How to Blanch Tomatoes for Easy Peeling: An Illustrated Guide
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It is possible to peel tomatoes without blanching them, but blanching makes the process much simpler and quicker. It does not hurt or actually cook the tomatoes, and it is almost imperative if you are dealing with large quantities of tomatoes for sauce or other cooked concoctions.
Blanching just means heating food for a short time in boiling water, then cooling it immediately in cold water. With tomatoes, this helps the skins literally slip off, while the tomatoes stay relatively cool.