How to Store Fresh Tomatoes
Depending on whether the tomatoes are green or ripe, they should be stored at different temperatures. For green tomatoes, you should not store them at too low temperatures. Light pink tomatoes can be stored at a temperature of 5 degrees Celsius for 4 days, then increase the temperature to 13-15 degrees Celsius for 1-4 days to complete the ripening period.
Ripe red tomatoes can be stored at a temperature of 2-5 degrees Celsius for a few days. The subsequent changes are loss of color, reduced firmness, and decreased flavor. Maintain the air humidity during storage at 85-90% to avoid shriveled and wrinkled fruit.
Use a soft cloth or paper to clean the fruit, remove the sepals, and avoid leaving any cracks or tears. Then place the fruit on a rack or arrange it in a wooden or plastic tray. Plastic trays can be stacked, but not too high.
Tomatoes are rich in vitamins and beneficial for health and beauty. Choosing and storing tomatoes properly will help you select the freshest and most vitamin-rich tomatoes to ensure the best benefits.
In addition, you can also store tomatoes using the following simple method:
Canned Tomato Pieces
This storage method allows you to use whole tomatoes for cooking soup, stir-fries, etc.
Ingredients
– 2kg ripe but not too soft tomatoes
– Glass jars
Instructions
– Rinse the ripe tomatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a soft cloth.
– Cut off the stems of the tomatoes.
– Cut the tomatoes into halves or quarters depending on their size. Place the tomato pieces in the glass jars without adding any water, and tightly seal the jars.
– Boil a large pot of water and place the sealed jars of tomatoes inside. Boil for about 90 minutes at a temperature of 92 degrees Celsius.
– Remove the jars of tomatoes and let them cool for about 48 hours. Store them in the refrigerator. You can use these canned tomatoes within 3 months.
Dried Tomatoes
If you enjoy salads or snacking on sweet and tangy fruits, dried tomatoes are a must-try. After drying, the tomato pieces have a chewy texture, a strong aroma, and a rich sweet and tangy taste. This is also a favorite dish in Italy.
Ingredients
– 2kg ripe tomatoes
– A pinch of salt
Instructions
– Rinse the tomatoes, let them drain, and cut them into 4-6 pieces or small chunks according to your preference.
– Mix the tomatoes with a pinch of salt, but be mindful not to make them too salty. If you bought tomatoes that are overly sour, you can add a little white sugar.
– Dry the tomatoes using one of the following two methods:
If the weather is sunny, you can place the tomatoes on a clean plate and let them dry under the sun for about 5-6 days, and you will have perfectly dried tomatoes.
You can also use the oven. Arrange the tomato pieces on a baking tray and set the oven temperature to 100-120 degrees Celsius. Bake for 5-6 hours.
– Let the dried tomato pieces cool, then store them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag for later use.
Tgeo Khoevadep