How to Store Fresh Green Tomatoes

Green tomatoes will ripen in storage.

It is not unusual to have an abundance of green tomatoes when the harvest ends in the fall. Even though frost is just around the corner, it is possible to harvest and store some green tomatoes until they turn red and can be eaten. "Mature green" tomatoes are three-fourths ripe and will continue to ripen in storage. They will not have the flavor of vine-ripened tomatoes picked at the peak of summer, but they still are good in stews, soups and salsas.

Things You'll Need

• Shallow boxes
• Soft cloth
• Clorine bleach

Instructions

1. Pick the tomatoes, then remove the stems. Pick them as close to the first frost as possible.

2. Wipe them with a cloth. Wash them in a mixture of 1 1/2 teaspoons of chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of water if you are concerned about mold and rot. Dry them with a soft cloth.

3. Place the green tomatoes in shallow boxes in single or double layers. Remove any that are starting to turn red, and place them on the counter to finish ripening. Use them right away. The green tomatoes will keep from one to six weeks, depending on the type. Keep them between 55 and 70 degrees F.

References

• University of Idaho: Harvesting and Storing Fresh Garden Vegetables
• University of Nebraska: Storing Fresh Fruits and Vegetables