Storing Homegrown Tomatoes
Now that you have a beautiful harvest of garden-fresh tomatoes, let’s talk about the best ways to store them. Properly storing your tomatoes will allow you to get the most out of your harvest! Whether you've lovingly nurtured your tomatoes in your backyard garden or picked them up from a local farm, the satisfaction of homegrown produce is unparalleled. But to ensure that your plump, juicy tomatoes stay delicious for as long as possible, it's essential to master the art of preservation. In this guide, we'll walk you through expert tips and tricks for storing homegrown tomatoes, ensuring that you can enjoy their vibrant flavors well beyond the harvest season.
Storing Ripe Tomatoes
The best way to store your ripe, whole tomatoes is to keep them at room temperature. A countertop that is out of direct sunlight is a great place to keep them! It’s a common misconception that tomatoes should be stored in the fridge. Tomatoes actually keep best in temperatures at or above 60oF. Storing them in the fridge will actually make them turn mushy and lose their fresh texture faster.
How long do they keep?
Fresh uncut tomatoes will keep for a few days to several days, depending on the variety and the ripeness of the tomato when it was picked. Fresh tomatoes are best used quickly (within a day or two) after picking in order to enjoy optimal flavor, texture and juiciness!
Storing Cut Tomatoes
Sliced or cut tomatoes should be stored in the fridge. While keeping uncut tomatoes in the fridge isn’t advisable, cut tomatoes are a bit different. Storing them in the fridge will help prevent bacterial growth and allow them to be used longer. Store them in an airtight container, such as a mason jar or tupperware for best results. You will enjoy their flavor for a longer period.
How long do they keep?
Storing tomatoes that have been sliced or diced in an airtight container keeps them fresh for 2-3 days for peak texture and flavor..
Storing Unripe/Green Tomatoes
Many people leave their green tomatoes on the plant or throw them out at the end of the season. But, green tomatoes can be picked before the frost and allowed to ripen indoors! By doing this, we often extend our tomato harvest well into November! While they aren’t quite as tasty as vine-ripened, they are still a joy to have in the fall!
Pick unripe green tomatoes before they experience frost. Choose undamaged tomatoes that are a mature size and/or are starting to change color for best results. Store the tomatoes in a single layer in a box or container lined with newspaper or paper towels. Keep the tomatoes in a warm place (60-75oF) out of direct sunlight for ideal ripening.
How long do they keep?
Most green tomatoes will ripen within 2-3 weeks. Check the tomatoes often to ensure they haven’t split. Remove any damaged or split fruit that may mold and compromise the other tomatoes. Use the ripened green tomatoes as soon as possible.
After a season of growing, the soil in your garden beds and containers will be depleted of nutrients essential to feed the soil microbes. Try some of our organic soil and soil amendments to start growing regeneratively! You'll be amazed at how much easier it is to grow healthy leafy greens, herbs, and veggies as you move into your next season of harvest. Everything is easier because your soil health is in tip top shape.
Mastering the art of storing tomatoes will ensure that your garden’s bounty lasts as long as possible. From room temperature storage for ripe tomatoes to refrigerating cut ones and ripening green tomatoes indoors, these methods help you get the most out of your harvest.
With proper care, storing tomatoes correctly will keep your kitchen stocked with juicy, flavorful produce. Happy storing!