When it comes to summer produce, it's hard to beat the flavor of a perfectly ripe and juicy tomato. Use this guide to learn when to harvest and how to store tomatoes to preserve their texture and flavor.
How to Store Tomatoes the Right Way
Updated on Oct. 07, 2024
Whether you have a green thumb or just frequent the farmers market, you probably recognize the magical flavor of a fresh, in-season tomato. These sweet, juicy, deliciously plump fruits (not vegetables) are nothing like those flavorless cousins you find at some grocery stores.
Wondering how to store tomatoes until you’re ready to get your fix? Read on for the best preservation tips.
When to Pick Tomatoes
There are a few signs to look for when deciding the right time to harvest your tomatoes. The first sign is a change in color. A tomato will slightly change in color at the beginning of ripening. For example, a red tomato variety will change to a lighter shade of green before turning to pink. Tomatoes can be picked once they reach the breaker (or half-color) stage (for a red variety, that would be half green and half pink).
Another sign of harvest-readiness is the tomato’s firmness. A fully-ripe tomato will be slightly tender to the touch. A half-ripened tomato will be firm, but not hard, to the touch.
You can harvest tomatoes before they are fully ripe, as they will continue to ripen off the vine. Some varieties should definitely be picked before fully ripening. For example, it is best to pick heirloom tomatoes early because these super-juicy tomatoes have a tendency to crack if left on the vine too long.
How to Store Tomatoes
Avoid putting unripened tomatoes in the refrigerator. Chilling stops ripening in its tracks, so unless your tomatoes are at their absolute peak of ripeness, you’ll never get a ripe tomato. Store them at room temperature instead—though not in the sun. You want the tomatoes to continue to ripen after being picked, but you don’t want them to go so quickly that they’ll start to spoil.
Air movement is key when it comes to freshness. A plate or wicker basket allows air to move around the tomatoes, resulting in a slightly longer life. Since these beauties are so delicate, keep them in one single layer so their weight doesn’t crush their neighbors. If one does get a little smooshed, use it before it causes the others to rot.
Store tomatoes with the stems down. This helps prevent moisture from escaping through the stem. It also may help prevent any mold growth around the stem.
How to store whole tomatoes
Unripened whole tomatoes should be stored on the kitchen counter in an open container at room temperature until they are fully ripened. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight. If the tomatoes are headed past peak ripeness, you can store them in the refrigerator, but plan to use them within a couple of days, as chilling the tomatoes will negatively affect their taste and texture.
How to store cherry tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes should also be stored on the kitchen counter at room temperature. You can keep them in the plastic container they came in or place them in a bowl or other open container.
How to store cut tomatoes
Sliced, quartered or halved tomatoes should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. For the best flavor and texture, eat the cut tomatoes within one or two days.
FAQs About Storing Tomatoes
How long can fresh tomatoes be stored?
Fresh tomatoes are best used within a week once they are fully ripened.
Wondering how long the rest of your fresh produce will last? Check out our ultimate produce storage guide.
Should tomatoes be refrigerated?
Tomatoes should not be refrigerated unless they’re fully ripe. A ripe tomato can last a day or two in the fridge without ill effects. Don’t leave them to cool longer than a couple of days. Chilled tomatoes will start to dehydrate, so kiss that juicy tomato slice goodbye. Also, the flesh of the tomato will get mealy or mushy.
Can you freeze tomatoes?
Yes! Freezing tomatoes is a great (and simple!) option to preserve the fruit for long-term storage. The easiest method is to freeze tomatoes whole (with or without their skin). You can also freeze halved, quartered or sliced tomatoes.
How do you ripen green tomatoes?
Unripe tomatoes are perfect for fried green tomatoes. But if you’re trying to ripen your tomatoes, all it takes is a paper bag and a ripe piece of fruit. Ethylene gas emitted by ripening fruit helps to quicken the ripening process. Place the unripe tomatoes in the paper bag with a ripe apple or banana, fold it closed, and store it on your kitchen counter. It can take anywhere from overnight to up to two weeks for the tomatoes to fully ripen.
Looking for more tips on how to store fruits and vegetables? Use these guides to learn the best ways to store corn on the cob, tips for keeping lettuce fresh, how to store potatoes and onions and how to store celery.
