The refrigerator is a common household appliance used to store food for extended periods. It can be an appropriate place to keep certain products, while others should not be stored in the refrigerator. Tomatoes are one example of a produce item acceptable to store in your fridge.
Can you store tomatoes in the fridge?
You can answer this question as a yes as well as no. It depends on the condition and type of tomatoes. Unripe tomatoes are best kept at room temperature, away from sunlight. Ripe tomatoes should be refrigerated. Storing them in the refrigerator will slow down spoilage but can somewhat change their texture and flavor.
Tomatoes are a highly perishable fruit, so it is essential to use them within two to three days, or they may begin to rot. If you store them in the refrigerator, take them out and let them come to room temperature before using them.
Tomatoes have the best taste and flavor at room temperature.
It is also possible for tomatoes to freeze, but it is best to either cook or puree them first. Don’t freeze raw tomatoes, as they will likely become mushy when defrosted.
Storage life in the refrigerator
The refrigerator can slow the aging process of tomatoes and reduce the chance that they’ll spoil if you want to store them for a short period (1-2 weeks). However, if you plan to keep your tomatoes in the fridge for an extended time (more than three weeks), it is best to freeze them and defrost them as needed.
Temperature
Tomatoes should be stored at a temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit and can last up to two weeks if they are kept in this temperature range. If you store your tomatoes in temperatures between 40-50 degrees, you will usually find that the shelf life will decrease. Temperatures below 40 degrees can cause tomatoes to lose their flavor and not taste as good.
Now you know whether to refrigerate your tomatoes or not. Here are a few tips to extend the shelf life of tomatoes.
- Don’t refrigerate the unripened tomatoes. Instead of tossing them into the fridge as soon as you come back from the supermarket, let them sit on the kitchen counter. Then, keep an eye on them and refrigerate as soon as they ripen.
- Store tomatoes on the top shelf near the door to keep them at a warmer spot in the fridge.
- Use any ripened and smushed tomatoes first as they will rotten first.
- Freeze is the best option if you want to buy them in bulk to use later.
- If you have a kitchen garden and have a good production of tomatoes, you can always freeze them.
Tips for using tomatoes
Different varieties of tomatoes can be used for differnt recipes.
Grape tomatoes are best for salads as they don’t make them watery. Instead, they hold their moisture well and keep the crunch of salad.
San Marzano and Roma tomatoes are great for sauces for tomatoes for the sauce.
Best for snacking: I love cherry tomatoes for snacking. Their size makes them best to put directly into your mouth, and et. Eat them raw or slightly roasted.
