How to keep fresh tomatoes longer? The basics of storing tomatoes at home in an apartment - who needs fresh tomatoes for the New Year? Tomatoes stored at room temperature.

Kira Stoletova

Many of us love a salad made with fresh vegetables, such as cucumbers and tomatoes. In the article, we will consider how to keep tomatoes fresh for as long as possible at home.

Tomato storage rules

At 5-6º, red vegetables lose all their beneficial properties. The optimum storage temperature is above 20º. Tomatoes in such conditions became more useful, rich in composition.

Red, ripened fruits can be stored for about a week. Again, the shelf life of tomatoes depends on their degree of maturity, appearance and transportation conditions.

Storing Green Tomatoes

Green tomatoes should not be stored in the refrigerator. They will go bad or stay green.

The process of ripening tomatoes should take place at room temperature (15-20º). If the room is too hot, the fruits will stop emitting a coloring pigment and will not ripen. It is best if the temperature reaches 13º. Only in this case they will turn red and retain their taste properties.

Tatyana Orlova (Candidate of Agricultural Sciences):

If there is a need for the plucked green tomato fruits to ripen faster, it is enough to put 1 red to a group of green tomatoes. After 3-5 days, all the fruits will also turn red. The same effect is given by a fresh ripe banana, placed in a box with green tomatoes. This is because ripe fruits release ethylene gas, which speeds up fruit ripening.

Properly store fresh tomatoes in the refrigerator in the fruit and vegetable compartment, where the optimum temperature is maintained. You can also store tomatoes on the bottom shelf. This will keep fresh tomatoes as long as possible.

Ripe tomatoes are stored for 2-3 days. Unripe - up to 7 days.

• It is best to store tomatoes by placing them in one row. Of course, you can put them in two rows, but so that the bottom row is not squeezed too much.
• If a tomato lies in the refrigerator for several days, and then it enters a room at room temperature, then it begins to release useful substances.
• Wrap each tomato in paper. This will keep the fortress for a long time. In addition, the tomato is not squeezed in paper, if the fruits were laid out in two rows.

Storing tomatoes in a plastic bag will not lead to anything good. The fruits do not breathe, the humidity in the bag rises and after a few hours such vegetables can simply rot.

Storage in a glass jar

Storing tomatoes in glass jars allows you to keep the fruits for several months. The main thing at the same time is to choose tomatoes that do not contain rot and mechanical damage.

A new way that allows you to store tomatoes in this form is as follows. Fresh tomatoes should be thoroughly washed and dried. Next, put them in a glass, necessarily sterilized jar. When the jar is full, pour in 3 tbsp. l. alcohol. After that, close the plastic lid and turn it well in your hands. Then we need to lower the wick inside the jar and set it on fire. When the alcohol starts to burn, the jar needs to be rolled up with a metal lid.

Balcony storage

You can store tomatoes on the balcony at a temperature of 5 to 12º. How to do it right:

1. First you will have to find a box, preferably wooden.
2. We cover it with paper and put tomatoes there. Paper can be replaced with cotton fabric.
3. If the tomatoes are laid out in several rows, then we will definitely lay paper or cloth between the rows. But it is absolutely impossible to use plastic bags or film.
4. Boxes with vegetables can be stacked on top of each other.

In order to prolong the period of ripening of green fruits and thereby lengthen the period of its consumption, all collected green tomatoes are divided into several batches and stored at different temperatures. One group of fruits can be placed in a room (for example, on a windowsill). They will come to maturity in 7-10 days. Keep the second batch on a balcony or glazed loggia, where the usual autumn temperature is + 12-15 degrees. The third batch is in the refrigerator, in the vegetable compartment.

Tomatoes are a favorite vegetable used by many as the main component of salads and as an addition to hot dishes. At the end of the season, I really want to find the best way to store tomatoes so that they stay juicy and tasty longer. In our article, we will talk about how to properly preserve the harvest of ripe tomatoes at home, and also talk about storing green fruits at the ripening stage.

Storage conditions

To keep tomatoes fresh for a long time, you need to create the right conditions. Without certain requirements, for example, in a bag in the kitchen cabinet, tomatoes lie for only a few days, after which they begin to deteriorate quickly.

For many, it is customary to store tomatoes in the refrigerator, where they can lie for up to 10 days. But if you want to save tomatoes longer, for example, until the new year, you need to consider the following factors:

• choose for storage only whole fruits, without the slightest damage and traces of damage;
• give preference immature tomatoes, not ripe specimens;
• take care of the right temperature regime. It will depend on the degree of ripeness and the specific method of storage;
• ensure regular air ventilation in room.

Methods for long-term storage of tomatoes

Each of the methods below is suitable for tomatoes of varying degrees of maturity, from fully green to ripe and overripe fruits. For savings, both homemade tomatoes, just picked from the garden, and bought on the market, are suitable.

Check the storage location at least twice a week. The point is not only in the possible damage to the fruits, but also in the speed of their ripening. Ripe (or already maturing) tomatoes release ethylene, which activates the ripening process of the rest. Therefore, instances that start to turn red should be removed from storage as soon as possible. For the same reason, apples or pears of autumn harvest should not be kept next to tomatoes.

Ripe fruits perfectly stored in clean slatted boxes made of plastic or wood. Line the bottom of the container with clean paper / parchment and spread the tomatoes on it, additionally shifting each row with paper or wrapping vegetables in it. When all the tomatoes are stacked, cover the contents with peat or sawdust. In this form, tomatoes can stand for several months if the temperature in the room is maintained no more than + 8 ... 12 ℃.

To keep tomatoes fresh for the winter, it is important to harvest at the stage of milk maturity. If the weather permits, green fruits are best removed from the garden as late as possible, for example, in October. Wrap each vegetable in thin black paper and arrange carefully in a wired box, lining each row with straw. The workpiece should be stored in a dry, dark place with a good ventilation system at a temperature of +10 ℃. Subject to all conditions, the tomatoes will gradually ripen and remain until January.

To destroy microbes and extend the shelf life of tomatoes, the boxes must be treated with pharmaceutical alcohol and dried before laying.

• in vegetable oil. Put the tomatoes in glass jars and pour in sunflower or other vegetable oil so that it completely covers the vegetables. The oil layer on top should be at least 1 cm. Close the workpiece with an iron or plastic lid;
• in brine. Mix water, salt and vinegar in a ratio of 8:1:1. Put the washed tomatoes in a container and pour the prepared solution.

For fast ripening green fruits (5-10 days) spread the tomatoes on the floor in a well-lit place with a temperature of about +25 ℃. You can pick the fruits directly with the stalks and stems and hang in a ventilated room. A small amount of unripe vegetables can be laid out in the apartment right on the windowsill so that they turn red.

To keep tomatoes fresh longer, don't wash them before storing them.

Proven way to store ripe tomatoes - salting. Select strong red fruits for harvesting, free them from the stalks. Separately prepare overripe tomatoes: they need to be cut into large pieces. Put a layer of chopped tomatoes 8-10 cm thick in a saucepan or jar, salt a little, put a layer of whole fruits on top and sprinkle with salt again. Fill the container to the top so that the last layer is salt. Close container tightly and store in a cool place.

For detailed recipes for preparing tomatoes for the winter, see this section of our website.

Where to store tomatoes in the apartment?

Still thinking about how to store tomatoes at home in an apartment? While in rural areas there is almost always a cellar - the best place to save tomatoes - then city dwellers have to choose between storage in the refrigerator and storage at room temperature. The following principles will help determine the best option:

1. For storing tomatoes, designed for consumption in the near future, suitable any place protected from the sun. Lay the tomatoes flat side down on a windowsill or kitchen counter. In a couple of days they will become more tasty and will not lose their flavor.
2. To keep ripe red tomatoes for 5-7 days, place them on the vegetable shelf of the refrigerator closer to the door.
3. Slightly unripe fruits are recommended to be kept at room temperature so that they ripen, and then move the refrigerator.
4. In autumn and winter, it is convenient to store ripe tomatoes on a glazed balcony or loggia, where the temperature is kept within the range from +10 to +20 ℃. In such conditions, it is enough to lay out the tomatoes in one layer on the floor or other flat surface, covering them with a thick cloth on top to avoid direct sunlight.

Tricks

Regardless of where and at what temperature you decide to store your tomatoes, some tricks can extend their shelf life:

• the variety of tomatoes is important (plan storage at the seed selection stage);
• store ripe tomatoes separately from unripe ones and at different temperatures;
• keep in mind that large fruits ripen faster than small ones;
• when sorting tomatoes, conduct a thorough inspection of each vegetable, because even the slightest trace of phytophthora can lead to damage to the entire crop;
• remember that tomatoes are stored longer without stalks;
• dry vegetables before storing;
• to keep fresh tomatoes longer, treat them with a 0.3% solution of boric acid or a weak solution of potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate).

Video

In the following video, you will learn about three different ways to store tomatoes:

He has considerable experience in garden work - from sowing seeds and seedlings to harvesting and storing crops. Each sowing season begins with a search for new ways of growing, because cucumbers can be harvested not only from the garden, but also, for example, from ... barrels and even grown in winter on the windowsill. Plant care is considered one of the best ways to relieve stress.

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Who doesn't love fresh, juicy, sweet and sour tomatoes, which most often reminds us of a hot summer! Yes, all this is true until you put the tomato in the refrigerator, hoping to keep its freshness and taste. As a result, we do not feel either taste or freshness, and instead of a juicy fruit, we get a cold, tasteless, watery product. Why can't tomatoes be refrigerated? Let's understand the reasons.

What is a tomato? Juicy fruit, which combines acids, sugar, aromatic substances, herbaceousness. Of all the above, it is fragrant substances that are the most capricious in relation to temperature. Ask any gardener why growing tomatoes is worth it in a greenhouse or at home? And he will answer you, it's all about the temperature.

In order for a tomato to be fragrant and you feel all the notes of taste, it needs to constantly release volatile aromatic substances, which are fully produced only at a constant elevated temperature. At low temperatures, for example, about 5 degrees, volatile aromatic substances are not released in a tomato, but already formed ones are destroyed, which, of course, greatly affects the taste of the product. As soon as a tomato enters a cold environment, the first thing we lose is its herbaceousness. It is she who gives the tomato a fresh, interesting taste. Then the form is lost, and the sugar and acid practically dissolve, leaving only water behind.

That is why it is best to store tomatoes at room temperature, but if for some reason you still have to put it in the refrigerator, return it to a warm environment as soon as possible, and it may be possible to establish the release of volatile aromatic substances.

It is important to know that this does not apply to already cooked dishes, tomato sauces, since after heat treatment there are no fragrant substances, and the tomato managed to give up all the juices, sugar, and acids. It is worth considering the fact that many tomato-based sauces and dishes become tastier after they stand in the refrigerator, but this is not at all about the tomato and its components.

The unique taste and smell distinguish freshly cut tomatoes from those that were stored under adverse conditions. A refrigerator is considered such an unfavorable storage place for them.

When comparing tomatoes that have lain for some time in the refrigerator and without, there is a significant loss in the quality of the product in the first case. Sugar, acids and volatile substances that make up the composition are responsible for the special sweet taste and unique aroma of the fruit.

If the temperature is not correct, the taste properties are destroyed.

At low temperatures, not only volatile substances disappear, but all such compounds are destroyed. Tender berries get a dose of "frostbite". The result of the influence of cold is a soft fruit, devoid of taste.

Can tomatoes be stored in the refrigerator?

This method is also possible if it is not possible to maintain freshness in the room. But it should be remembered that from long-term storage (more than three days) there is a decay of chemical elements. And the former taste and aroma will be lost. But studies show that the tomato is able to regain its lost properties if it is moved from the cold to more favorable conditions. This is possible only when it has remained at a low temperature for a short time. Under optimal conditions, substances responsible for taste begin to be produced again.

Attention!

It makes no sense to store unripe tomatoes in the refrigerator.

They can ripen only at a temperature not lower than room temperature.

Where to store tomatoes in the refrigerator?

The best place for tomatoes in the refrigerator is the compartment for vegetables and fruits. Modern models are equipped with a special function to maintain the required temperature for long-term storage.

In the case when it is not possible to store in a special compartment, put the tomatoes on a shelf.

Storage conditions for tomatoes in the refrigerator

Observe the storage conditions correctly. This will allow the fruits to stay “in shape” longer. Take them out of the plastic bag immediately after purchase. Place in a box for vegetables and fruits in one or two rows, but no more. Cover the first row with paper, then lay out the second. Try to spread out so that the top does not suppress the bottom.

You can wrap each tomato in paper before putting it in the vegetable drawer. This method of protection will allow them to touch each other less. Spoiled fruits will not negatively affect good ones.

Shelf life of tomatoes in the refrigerator

The exact timing can be predicted if you know exactly when the berries were cut and the conditions for their storage before they got to you.

In the cold, they should not be stored for more than 2-3 days. If the tomatoes are prepared for closing for the winter, do not leave them there for more than a day.

Remember, tomatoes can be stored in the refrigerator, but to preserve all the health and flavor properties, do it at room temperature.

Gathering a generous harvest from the garden plot, we try to preserve the fruits of our labor as long as possible. This also applies to the harvest of red berries - tomato. And everything would be fine when there is a private house, but, for example, how to store tomatoes in an apartment, and if they did not have time to ripen, then what to do with green tomatoes? In our article you will find answers to these questions.

When choosing a variety of tomatoes, pay attention to the period of its ripening: there are early-ripening, mid-ripening and late ones. Late varieties are suitable for storage.

Did you know? Late varieties contain the Rin gene: it slows down the ripening of the fruit, stretching the metabolism. Therefore, the pulp and crust of such varieties of tomatoes remain juicy and elastic.

The late ones include a number of varieties and hybrids: Giraffe, New Year's, large tomatoes Long Keeper, F1, Coyote and Shedevr, Khutorskoy and Khrustik hybrid.

Varieties such as Red Cherry, Cherry Liza, Cherry Lycopa can be stored for 2.5 months. Carpal varieties have very good characteristics for long-term storage: Intuition, Instinct, Reflex. Similar characteristics are inherent in the following hybrids: Monica, Master, Brilliant, Viscount, Trust, Resento.

How to harvest tomatoes for storage

Whether you keep your tomatoes fresh for the winter depends on the conditions in which they are harvested.

• Collect tomatoes for storage until frost (night temperature should not fall below + 8 ... + 5 ° С).
• Collect tomatoes for storage during the day when the dew has gone.
• Take only intact and firm tomatoes.
• Sort by size.
• Sort according to maturity.
• Remove the stalks from each berry, but do not pull them out. So you can damage the fetus itself. If the stalk does not separate, leave it on the tomato.

Did you know? Large vegetables ripen faster than small ones.

What conditions are needed for storing tomatoes

The room where the tomatoes will be stored should be clean, ventilated, dark. Tomatoes for storage are placed in 2-3 layers in boxes after preliminary sorting. In order to preserve all the useful substances in tomatoes and prevent them from spoiling, it is necessary to observe the temperature regime. Different temperatures are suitable for tomatoes of different maturity: 1-2 ° C for ripe ones, 4-6 ° C for slightly reddened ones, and 8-12 ° C for green ones. The maximum allowable temperature should not exceed +18 °C.

Humidity should not be neglected either: ensure the room has a sufficient level of moisture, but do not over-moisten it. It is necessary to inspect the bookmark for storage every day.

How to store ripe tomatoes

Experienced agronomists have always known how to keep fresh tomatoes longer. It is advised to prepare a gelatin non-concentrated solution or apply a wax layer to the fruits. After such manipulations, the fruits are dried and sent for storage. They say that you can extend the storage by using alcohol / vodka, a 0.3% solution of boric acid, or a light pink solution of potassium permanganate. All this will completely destroy the microbes on the tomatoes.

Temperature affects the shelf life of ripe tomatoes. Ripe tomato fruits can be stored for up to one and a half months at a temperature of 1-3 ° C without losing their quality.

Ripe tomatoes can be stored in jars, covered with mustard powder or "dry sterilized" with alcohol. You can store ripe fruits in paper bags, cardboard boxes, plastic bags, refrigerator or in any ventilated area.

Storage conditions for green tomatoes

In folk practice, there are many ways to store green tomatoes until ripe. In order for everything to work out, it is important to observe the temperature conditions. To keep the tomatoes green as long as possible, the temperature should be between 10–12 ° C and the air humidity should be 80–85%.

For storage, choose medium-sized fruits of green, milky pink color. We spread the fruits in 2-3 layers, with the “buttocks” on top. You can store in cardboard boxes, plastic ventilated boxes, on shelves in the basement. If you store tomatoes in boxes, then cover the fruits with onion peel and keep the temperature -2 .. + 2 ºС - this will prolong storage.

Materials that prolong storage:

• sphagnum peat;
• sawdust;
• onion peel;
• petroleum jelly and paraffin (should be applied to each fruit);
• paper (you need to wrap each individual tomato).

Adviсe:

It turns out there is a proven way to store green tomatoes so that they turn red. No special treatments or paints are needed. Add some red tomatoes and hay to the crates if you want to speed up the ripening process. A banana is also suitable for these purposes: ripe tomatoes and a ripe banana release ethylene, which speeds up ripening. Take out ripening tomatoes to the light - this will speed up the "coloring" of the fruit.

You can store tomatoes as a whole bush. You need to hang a healthy bush with green tomatoes before frost in a room where it is dry, warm and there is enough light. This upside down position will provide useful elements to all fruits.

If the room temperature exceeds 30 ° C, not ripe tomatoes turn red at all, their taste will be sour, although it looks like a red tomato. Tomatoes are badly affected by dry air and high temperatures: the fruits will be wrinkled with a modified pulp structure. And if during storage of tomatoes there is damp air and low temperature, the tomatoes may not turn red at all, diseases will develop, and the fruits will become unusable.

By following such simple conditions, be sure that the tomatoes will last up to 2.5 months or longer.

Where is the best place to store tomatoes?

Asking the question of how to store tomatoes, we must also think about where to store them. The storage location is very important for this berry. If you live in a private house, then store tomatoes in the cellar, garage (if there is enough moisture and there are no harmful substances). In an apartment, many do not imagine how you can keep tomatoes fresh for the winter. For storage, a balcony or bathroom is suitable. In both options, it is necessary to maintain constant moisture, ensure the absence of light (tomatoes ripen faster in the light) and a moderate temperature. And, of course, do not forget to periodically inspect the fruits for damage or manifestations of possible diseases.

Why You Shouldn't Store Tomatoes in the Refrigerator

Important! Only ripe fruits can be stored in the refrigerator. It is not advisable to store green tomatoes in the refrigerator - they will not ripen. There are certain conditions on how to store tomatoes in the refrigerator.

• Store only ripe berries.
• Place the fruits in the vegetable compartment.
• You can wrap each tomato in paper.
• You can keep tomatoes in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

If you store tomatoes beyond this period, they will lose their taste. Also, the pulp will begin to undergo changes in its structure to the point that you will not be able to eat tomatoes, and they will have to be thrown away.

What to do if tomatoes start to rot

No matter how much you try to keep fresh tomatoes longer, some of them can still go bad. Therefore, it is important to inspect the fruits daily. The most common tomato diseases are late blight and bacterial cancer. The first manifests itself in the form of blurry subcutaneous spots, and the second affects the stalk. Spots of brown color with a white halo along the edges have a black border.

Important! Bacterial cancer infects the seeds and spreads with them. A rather unusual way can overcome these diseases - the "sterilization" of tomatoes.

1. Heat water to 60°C.
2. Lower the tomatoes strictly for 2 minutes.
3. Dry.
4. Spread elsewhere for storage on newspaper or burlap.

Now the question of how to store tomatoes at home or how to store tomatoes in the refrigerator so that they stay fresh for the winter will not confuse you. Use proven ways to keep tomatoes longer, and let this berry please you with its taste and aroma.