SerpApi.Org
How to store tomatoes is one of those kitchen conundrums that come up every summer: Do tomatoes belong on the counter or in the fridge? If they’re on the counter, should they be displayed on the windowsill or shielded from sunlight? Is the pantry better?
For those tight on counter space or fridge storage, the question may answer itself, but if you want to maintain tomatoes’ peak freshness, flavor, and texture, there are some storage best practices.
Counter vs. refrigerator
Whether you’ve stocked up on cherry tomatoes on the vine or specialty heirlooms, the countertop is the best place for them.
“Never put uncut tomatoes in the fridge,” says chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. “Similar to bananas, a tomato’s best qualities emerge at room temperature. While the refrigerator may preserve it, it also quiets the vibrant flavor and texture.”
This hard-and-fast rule is not just for chefs; even in your home kitchen, tomatoes belong on the counter.
“Room temperature is best for flavor and texture. Keep them on the counter out of direct sunlight, and leave them loose with room to breathe rather than sealed in a bag or closed container,” says Kira Pocedic, brand manager at Sunset Produce. “Refrigeration dulls both flavor and texture, so save the fridge for tomatoes you’ve already cut.”
The best way to store unripe tomatoes
Tomatoes that are firmer than you’d like still belong on the counter. If they have stems, the stems should be removed, and then the tomatoes should be stored stem-side down, to prevent any moisture loss and keep them fresher for longer.
“Be sure to keep these on the counter, not the fridge. Cold stalls ripening and dulls the flavor, so unripe tomatoes are happiest at room temperature in a single layer where they won't bruise,” says Pocedic. And don’t try to ripen them with the sun. Once they’re picked, tomatoes naturally ripen faster than when they were on the vine. Pocedic cautions about trying to ripen tomatoes on a windowsill, which can just cause uneven ripening. The paper bag trick, also used to ripen avocados, can work with tomatoes: Put them in a paper bag with a banana, which naturally releases ethylene, a ripening gas, and check them daily until the tomatoes have reached your desired ripeness.
When should tomatoes go in the fridge?
Save the fridge for tomatoes that you’ve already cut into.
“Refrigeration is best reserved for cut tomatoes,” says Pocedic. “Once you’ve sliced into one, pop it in the fridge, but let it come back to room temperature before eating to wake the flavor back up.”
How to store fully ripe tomatoes
Fully ripe tomatoes should be stored just like any other tomatoes. “Keep them on the counter out of direct sunlight, loose with room to breathe,” says Pocedic. “Avoid sealing them in a bag or closed container, which traps moisture and speeds up deterioration.” Of course, you’ll want to eat them as soon as possible once they achieve peak ripeness.
How to store cut tomatoes
Cut tomatoes need to be stored in the fridge, not on the counter.
“Place the cut side down on a small plate, or store in an airtight container, and refrigerate,” says Pocedic. “Keeping the cut surface covered or face-down stops it from drying out. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating to bring the flavor back.”
How long do tomatoes last?
Just like summer itself, tomatoes are ephemeral. They don’t last forever. Tomato longevity depends on many factors, including when they were picked, how far they were shipped (are they from the supermarket or a farmers’ market), and how big they are. “Whole tomatoes kept at room temperature stay fresh for several days, often up to about a week, depending on how ripe they were when you bought them,” Pocedic. “Once cut, store in the fridge and use within a day or two for the best quality.”
