Skip to main content

Tomatoes

Tomatoes should be stored at room temperature until they ripen, and then you can transfer them to the refrigerator to extend their shelf life. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to store tomatoes:

  1. At Room Temperature (Unripe): Store unripe tomatoes at room temperature, ideally in a cool area (around 55-70°F or 13-21°C). Keep them on the kitchen counter or in a pantry. They will continue to ripen and develop better flavor when stored this way.

  2. Check Ripeness: Check your tomatoes regularly for ripeness. Ripe tomatoes should be firm yet yield slightly to gentle pressure. They should have a pleasant aroma and vibrant color. Once they reach your desired level of ripeness, they are ready to eat.

  3. Refrigeration (Ripe): If you have ripe tomatoes that you won't use immediately, you can transfer them to the refrigerator. Refrigeration slows down the ripening process and can extend their shelf life by a few days. Place the ripe tomatoes in a plastic bag or container to protect them from absorbing other odors in the fridge.

  4. Keep Them Dry: Whether at room temperature or in the fridge, it's important to keep tomatoes dry. Moisture can cause them to rot quickly. Avoid washing tomatoes until you're ready to use them, and make sure they are dry before storage.

  5. Store Whole: It's best to store tomatoes whole rather than cutting them in advance. Once you cut a tomato, its shelf life diminishes quickly.

  6. Use Quickly: Tomatoes are at their best when fresh, so try to use them within a few days of ripening. If you have an excess of ripe tomatoes, consider making sauces, salsas, or other dishes to use them up or freezing them for later use.

  7. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Whether at room temperature or in the fridge, keep tomatoes away from direct sunlight, as exposure to light can cause them to become overripe and develop off-flavors.

Remember that refrigerating unripe tomatoes can negatively affect their flavor and texture, so it's best to only refrigerate them once they've ripened. Proper storage will help you enjoy delicious, fresh tomatoes for a longer period.