How to Store Heirloom Tomatoes

Heirloom tomatoes are a cultivar of tomatoes that are open-pollinated, meaning the variety of tomato can be unknown as the seed was spread from insects, birds, the wind or any natural resources. Care for the tomato until the fruit is ripe and ready to be harvested. It's important to store heirloom tomatoes like you would other tomatoes, being careful not to damage the crop, as you need the seeds to remain healthy.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic bags
• Dehydrator
• Freezer bag
• Jar
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice

Instructions

1. Store ripe heirloom tomatoes at room temperature if you plan on using them within two to three days. The best way to store these tomatoes is to place the in a plastic bag and place them on your kitchen counter where pests or animals cannot get to them.

2. Keep your heirloom tomatoes away from any direct sunlight, but you should also not store the tomatoes in a location that is too dark and warm. For example, don't store tomatoes in a pantry or kitchen cupboards.

3. Place the tomatoes for storage with the stem facing upwards. If there is no stem then you should see the top of the tomato where the stem was. This will help to reduce excessive softening and darkening of the tomatoes.

4. Remove the water from the tomatoes by drying them for long-term storage. Dry your tomatoes in a dehydrator for the best results. Make sure the dehydrator temperature is between 135 and 140 degrees. Tomatoes should be dried in 1/4-inch slices and dehydrated for at least 10 hours.

5. Store completely dried tomatoes in sealed plastic bags and place them in a cool and dark place. You can also freeze dehydrated tomatoes in your freezer if they are wrapped well in plastic. Tomatoes can be rehydrated by boiling or adding directly to soup.

6. Freeze whole tomatoes after harvesting by placing them in a freezer bag. Label that bag and include the date. Place the bag in your freezer and keep your tomatoes frozen for up to a year. Take the tomatoes out to thaw the night before you want use them. If you want to store tomatoes longer than a year, see Step 7.

7. Boil tomatoes for one minute so that you can remove the skin and then place the tomatoes in a jar that has 2 tbsp. of lemon juice in it. To prevent spoilage, give the tomatoes a water bath while in the jars by placing the jars in a large pot with water at least 1 inch over the jars. Bring to a slight boil and then allow the jars to cool. Store jars in a cool and dark place for up to five years.

References

• Growing and Selling Heirloom Tomatoes
• Tomatoes: Safe Methods to Store, Preserve, and Enjoy
• Heirloom Tomatoes