Sun-ripened tomatoes have an incomparable aroma. In order for them to keep it, it is important to store them in the right way. The summer fruits do not like the cold at all.

Tomatoes don't belong in the fridge

What happens if tomatoes are kept in the fridge?

True, tomatoes last longer in the refrigerator - in the sense that they begin to rot later. But: At temperatures below 12 °C, tomatoes suffer a kind of cold shock. They stop maturing, become floury and lose their flavor. Since tomatoes are usually sold unripe, it is desirable for them to ripen at home. Tomatoes harvested when fully ripe can do without it, but of course they should not lose their aroma.
For these reasons, it is not advisable to store tomatoes in the refrigerator. Ideally, you buy or harvest tomatoes as needed, i.e. only the amount that you can use in a timely manner. If you happen to have more tomatoes at home, you can store them as described below.

The optimal storage of tomatoes

The favorite temperature of harvested tomatoes is between 12°C and 16°C. At these temperatures, they can be kept for up to two weeks. If you don't have a room where such temperatures prevail (storage cellar, garden shed, garage, cool bedroom), you can also keep the tomatoes in your living room. At temperatures above 16 °C, the tomatoes do not keep quite as long, but they retain their good aroma. When storing, you should note the following points:

  • Only store perfectly intact fruit. Dented or cut tomatoes do not keep.
  • Do not wash the tomatoes before storing them. The moisture causes the fruit to rot faster.
  • Store the tomatoes in an airy place, so do not place them on top of each other, but next to each other. It's best if they don't touch each other. In this way you avoid pressure points through which rot can penetrate the tomatoes.
  • Provide a soft surface. You can also avoid bruises on the tomatoes by placing a few layers of kitchen paper underneath.
  • Choose a shady place, as the tomatoes will quickly overripe under the sun.
  • Store tomatoes separately from other fruits. They give off the ripening gas ethylene, which allows fruit and vegetables to ripen.

The garden journal freshness ABC

How can fruit and vegetables be stored correctly so that they stay fresh for as long as possible?

The garden journal freshness ABC as a poster:

  • as a free PDF file to print out yourself

Category:

Vegetable garden