Tomatoes will stay flavourful and fresh for longer if you start implementing an easy storage hack revealed by an expert.
Depending on their initial ripeness, refrigerating tomatoes can cause them to become mealy, mushy, or hard. It also diminishes their flavour, often making them taste bland or sour.
To preserve the flavour, freshness, and longevity of this vegetable, store them at room temperature on a counter or in a cabinet, away from heat sources and direct light.
But another important factor most people don’t tend to take into account is the positioning.
Sarah Brekke, MS, the brand manager at Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen, recommended storing tomatoes stem-side down.
Flipping them over reduces airflow around the stem, limiting contact with mould and bacteria that can accelerate spoilage.
This method also helps tomatoes retain moisture, keeping them juicy for longer, added Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen director Lynn Blanchard.
For even better results, cover the stem with scotch tape before placing the tomatoes stem-side down.
This technique can keep fresh tomatoes juicy, firm, and sweet for seven to 10 days, depending on their initial ripeness.
For cherry or grape tomatoes, place them in a shallow dish or basket to allow for air circulation. These smaller tomatoes ripen more quickly, so check them every day or two.
Remove and compost any that show signs of spoilage to prevent it from spreading to the others.
When it comes to when to wash tomatoes, Brekke said: “We recommend washing tomatoes just before you are ready to use them. Moisture encourages mould, yeast, and bacterial growth.”
Rinse tomatoes under cool running water, pat them dry, then either slice or enjoy them whole, depending on their size and your specific recipe.
