Is there anything more disappointing than reaching for a ripe tomato only to find it mushy, moldy, or mealy? Whether you've picked them from your garden or picked them up from the store, tomatoes are one of the most flavorful staples in any kitchen. They’re also notoriously quick to spoil if not stored properly. The good news? With just a few simple steps, you can dramatically extend the shelf life of your tomatoes. It is possible to keep them fresher longer.
In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to keep tomatoes fresh using an easy vinegar rinse and the best storage techniques for both cherry tomatoes and garden tomatoes. Say goodbye to waste and hello to vibrant, juicy tomatoes every time you need them.
How to Wash Tomatoes
No matter what type of tomatoes you buy, they can all be washed the same way. Fill a large bowl with 10 cups of water and add ¼ cup distilled white vinegar. Add the tomatoes to the bowl and allow them to soak for two minutes. After two minutes, remove from the water and place them on a towel to dry.
Storing Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes should be stored in a glass mason jar with a metal lid. The size can be determined by how many you have, but a pint and a half or quart jar should be large enough.
In the fridge I keep all of our salad vegetables in an acrylic bin that we refer to as the ‘salad basket’. This makes it easy to take everything out at one time when we are making salads. It also works when someone wants a snack, they know all of the veggies are clean and ready to be enjoyed.
Storing Garden Tomatoes
Garden tomatoes should be stored on a plate and left on the counter. Keep them away from bananas or any other fruits or vegetables that you might have on the counter.
If your tomatoes are a variety that come on the vine, leave them on the vine as long as possible. Once the stem is taken off, air is entering the tomato and it is starting to deteriorate so it will not stay fresh as long.
Canning Tomatoes
One thing that I enjoy doing with my tomatoes is canning them. This makes them shelf stable for much longer and we can enjoy the fresh flavor of summer all year long. If you want to learn more about canning I have a canning for beginners blog post. I also have a full blog on canning tomatoes if you'd like the recipe and directions.
Zero Waste Produce Guide
If you are looking for information on different ways to store other fresh vegetables, be sure to check out my book, the Zero Waste Produce Guide. You'll learn how to extend the shelf life of 75 produce items. It also includes over 40 recipe inspirations and other helpful tips to reduce waste and save money on groceries.
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