Tomatoes stay 'naturally sweet' if you store them in one area of your home, according to Sainsbury's. The supermarket has shared easy tips on how to store tomatoes to keep them sweet and juicy, and the secret is to keep them on the kitchen worktop, not in the fridge.
As British Tomato Fortnight (1st–14th June) highlights UK-grown varieties at their seasonal peak, Sainsbury's is offering straightforward guidance that could significantly enhance the taste of tomatoes. While many shoppers admit they store tomatoes in the fridge, cooler temperatures can diminish flavour and compromise texture, rendering them less sweet and succulent.
Yet eight in ten Britons confess they presently keep them refrigerated at home. Sainsbury's advises storing tomatoes outside in a cool, dry place, so they maintain their natural sweetness and quality. The guidance arrives as British tomatoes reach peak season and flavour.
Sales and Popularity
Simultaneously, Sainsbury's has witnessed a 30% year-on-year sales increase across its entire tomato range, with Taste the Difference Vittoria Cherry Vine Tomatoes amongst its standout best-sellers. Last year alone, the retailer sold more than 100 million packs, equivalent to the weight of over 2,330 London double-decker buses.
Expert Advice
Emma Joslin, Technical Manager at Sainsbury's, said: "Tomatoes are at their best when they're juicy, sweet and full of flavour, and at this time of year, British tomatoes are at their seasonal peak. At Sainsbury's, millions of tomatoes are enjoyed by customers each year and we work closely with our long-standing British growers to maintain that quality.
"During British Tomato Fortnight, we're focused on helping customers get the best from their tomatoes, which is why keeping them out of the fridge is key to retaining their natural sweetness."
Paul Faulkner, Director at Evesham Vale Growers, added: "British Tomato Fortnight coincides with the start of summer and peak production for UK tomato growers, making it the perfect time to enjoy British tomatoes at their very best. Our growers produce a fantastic range of varieties in all shapes, sizes and colours, known for their great quality and flavour. This fortnight is a brilliant moment to celebrate British produce, and we've worked closely with Sainsbury's to bring customers great-tasting tomatoes, ready to enjoy all summer long."
Storage Recommendations
To maintain their sweetness, juiciness and aroma, experts recommend keeping tomatoes on your kitchen worktop at room temperature, out of direct sunlight. Food scientists explain that cold temperatures below 60°F permanently stop the enzymes that produce a tomato's flavour compounds, resulting in a bland, musty and mealy fruit instead of a sweet and succulent one.
Emma's Recommendations for Optimal Tomato Storage at Home
- Avoid direct sunlight: While tomatoes thrive in sunshine while growing on the vine, harvested tomatoes fare poorly in direct sunlight. Store them away from sunny windowsills or warm areas near the cooker, as too much heat can reduce them to mush.
- Don't put tomatoes in a fruit bowl: Tomatoes emit ethylene, a natural plant hormone that plays a crucial part in the ripening process. Therefore, it is advisable to store tomatoes well away from other fruits such as bananas and avocados, unless you are deliberately looking to accelerate their ripening.
- Give them space: It is best to refrain from stacking your tomatoes as they can bruise quite easily beneath their own weight.
