Gardening expert Monty Don has shared a simple trick to ripen green tomatoes indoors using a common kitchen item. The method involves placing unripe tomatoes in a drawer with a banana, which emits ethylene gas to speed up the ripening process.
Tomatoes continue to ripen after being picked due to ethylene gas, also produced by fruits like bananas and avocados. Commercial growers often harvest tomatoes while still green, relying on this gas to ripen them during transport.
Don advises picking tomatoes that show a slight blush at the base and feel tender when pressed. In his September blog, he noted that the ideal temperature for ripening is between 26 and 30 degrees Celsius, but this summer's heat caused many to stay green longer.
For an alternative method, use a breathable container like a perforated plastic bag, brown paper bag, or cardboard box. Place tomatoes in a single layer in a warm, draught-free spot, and remove any that ripen to prevent overripening.
If you prefer to ripen tomatoes on the plant, trim some leaves to allow sunlight to reach the fruit directly.
