How to Store Tomatoes
Here are a few easy tips to know about How to Store Tomatoes so they last longer. We’ll also answer a few common questions, like how to store fresh tomatoes. Should you refrigerate tomatoes? How long do tomatoes last? How long do tomatoes last in the fridge? And, can you freeze tomatoes?
There’s a lot of different thoughts and opinions out there about the best way to store tomatoes so they stay fresh and last the longest. Should you refrigerate tomatoes or is it better to leave them on the counter at room temperature?
Choosing the Best
There are so many different types to choose from, but when choosing the best to buy, no matter the type, always look for plump, heavy tomatoes with smooth skins free of bruises, blemishes or cracks. The leaves should look fresh and green. Choose whatever size you need for your intended use. The size doesn’t have any bearing on flavor, texture or quality.
How To Store Fresh Tomatoes. What’s the Best Way to Store Tomatoes?
As a general rule of thumb, tomatoes are best stored at room temperature. Typically they will last on the counter for up to 7 days, but be sure to keep them away from direct sunlight. If you’re not going to use them right away, then you can store them in the refrigerator. And if you’re not going to use them in the near future, you can also freeze them whole or chopped.
Should you Refrigerate Tomatoes?
That depends. You don’t want to put unripe tomatoes in the refrigerator. Refrigeration stops the ripening process, so they won’t ripen properly in the fridge. Fully ripe tomatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for a day or two, but if you keep them there any longer, you will have a watered down, mealy and mostly tasteless tomato on your hands. Storing tomatoes in the fridge will alter the flavor and texture.
How Long Do Tomatoes Last in the Fridge?
So how long do they last in the fridge? Well, that depends on how ripe they are when you put them there in the first place. A perfectly ripe tomato should last in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. An overly ripe one will only last a day or two.
How to Store Sliced Tomatoes in the Refrigerator
Sliced tomatoes can be stored in an air-tight container or a zip-lock plastic bag in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for 1-3 days before they start to turn watery and tasteless.
Can You Store Them in the Freezer?
Yes! And it’s so simple to do! Just remove the cores and place the tomatoes in a zip-lock freezer bag and pop them in the freezer. They’ll last 6-8 months there. To thaw them, you put them in a bowl with warm water and wait a minute or two. The skins will peel right off. Then you can chop them and add them to soups, stews and pasta sauces the same as you would use canned tomatoes.
More Resources
- How to Freeze Tomatoes – Learn how to freeze tomatoes to add to soups, stews and sauces all year long.
- How to Cut a Pomegranate – Learn how to easily cut pomegranate without making a mess.
- How Much Juice in One Lemon – Learn some helpful tips to know about how to juice lemons, how much juice in one lemon, plus 25 lemon recipes.
- How Much Juice in One Lime – Learn some helpful tips to know about how to juice lemons, how much juice in one lemon, plus 30 lime recipes.
- How Many Teaspoons in a Tablespoon – Learn how many teaspoons in a tablespoon and convert teaspoons to tablespoons
- How Many Cups in a Pound – Learn how to measure accurately and convert cups to pounds
- How Many Tablespoons in a Cup -Learn how many tablespoons in a cup and how to convert tablespoons to ounces
- Quinoa – Learn everything you need to know about quinoa, how to cook it, plus recipes
- Lentils – Learn about the different types of lentils, how to cook them, how to use them, plus recipes
- Parsley – Learn about the benefits of parsley, different types and how to use it
How to Store Tomatoes
Here are a few easy tips to know about How to Store Tomatoes so they last longer. We’ll also answer a few common questions, like should you refrigerate tomatoes? How long do tomatoes last? How long do tomatoes last in the fridge? And, can you freeze tomatoes?
Ingredients
- Fresh tomatoes
Instructions
- Room Temperature - Tomatoes are best stored at room temperature where thy will typically last on the counter for up to 7 days, but be sure to keep them away from direct sunlight. If you’re not going to use them right away, then you can store them in the refrigerator.
- Refrigerator - Sliced tomatoes can be stored in an air-tight container or a zip-lock plastic bag in the refrigerator where they will typically last for 1-3 days before they start to turn watery and tasteless.
- Freezer - To freeze tomatoes, remove the cores and place the tomatoes in an air-tight freezer bag and place them in the freezer where they will typically last up to 6-8 months there. To thaw them, put them in a bowl with warm water and wait a minute or two. The skins will peel right off.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 22Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 6mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 1g
theharvestkitchen.com attempts to provide accurate information, however, this nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. The nutritional information provided comes from online sources and calculations. See full disclaimer on About page.
