Imagine being able to keep a tomato fresh in its original state for months, rather than having to process a glut into passata or chutney. This is now possible with storage tomatoes, a special type that can maintain freshness for extended periods when stored correctly.
The Science Behind Storage Tomatoes
Lucy Hutchings, co-founder of the Chelsea Gold Medal-winning heirloom seed company She Grows Veg, explains that storage tomatoes differ genetically from conventional varieties. "Their gene for self-ripening is much weaker," Hutchings notes. "You sow them about a month later than regular tomatoes, so by season's end, the fruit is fully developed but not yet ripe."
Physical Characteristics and Flavor Development
Storage tomatoes typically have firmer flesh and tougher skin compared to conventional tomatoes. "Because they ripen slowly, their sugars develop gradually," Hutchings elaborates. "By the time you eat them, many varieties become exceptionally sweet."
The storage duration affects their culinary uses. "The longest storing varieties, which can keep up to a year, are best for cooking," Hutchings advises. "They have tougher skin, firmer flesh, and are usually quite meaty with less juice."
Growing Storage Tomatoes in the UK
While storage tomatoes remain popular in Italy and southern Europe, they haven't gained widespread recognition in the UK. "For our shorter summer season, they are perfect," Hutchings asserts. She Grows Veg is currently trialing 50 different varieties to determine which perform best in British conditions.
Cultivation Techniques
Growing storage tomatoes follows similar principles to regular tomatoes, with some key adjustments. "Once the fruit begins swelling, water as little as possible," Hutchings recommends. "This helps toughen the skins, extending storage time."
Storage tomatoes show slightly greater resistance to blossom end rot, a common tomato-growing problem. "These varieties developed to require less water," Hutchings observes. "They've adapted through traditional growing methods in Italy."
Harvesting and Storage Methods
Knowing when to harvest is crucial. "Aim for tomatoes that are roughly full-sized but before they begin to blush," Hutchings instructs. "You can harvest gradually rather than taking all tomatoes at once."
The Traditional Storage Technique
For optimal storage, Hutchings recommends: "Take all the trusses off the plant and string them together into a large bunch, resembling an enormous bunch of grapes with green tomatoes. Hang them somewhere cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight. They will slowly ripen through winter."
Recommended Varieties for Beginners
For those new to storage tomatoes, Hutchings suggests several varieties:
- 'Hanging Prince': Medium-sized fruits that can last three months or more
- 'Long Keeper': Another reliable medium-sized variety
- 'Piennolo del Vesuvio': The original storage tomato, a small plum type
- 'Giallorossa di Crispiano': Can store for at least six months
These tomatoes come in various colors and shapes, from traditional red to golden varieties, and from cherry to plum shapes. "They're a game-changer for the British gardener," Hutchings concludes, "allowing you to realistically eat home-grown tomatoes throughout winter."
