The Ultimate Guide to Buying the Perfect Tomato: 3 Key Things to Look Out For

17 September, 2024

How to Choose the Best Tomatoes

Color

Look for tomatoes with a bright red, even color. The skin should be intact and free from scratches, and the tomato should be plump and juicy.

Pay attention to the tiny, evenly spaced dots on the skin. When you cut the tomato in half, the seeds inside should be yellow, not green, and the flesh should be red. These are signs of a fully ripe, juicy tomato.

Aroma

Naturally ripened tomatoes on the vine tend to have a subtle, pleasant aroma. You should be able to detect this scent easily when you bring the tomato close to your nose. On the other hand, forced-ripened tomatoes lack any noticeable fragrance.

Stem

Choose tomatoes that still have their stems attached to the fruit. The stem should be fresh and not wilted. Gently pull on the stem to test if it’s firmly attached; if it is, that’s a good indication that the tomato is tree-ripened and worth buying.

How to Store Tomatoes

Refrigeration

Tomatoes will stay fresh and tasty for the longest time when stored in the right conditions. The ideal temperature for storing tomatoes is between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68-77 degrees Fahrenheit).

The storage method also depends on the ripeness of the tomatoes:

– Green tomatoes: Do not put these in the fridge as the low temperature will affect their natural flavor, making them prone to breaking during cooking, and causing them to become hard and dehydrated.

– Light pink tomatoes: Store these in a closed container in the fridge at a temperature of around 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit) for up to four days. Then, adjust the temperature to 14-15 degrees Celsius (57-59 degrees Fahrenheit) for another one to four days, allowing the tomatoes to ripen naturally. This method will keep your tomatoes fresh for about a week.

– Red tomatoes: These are typically fully ripe, so wrap them in paper and store them in the fridge at a temperature of 2-5 degrees Celsius (36-41 degrees Fahrenheit) and a humidity level of 85-90%. This will keep them fresh for one to two more days.

Ash preservation method

In the eastern region of Burundi, locals preserve ripe tomatoes by burying them in cool ash. This simple method can keep tomatoes fresh for up to five to six months.

According to Xe và thể thao

Frequently asked questions

Tomatoes are versatile and packed with nutrients, making them a popular choice for chefs and health-conscious consumers alike. They are a key ingredient in many dishes, adding flavor, color, and texture.

There are three main things to consider when purchasing tomatoes: color, firmness, and smell. Ripe tomatoes should have a vibrant, even red color with a slight give when gently pressed. They should also have a fresh, earthy aroma.

In addition to color and firmness, ripe tomatoes will have a noticeable aroma. They may also have a slight give when gently squeezed, but be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid bruising.

There are numerous varieties of tomatoes, each with its unique characteristics. Cherry tomatoes are small and sweet, perfect for snacks or salads. Plum tomatoes are oval-shaped and meaty, great for sauces and stews. Beefsteak tomatoes are large and juicy, ideal for sandwiches or burgers.

Tomatoes should be stored at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. If you need to store them for an extended period, place them stem-side down in a single layer on a paper towel-lined container, and then refrigerate. Bring them back to room temperature before consuming for optimal flavor.