Preparing tomatoes for recipes sometimes requires you to remove the center or seeds, as well as slice or peel them. Removing the center of the tomato is very useful when you want to chop or thinly slice a fresh tomato. This is best if you want the tomato moisture to be absorbed into the food.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Removing the Middle from the Whole Tomato
Step 1. Wash your tomatoes under running water
Step 2. Dry with paper towels
Water on the tomato's surface can cause the tomatoes to slip out of your hands.
Step 3. Remove the stems from the tops of the tomatoes
Step 4. Place the tomatoes on the cutting board with the top facing out
If your tomatoes have sharp edges, you can place them on one side and take the center of that side.
Step 5. Insert a small, very sharp knife into the top of the tomato
Insert the tip of the knife at an angle of approximately 25 degrees from the vertical line. Press the knife down about 1/2 to 1 inch (between 1.3 to 2.5 cm) at this angle.
Stop inserting the knife when you think the tip of the knife is in the center of the tomato
Step 6. Hold the tomatoes firmly and chop in a circular motion while turning the fruit
When you reach your starting point, you can take the center of the tomato and throw it away.
Method 2 of 2: Removing the Stuff and Seeds of the Tomato
Step 1. Place the washed tomatoes on a cutting board
Position it with the stem facing up.
Step 2. Slice the tomatoes in half vertically from the top
Hold the tomato with your other hand, and slice it into quarters.
Step 3. Leave the four tomato slices open on the cutting board
Step 4. Use your knife to slice it from the top of the tomato to the bottom
Cut and remove the white center of the tomato from the side of the fruit. The knife should lightly slice the inside of the tomato.
Step 5. Repeat for the remaining three sections
Remove the seeds and the white center of the tomato. Slice the core of the tomato and cut it into smaller pieces.
