How to Strain Tomato Seeds

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Things You'll Need

  • Tomatoes canned or fresh

  • Saucepan

  • Food mill or colander

  • Bowl

Strain the seeds and skins from tomatoes for silky smooth sauces and purees.

Seeding tomatoes can be a straining task without the correct equipment. A food mill or colander will not only crush the fruits, but will also separate out the skins and seeds, resulting in a smooth tomato puree. Before straining out the seeds, cook the tomatoes so they are soft enough to pass through the grates in the food mill without clogging them. If you are pressed for time, opt for canned tomatoes. Save leftover seeds for future planting or discard them. Look for food mills at stores that sell kitchen supplies.

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Step 1

Cut the tomatoes into quarters and add them to a saucepan.

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Step 2

Pour water over the tomatoes to just cover them.

Step 3

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.

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Step 4

Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer the tomatoes until they become soft.

Step 5

Set the food mill or colander over a bowl.

Step 6

Pour the cooked tomatoes into the food mill or colander 1 cup at a time.

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Step 7

Crank the handle of the food mill clockwise to strain the tomatoes. Press the cooked tomatoes with the back of a cooking spoon through the holes in a colander, leaving a smooth, seedless puree in the bowl.

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