How to Store Tomatoes for Housewives

 

Many housewives are looking for the best way to store tomatoes in the refrigerator for the longest possible time.

Here are the details of storing tomatoes correctly...

How to Store Tomatoes Outside the Fridge

Steps:

1. Wipe off any dirt with a paper towel.
2. Place the tomatoes upside down on a separate plate from other fruits and vegetables.
3. Store in a cool place away from direct sunlight for up to five days.

Tips:

• Do not wash the tomatoes before storing them. Any moisture on ripe tomatoes can cause them to rot.
• If you want to wash them with water, do so just before using them.
• When storing tomatoes, place them in a specific position. Put the strongest part of the tomato, which is less prone to bruising, down to keep them fresh.

Additional information:

• Storing tomatoes at room temperature helps them ripen faster.
• Once they are ripe, storing them in a cool place will help them stay fresh for longer.
• Avoid storing tomatoes in direct sunlight, as this can cause them to become overripe and mushy.
• Refrigerating tomatoes can slow down the ripening process, but it can also make them taste bland.

How to Store Tomatoes in the Refrigerator

Steps:

1. Wash the tomatoes thoroughly with water.
2. Place them in a colander to drain completely.
3. Dry each tomato with a clean cloth to ensure they are completely dry.
4. Place the dried tomatoes on a piece of cloth, wrap them well, and put them in a sealed container.
5. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

How to Freeze Tomatoes

1. Wash the fresh tomatoes thoroughly.
2. Place them in a colander to dry completely, or dry them using a clean, dry cloth.
3. Cut the tomatoes into medium or large pieces, depending on how you will use them.
4. Place the chopped tomatoes in special freezer bags.
5. Store the bags in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Important Information

Storing ripe tomatoes:

• It's best to store ripe tomatoes at around 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius). At this temperature, ripe tomatoes will remain dormant and won't ripen or be damaged by the cold.
• When necessary, the best place to store tomatoes is on the kitchen counter or in a basket at room temperature. They will continue to ripen and retain their flavor for several days after being placed in the refrigerator.

If you prefer to keep your tomatoes fresh in the refrigerator:

• It's best to leave them out for a full day at room temperature before eating them. This allows certain enzymes to reactivate and enhance the flavor.

It's not recommended to put tomatoes in the refrigerator.

• Exposing tomatoes to cold temperatures changes their taste. That's why it's best to buy only enough tomatoes for three days' worth of use.

Here are some additional tips:

• Avoid storing tomatoes near fruits that produce ethylene gas, such as apples, bananas, and melons. Ethylene gas can cause tomatoes to ripen and spoil more quickly.
• Don't wash tomatoes until you're ready to eat them. Washing them too early can make them more susceptible to mold and decay.
• Store tomatoes stem-side up. This helps prevent moisture from accumulating inside the tomato and causing it to rot.