This is the correct way to store tomatoes so that they remain fresh and fresh - and it changes according to their degree of ripeness

In the fridge, on the counter or in the cupboard?

This is the best way to store tomatoes so that they stay fresh and tasty for a long time - and it turns out that it really depends on how ripe they are

not to be missed

24/07/2022

Sunday, July 24, 2022, 11:43 p.m

• Share on Facebook

• Share on WhatsApp

• Share on Twitter

• Share by email

• Share in general

• Comments

  Comments

Five facts about tomatoes ("Don't miss" system)

After we learned the right way to store cucumbers - it was the tomatoes' turn.

In the case of storing tomatoes, opinions are divided: there are those who believe that it is a must to store them in the refrigerator and others who will miss a beat if they come across you putting tomatoes you just bought in the refrigerator.

Unlike cucumbers - here the level of ripeness is the one that determines - and the refrigerator is not always the solution.

Harold McGee, Food52's go-to food science expert, explained in his book On Food and Cooking that "tomatoes originally came from warm climates and should be stored at room temperature."

He notes that anything but perfectly ripe tomatoes undergo a less pleasant experience in refrigeration - loss of flavor, change in color and change in texture to mealy.

This also applies to cherry tomatoes - those sweet little ones born to brighten up any summer salad.

However, note his small exception - "anything but perfectly ripe tomatoes".

In other words, ripe tomatoes definitely deserve the refrigerator and can enjoy its benefits.

It's all a matter of maturity (Photo: ShutterStock)

We'll explain why the difference: temperatures below 13 degrees Celsius (like the inside of your refrigerator) stop the activity of the flavor-producing enzyme of the unripe tomatoes.

McGee notes that while fully ripe fresh tomatoes are still susceptible to flavor loss when refrigerated, some of this enzyme activity can be restored if allowed to recover for a day or two at room temperature before eating.

On the other hand, when it comes to unripe tomatoes - the action of the enzyme is very important, so refrigeration is not recommended.

At Serious Eats, they conducted extensive research on fresh tomato storage and taste tests and came to a similar conclusion: "Since market tomatoes in peak season are already fully ripe, they benefit very little from additional time in the heat and in many cases are harmed by this, while the refrigerator does minimal damage once the tomatoes are ripe."

Ripe tomatoes kept their freshness in the refrigerator for up to four days without any problem.

So let's conclude...

Unripe tomatoes are not intended for the refrigerator (Photo: ShutterStock)

How to properly store ripe tomatoes?

If you have a cool place at home, such as a wine cellar or root cellar, with temperatures in the range of 13 to 21 degrees Celsius, store fully ripe tomatoes there.

They will keep well for a day or two and you won't run the risk of disrupting the activity of the flavor-producing enzyme.

If you don't have a wide range of temperature zones at home, rest assured that ripe tomatoes will survive refrigeration - just plan for some recovery time at room temperature.

More on the same topic

What is the best way to extend the life of fruits and vegetables?

10 tips

In partnership with Samsung

The ripe tomatoes can and even preferably be put in the vegetable drawer in the refrigerator - but it is recommended to let them air out before eating (Photo: ShutterStock)

How to properly store unripe tomatoes?

You really don't need to put these unripe tomatoes in the fridge.

They should stay at room temperature, ideally in a single layer out of direct sunlight.

To keep them fresh for longer, it's important to store them stem-side down while they finish ripening.

America's Test Kitchen claims that the benefits are twofold: blocking where the stem of the tomato was prevents moisture from leaving it and blocks the entry of air (and thus mold and bacteria) into it.

You may have heard that tomatoes should not be stored upside down because the "shoulders" (the area around the stem scar) are delicate and susceptible to bruising.

If you're worried about that, America's Test Kitchen has a solution: Place a piece of tape over the stem scar.

They discovered that it works just like storing tomatoes upside down.

The super-ripe tomatoes should be placed stem-side down in a paper bag and let them ripen in a cool place or at room temperature.

• Food

• The food news

Tags

• Tomatoes

• vegetables

• cucumbers

• Cooling

• refrigerator

• tomato