How to Properly Store Tomatoes

A bowl at room temperature works well to store tomatoes.

People often mistakenly store fresh tomatoes in the vegetable bin of their refrigerator. Not only does this render the tomatoes mealy within a couple of days, but it rapidly saps flavor from these delectable summertime fruits. If you store tomatoes correctly, you can preserve them without compromising their fresh, sweet taste and firm texture.

Things You'll Need

• Bowl
• Paper towel

Instructions

1. Take store-bought tomatoes out of plastic bags. Leaving them in the bag will cause ripe tomatoes to start rotting a lot quicker than open-air storage. Ripening fruits and vegetables give off ethylene gas, which causes over-ripening if they are trapped in an airtight or nonvented space.

2. Place the tomatoes in a bowl lined with a paper towel. Arrange the tomatoes stem scar-side up in the bowl. The area around the stem is the most delicate part of the tomato and is most susceptible to bruising.

3. Keep the bowl of tomatoes at room temperature, away from the oven or stovetop. Place the bowl out of direct sunlight, unless the tomatoes still need some ripening.

4. Rearrange the tomatoes in the bowl daily. With a gentle hand, move the tomatoes around a bit so they're not resting on the same spot for a long period of time. Avoid dropping or squeezing the tomatoes. Bruises will only cause them to start rotting sooner.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to find locally-grown tomatoes. Your own backyard-grown are of course the most local you can get! But of course, farmers markets, roadside farm stands, and Co-ops will have the best selection. These tomatoes will have the best texture and flavor since they are picked closest to fully-ripe. Grocery store tomatoes are often picked still green so they can survive the treacherous shipping process getting them to market.

• Don't wait until tomorrow! Properly store tomatoes as soon as you get them home in order to extend their freshness the longest.

• Always wash tomatoes before eating in order to clean any pesticides or harmful bacteria from the skin.

References

• University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources: Tomatoes: Safe Methods to Store, Preserve and Enjoy
• University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension in Lancaster County: Storing Tomatoes: Counter or Refrigerator?