How to Care for Hydroponic Tomatoes After They Are Refrigerated

Refrigerate hydroponic tomatoes to extend their life.

While hydroponic tomatoes are grown in nutrient solutions such as water and fertilizers instead of soil, the final product is the same in terms of care and storage needs. While most cooperative extension offices do not recommend storing hydroponic tomatoes in the refrigerator, if you can avoid it, you may need to store them in a refrigerator to extend their life. In that case, the recommendation is to store them appropriately to protect them from damage and to maintain quality.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic bags or airtight containers

Instructions

1. Wait until the tomatoes are fully ripe, if possible, before storing your hydroponic tomatoes in the refrigerator. Do not wash them before storing in the refrigerator.

2. Keep the tomatoes in an area of the refrigerator where they can sit flat on their bottom. Carefully place foods and containers around the tomatoes so to avoid bumping the tomatoes, which can cause bruising. Store the tomatoes in a clean, dry area of the refrigerator away from raw beef, fish, seafood or poultry to avoid contaminating the tomatoes with the juices or blood from the meats.

3. Check the tomatoes daily for bruises and other signs of spoilage such as indentations in the fruit skin. Use immediately if you notice bruises or indentations. Throw away tomatoes which have mold or slime on them.

4. Store cut hydroponic tomatoes in plastic bags or airtight containers.

5. Remove the tomatoes from the refrigerator, before use, and allow to come to room temperature before serving.

References

• University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension: Storing Tomatoes: Counter or Refrigerator?
• University of Arizona College of Agriculture: Growing Hydroponic Tomatoes
• Texas Cooperative Extension: Safe Handling of Fresh Tomatoes