KansasCindy's response gives the correct definition of blanching. However, the blanching time varies depending on the vegetable. Some require no more than 1-2 minutes; others may require 3 minutes or more. Thriftyfun has a guide to blanching on the website. You could also consult the Ball Book of Canning and Perserving for information.
If I remember right there are different directions for different types of food. As far as freezing tomatoes goes, all most of the people that I know, do is wash them, remove the stems and toss them in a plastic bag and then into the freezer. Then when they get a few more tomatoes they do the same thing, adding them to the previous bag.
Wiser ones might correct or add to my answer, but blanching as I understand such is merely placing the food (usually fresh vegetables or fruits) into a pot of boiling water for 1-2 minutes and then immediately submerging them into ice water to stop the cooking process. I use the process when preparing fresh vegetables (such as corn on the cob) for freezing. It also works well when preparing a batch of fresh tomatoes for processing as after you remove the tomatoes from the ice water, you can literally slide off the skins with your hands. Good Luck!
Add your voice to the conversation. Click here to answer this question.
 |  |  |  |
By
Blanching Corn