How to Store Tomatoes

If you've got a great, vine-ripened tomato, don't kill its flavor by storing it in the refrigerator!

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Tomatoes

1. Determine whether tomatoes are fully ripe. A ripe tomato is dark red or orange, is slightly soft, has a uniform skin color and smells like a tomato.

2. Put unripe tomatoes in a brown paper bag and leave them at room temperature until they ripen, usually in a day or two.

3. Store ripe tomatoes in a cool place - around 55 degrees F. Stored this way, they should keep for five days. Avoid refrigerating tomatoes.

4. Store cut tomatoes in the refrigerator and use as soon as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Most tomatoes bought in supermarkets are not ripe.

• Temperatures below 50 F (like in your refrigerator) begin to destroy tomato flavor and texture.