Tomatoes are a vegetable in their own right, and not just in terms of taste. While the other varieties make themselves comfortable in the fridge, this should not be so popular with tomato fruits. And since we love the tomato aroma so much, we should fulfill their every wish when it comes to storage.

Tomatoes should not be stored too cold

Storage changes the aroma

Tomatoes that are harvested when they are ripe taste best and should be eaten as soon as possible. But if need be, the red fruits can also be stored longer. However, you have to be prepared for a change in taste. Tomatoes not only ripen on the bush but also after harvest.

Harvest properly for better shelf life

Tomato fruits that are not eaten immediately should be harvested with the stalk. This keeps the tomatoes fresh for longer. If the tomatoes from the store are still hanging on the stalks, they should be left with them as well.

During storage, moisture is a challenge as it encourages mold. This is also the reason why tomatoes should only be washed shortly before consumption and never before storage. If this is absolutely necessary, the fruit must be dabbed dry afterwards.

Avoid cold and heat

If they are stored in a cold place, such as the refrigerator, the tomatoes lose a significant amount of their flavor and have a mealy consistency. The vitamins also evaporate in large quantities.

A warm storage location, on the other hand, accelerates the ripening process and quickly leads to rot. A middle ground preserves the tomatoes the way we like them best.

The ideal tomato spot

You have found the ideal storage location for tomatoes if it offers the following key data:

  • Temperature in the range of 12 to 16 degrees Celsius
  • no direct sunlight
  • it is shady or completely dark
  • high humidity
  • good air circulation

tips

The usual room temperature is a few degrees above the ideal value, but tomatoes can be stored well in the kitchen for a few days, provided the other criteria are met.

Store tomatoes without company

Tomatoes release ethylene gas as they ripen. This speeds up the ripening of other vegetables and fruits stored nearby. Conversely, other varieties can accelerate the ripening of the tomatoes to the point of spoilage. Like apples for example. Tomatoes are best stored on their own. Then they can remain edible for up to 14 days.

However, if you want to convert green tomatoes into red tomatoes more quickly, you can also use the effects of ethylene for yourself. Just add some apples or bananas.

A few more storage tips

Tomato fruits really have to continue to ripen where they are stored, but they also have to be able to withstand mold and retain their inner moisture for as long as possible. You can support them with the following tips:

  • Remove plastic packaging from store-bought tomatoes
  • store in an open container
  • Place kitchen paper underneath
  • Spread the tomatoes flat
  • Ideally, individual fruits should not touch

Special feature: green or unripe tomatoes

Green tomatoes are stored separately from ripe ones, as different temperature conditions are good for them. They need sunlight and warmth and to mature quickly. Spread out in a bowl, they are in good hands on a sunny windowsill.

Conclusion for fast readers

  • Post-ripening: Tomatoes continue to ripen after harvest; the taste are changed during storage
  • Stems: pick/buy with stalks and leave on when storing; it keeps the fruit longer lasting
  • Washing: Wash tomatoes only before consumption, not before storage; otherwise dry well
  • Cold: Cold temperatures cause loss of flavor and a mealy consistency; do not store in the refrigerator
  • Heat: Excessive heat accelerates the ripening process and quickly leads to fruit spoilage
  • Ideal storage location: 12 - 16 degrees Celsius; no direct sun; shady; high humidity; good air circulation
  • Ethylene: Tomatoes give off the ripening gas ethylene; other nearby vegetables and fruits will ripen faster
  • Storage: therefore store tomatoes separately; remove plastic packaging beforehand
  • Tips: Store in an open container; put kitchen paper underneath; Fruits should touch little
  • Shelf life: Under ideal conditions, tomatoes can be kept for up to 14 days
  • Green tomatoes: Store away from ripe tomatoes; they still have to ripen; benefit from sunlight and warmth;
  • Tip: put in some apples with the green tomatoes; they too give off ethylene; Tomatoes ripen faster

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