Tomatoes can be tricky to keep fresh, but knowing where to store them in the kitchen could prolong their lives for up to two weeks. Tomatoes are coming into season, plump and juicy, ready to be served in salads, pasta dishes and other al fresco dishes. However, even the freshest of tomatoes can spoil quickly if not stored properly.
Best Storage Methods for Tomatoes
Food experts recently shared the best ways to store fresh tomatoes, but there is a slight difference people should be aware of. Derek Azevedo, executive vice president of Bowles Farming Company, revealed to Simply Recipes that, depending on the tomato's condition, there’s actually a better way to keep them fresh.
If the tomato is whole, store it on a kitchen counter. However, if you’re storing sliced tomatoes, refrigeration is preferred.
Whole Tomatoes on the Counter
Whole tomatoes should be kept on a counter at room temperature. 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 around 22 degrees Celsius. As soon as the tomatoes are sliced, they need to be refrigerated.
Sliced Tomatoes in the Fridge
Refrigerating tomatoes can also help prevent them from becoming too ripe. If you can’t eat them straight away, you can put them in the fridge for however long is needed. Then, when you’re ready to eat or cook with the tomatoes, take them out of the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature.
Tomato Longevity Depends on Variety
Tomato longevity can also depend on the variety. Heirloom varieties will only last a few days, while others, like Roma tomatoes, can last for up to two weeks, Derek explained. To keep tomatoes full of flavour, some experts suggest removing the stems before storing them.
This is because tomatoes lose moisture through their stems. By removing them and storing the fruits stem-side down, they won’t lose as much moisture.
Expert Opinion on Stem Removal
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.”
