tossing the seeds won’t change the flavor of your dish much. However, the gel does contain vitamin C and some nutrients, so be sure to check your recipe… sometimes having the seeds and extra moisture in the mix can be a plus! If you are ready to seed your tomatoes, read on for three simple step-by-step methods.
In some dishes, both seeding and peeling the tomatoes is recommended. To learn how to peel a tomato, click here.
I’ve posted three different ways to seed a tomato below. Method 1 is my preferred method; it keeps the tomato largely intact while sacrificing a minimum of the tomato flesh, meaning you’ll have more intact flesh to work with for dicing, slicing, or whatever you need. I also recommend Method 1 if you plan to stuff the tomato; it helps to keep the walls of the tomato firm. Method 2 is fastest, and best used when seeding lots of tomatoes for something like a sauce– it can leave the skin a bit mushed and bruised, so I wouldn’t use this method for a salad. Method 3 is great for when you want to quickly seed 1 or 2 tomatoes for a salad, but slice carefully– you can cut away useable tomato flesh if you’re not careful. All three methods work, so choose whichever is best for your purposes.
By the end of this tutorial, you’ll be a tomato seeding pro! 🙂
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How to Seed Tomatoes
Three easy ways to seed a tomato quickly and easily with step-by-step pictures.
You will also need: knife, small measuring spoon or bowl
Instructions
Method 1
Place your tomato on a cutting board, stem side facing up.
Roll the tomato sideways so the stem faces to the right, and cut the tomato down the center "equator" line into two halves.
Use a small spoon (I use a quarter teaspoon) to scoop the tomato seeds and any tough white core out of the four seed cavities. Discard the seeds.
Method 2
Place your tomato on a cutting board, stem side facing up.
Roll the tomato sideways so the stem faces to the right, and cut the tomato down the center "equator" line into two halves.
Gently squeeze the tomato halves over a bowl to dislodge the seeds from the seed cavities.
Try not to squeeze too hard; use gentle pressure to keep the flesh intact and prevent bruising or a mushy texture.
Use a spoon or your fingers to scoop out any seeds or tough white core that clings to the tomato. Discard the seeds.
Method 3
Slice the tomato vertically (from stem top to bottom) into four quarters.
Use a sharp knife to carefully slice the seeds away from the tomato flesh.
Discard the seeds.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
How to Seed Tomatoes
Amount Per Serving
Calories 81
% Daily Value*
Sodium 22mg1%
Potassium 1075mg31%
Carbohydrates 17g6%
Fiber 5g21%
Sugar 11g12%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 3780IU76%
Vitamin C 62.1mg75%
Calcium 45mg5%
Iron 1.2mg7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments!
Note: Nutrition info above is for 1 pound of tomatoes.
Nutritional information should be considered an estimate only; please consult a registered dietician, nutritionist, or your physician for specific health-related questions. Read more here. Please note that the recipe above is published using a recipe card plugin, with preexisting software which can auto-calculate metric measurements, as well as change the number of servings. Metric conversions and changes to the number of servings (resulting in different ingredient amounts) will only appear in the ingredient list, and are not changed within the step-by-step directions of the recipe.
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Place 2 or 3 seeds in each container or cell, and use a seed starter mix such as Miracle-Gro® Seed Starting Potting Mix to encourage fast root growth. Fill your containers with the potting mix and then add water until it's the consistency of a wrung-out sponge.
So if your expected last frost date is May 10, for example, count back at least six weeks to March 29 as the day you need to get your tomato seeds planted. This will give the seedlings enough time to grow sufficient roots and leaves to establish quickly when planted out in your garden.
Light. Warm temperatures (70-75 degrees F) help speed up seed germination; place your seed starting containers on a heat mat and cover with a humidity dome to get seeds started. Once seeds have germinated, shut off the heat mat and remove the humidity dome.
Many gardeners soak their tomato seeds before planting for faster and better results. Tomatoes are the most commonly grown vegetable in the garden and if you think you are a little late sowing the seeds this is a great method to kick start the seeds. The technique is proven by biological scientist.
Pinching out your tomatoes is an essential part of tomato plant care. The reason for this is the tomato plant is a naturally bushy plant, and if you let it grow as it wants to, it will put all of its focus into growing foliage at the expense of fruit.
Tomato seeds do not need sun to germinate, but the extra warmth will help. They like bottom heat. More Watering: Continue to water every other day from the bottom. Keep the mix evenly moist, but not sopping wet, until seeds germinate.
Recommended tomato seed starting methods. In warm climates, seeds can be planted directly in the garden. But for most, starting them indoors is the best method. They require a long, warm season to set fruit; giving them a head start inside is a good way to be able to enjoy a bigger crop before frost.
Crowded seedlings are a common problem that can prevent plants from reaching their full potential. If you don't plant your seeds far enough apart, they'll have to compete for the same sun, water, air and nutrients in the soil.
Plant your seeds at the right depth–usually about a quarter of an inch deep. You can do this by simply poking a small hole in your growing medium with your finger, drop 2-3 seeds in each container, and then cover them lightly back up with potting mix.
Tomatoes need at least 6 to 8 hours of sun to bring out their best flavors. You will need to stake, trellis, or cage most tomato plants to keep them off the ground. Decide on a support plan before you set out your plants, then add that support directly after planting. Give each plant enough room to grow.
Definitely not. You can plant tomato seeds anytime in the spring. Many people around here don't sow them until April, as they are fast germinators and fast growers. We find they do even better when they are planted in the ground when they're younger (after it warms up and all chance of frost has passed, of course).
After you find this date, and if you are starting from seed, count five weeks back and mark your calendar. According to Charlie Nardozzi, garden expert, author, and radio host, tomatoes need about four to six weeks of indoor growth before they are ready to be transplanted into the garden.
Tomatoes are warm-season plants that do not tolerate frost or chilly temperatures. We normally recommend planting early to mid-May when the danger of frost has past and soil has had a chance to warm. Be sure to save the sunniest spots for your tomatoes, this will give you optimum fruit production.
Plant your seeds at the right depth–usually about a quarter of an inch deep. You can do this by simply poking a small hole in your growing medium with your finger, drop 2-3 seeds in each container, and then cover them lightly back up with potting mix.
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