Tomatoes can spoil quickly if not stored correctly, but food experts say keeping them in the right spot in the kitchen can help them stay fresh for up to two weeks.
Optimal Storage for Whole Tomatoes
Food specialists have recently outlined the optimal approaches for storing fresh tomatoes, though there is a subtle distinction people ought to recognise. Derek Azevedo, executive vice president of Bowles Farming Company, told Simply Recipes that, depending on the tomato's condition, there is actually a superior method to maintain its freshness. If the tomato is intact, keep it on a kitchen worktop.
Derek said: "Storage doesn't matter; as long as your house is 72 degrees or cooler. They should keep just fine on the counter." Seventy-two degrees Fahrenheit is approximately 22 degrees Celsius.
Refrigeration for Cut Tomatoes
Nevertheless, if you are preserving cut tomatoes, refrigeration is recommended. Once the tomatoes are sliced, they need to be refrigerated. Chilling tomatoes can also help stop them from over-ripening. If you cannot consume them immediately, you can place them in the fridge for as long as necessary.
Subsequently, when you are prepared to eat or cook with the tomatoes, remove them from the fridge and let them reach room temperature.
Variety Matters
Tomato durability can also vary depending on the type. Heirloom varieties will only remain fresh for several days, while others, such as Roma tomatoes, can last for up to a fortnight, Derek noted.
Stem Removal Technique
To preserve tomatoes bursting with flavour, some specialists recommend removing the stems prior to storage. Tomatoes naturally release moisture through their stems. By detaching them and placing the fruits stem-side down, the amount of moisture lost is significantly reduced.
Alexandra Kazaks, PhD, member of the Institute of Food Technologists' Nutrition Division, explained: "Removing the stem from tomatoes can actually damage flavour and freshness. The stem scar (the spot where the stem was attached) is a weak and porous area where air, moisture, and microorganisms can enter, speeding up spoilage."
She continued: "Storing tomatoes stem-side down helps slow spoilage and reduce moisture loss, keeping them fresher for longer. Fresher tomatoes naturally have better flavour, so this method indirectly supports better taste. However, it cannot improve poor flavour—if a tomato is bland to begin with, no storage technique will change that."
