5 Techniques to Increase Tomatoes’ Shelf Life

Because of their flexibility and delectable taste, tomatoes are a common ingredient in kitchens in many homes. They may, however, be highly perishable, making it difficult to keep them fresh for a lengthy amount of time. Here are five practical methods to help you prolong the shelf life of tomatoes if you’re sick of seeing them spoil before you can use them.

1. Sufficient Storage

Tomatoes to be Kept at Room Temperature

Refrigerating tomatoes is one of the most frequent errors individuals make. Due to their sensitivity to cold, tomatoes may lose flavor and start to taste mealy. Store your tomatoes at room temperature, preferably between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 and 22 degrees Celsius).

Put tomatoes in a basket.

Purchase a tomato basket or put them on a countertop in a single layer. This lessens the danger of bruising and early spoiling by preventing undue weight and pressure.

Maintain tomato stem-side down

Tomatoes should be kept with their stems down. This keeps them juicy and fresh by preventing moisture from evaporating through the stem.

2. Keep out of the direct sun

Defend against sunlight

Direct sunlight should be avoided while growing tomatoes. They may ripen too rapidly and lose their flavor if they are exposed to the sun for an extended period of time. Keep them somewhere cool and sheltered.

Think about using a cloth

Cover tomatoes that are on exhibit with a fresh piece of cloth to keep the sun off them while yet allowing for airflow.

3. Identify Ripe and Unripe Fruit

Sort tomatoes into ripe and unripe ones.

Ethylene gas, which is released by ripe tomatoes, has the ability to hasten the ripening of neighboring unripe tomatoes. Store ripe and unripe tomatoes separately to extend shelf life.

Use products that absorb ethylene

To prevent your tomatoes from overripening, think about utilizing ethylene-absorbing materials like produce bags or inserts.

4. Consistently check

Check the tomatoes

Check your tomato supply often to make sure none of the tomatoes are rotten. Tomatoes with soft patches, mold, or overripeness should be discarded.

Turn the Tables

Tomatoes in your storage space should be rotated. This lessens the possibility of one tomato rotting and spreading to the others while also ensuring that they all get a similar amount of airflow.

5. Preservation Methods

Freezing

If you have an excess of ripe tomatoes, you may choose to freeze them. Simply wash, cut, and put them in a freezer bag or airtight container. For soups and sauces, frozen tomatoes are excellent.

Canning

Another efficient method for extending the shelf life of tomatoes is canning. To enjoy all year long, you may prepare homemade tomato sauce or buy chopped tomatoes in a can.

In conclusion, you may dramatically increase the shelf life of your tomatoes and decrease food waste by using these tactics. Your tomatoes must be stored properly, kept out of direct sunlight, separated into ripe and unripe tomatoes, regularly inspected, and preserved using the right methods.