Seed from (briefly) Boiled Tomatoes

[Bitwise Gamgee]

Greetings Tomatovillians! Is it ok to save seeds squeezed from a tomato that has been briefly placed in boiling water (to aid in the peeling of the skin)? I often peel the tomatoes and remove the seeds when preparing them for salsa. If I knew the seeds are not harmed by the boiling water dip, I would like to save them. Thanks! Bitwise

[bcday]

I'd do a germination test with a few seeds to make sure they're OK, especially if you plan to trade them.

[feldon30]

This came up for me a couple of weeks ago and I had the same concern. I have not done a germination test, but now I cut a hole in the bottom of the tomato and squeeze into a cup. It only gets about half the seeds, but if you don't squeeze too vigorously, it doesn't ruin the texture.

[nctomatoman]

As long as you just do the boiling water brief dip and then slip off the skins, I've done the experiment - when we can, I do seed saving - and germination has been fine. The biggest issue you can actually run into is that it is easier to get stray seed mixed in when you are processing different varieties at the same time. Don't forget that the tomato's outer walls are quite insulating - the seeds in the interior don't experience nearly the boiling temp. (and that seeds are often heat treated for disease by some producers, anyway).