Sweet and juicy tomatoes have the ability to transform a meal. Whether the fruit is sliced and layered on bread, puréed into a gazpacho, or starring in a refreshing summer salad, tomatoes are a delight.
But while there’s no denying their allure, there is confusion about how to properly preserve their taste and texture. Should you refrigerate tomatoes or leave them out on the counter? Does the storage method change depending on their level of ripeness? This article will help you answer this question.
Why Refrigerating Tomatoes Isn’t the Best Option
Tomatoes are sensitive to cold temperatures, which can significantly affect their texture and flavor. When stored at temperatures below 55°F (about 12°C), the cold begins to break down the cell walls within the tomato, leading to a mealy texture. Additionally, the cold temperature halts the ripening process, preventing the development of the natural sugars and acids that give tomatoes their signature taste. As a result, refrigerated tomatoes can taste bland and lose the robust flavor that is expected from a perfectly ripe tomato.
The Right Way to Store Tomatoes
To ensure your tomatoes retain their peak flavor and inviting texture, follow these steps:
1. Keep tomatoes at room temperature. The ideal way to store tomatoes is on your countertop at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. This allows them to continue ripening and developing their taste and aroma.
2. Use a stem-down position. Place tomatoes stem-down to prevent air from entering and moisture from exiting the scar where the tomato was removed from the vine. This technique also helps reduce the likelihood of rot.
3. Avoid plastic bags. Plastic bags can trap ethylene gas and moisture, accelerating the decay process. Let tomatoes breathe by storing them in a single layer in a basket or a ventilated container.
4. Sort by ripeness. If you have multiple tomatoes, organize them by ripeness. Use the ripest tomatoes first and allow the less ripe ones more time to mature.
5. Consider a paper towel for overly ripe tomatoes. If you have tomatoes that are extremely ripe and you can’t use them right away, you can extend their life by a day or two by placing them in the refrigerator wrapped in a paper towel. Just remember to take them out a few hours before you intend to use them, so they can return to room temperature.
6. Check regularly for spoilage. Tomatoes, especially when ripe, are prone to mold and soft spots. Inspect them daily and remove any that start to spoil to prevent the spread of rot to other tomatoes.
