This is how they stay fresh the longest

Storage changes the aroma

Tomatoes that are harvested when ripe taste best and should be eaten as soon as possible. But if need be, the red fruits can also be stored longer. However, you have to be prepared for a change in taste. Tomatoes not only ripen on the bush, but also after harvest.

Harvest properly for better shelf life

Tomato fruits that are not eaten immediately should be harvested with stems. This keeps the tomatoes fresh longer. If the tomatoes from the trade are still hanging on the stem, they should also be left.

Moisture is a challenge during storage as it encourages mold. That is also the reason why tomatoes should only be washed shortly before consumption and under no circumstances before storage. If this is absolutely necessary, the fruits must then be patted dry.

Avoid cold and warmth

A cold storage location, such as the refrigerator, causes the tomatoes a not inconsiderable loss of taste and a floury consistency. The vitamins also evaporate in large quantities.

A warm storage location, on the other hand, accelerates the ripening process and quickly leads to rot. A middle ground preserves the tomatoes the way we want them to be.

The ideal place for tomatoes

You have found the ideal storage location for tomatoes if it offers the following key data:

• Temperature in the range of 12 to 16 degrees Celsius
• no direct sunlight
• it is shady or very dark
• high humidity
• good air circulation

Keeping tomatoes out of company

Tomatoes release the gas ethylene when they ripen. This accelerates the ripening of other vegetables and fruits that are stored nearby. Conversely, however, other varieties can also accelerate the ripening of the tomatoes to the point of spoilage. Like apples, for example. It is best to store tomatoes on their own. Then they can remain edible for up to 14 days.

If you do green tomatoes If you want to convert into red tomatoes faster, you can also take advantage of the effects of ethylene for yourself. Just add a few apples or bananas to it.

A few more storage tips

Tomato fruits have to continue to ripen properly at their storage location, but they also have to assert themselves against mold and retain their internal moisture for as long as possible. You can support them with the following tips:

• Remove plastic packaging from purchased tomatoes
• store in an open container
• Put kitchen paper underneath
• Spread the tomatoes flat
• individual fruits should ideally not touch each other

Special feature: green resp. unripe tomatoes

Green tomatoes are stored separately from ripe ones because different temperature conditions are good for them. They need sunlight and warmth and mature quickly. Spread out in a bowl, they are in good hands on a sunny windowsill.

Conclusion for quick readers

• Post-ripening: tomatoes ripen after harvest; the taste are changed during storage
• Stems: Pick / buy with stems and leave on when storing; it keeps the fruit more durable
• Washing: Wash tomatoes before consumption, not before storage; otherwise dry well
• Cold: Cold temperatures cause loss of taste and a floury consistency; do not store in the refrigerator
• Warmth: Great warmth accelerates the ripening process and quickly spoils the fruit
• Ideal storage location: 12-16 degrees Celsius; no direct sun; shady; high humidity; good air circulation
• Ethylene: Tomatoes give off the ripening gas ethylene; other vegetables and fruits nearby ripen faster
• Storage: therefore store tomatoes separately; remove plastic packaging beforehand
• Tips: Store in an open container; Put kitchen paper underneath; Fruits shouldn't touch much
• Shelf life: Tomatoes can be kept for up to 14 days under ideal conditions
• Green tomatoes: store separately from ripe tomatoes; they still have to ripen; benefit from sunlight and warmth;
• Tip: put in a few apples with the green tomatoes; they too emit ethylene; Tomatoes ripen faster