When it comes to what temperature tomatoes should be stored at, there are several conflicting statements:
1. According to the first statement, tomatoes are among the fruits whose taste qualities do not spoil while in the refrigerator;
2. According to another, completely opposite statement tomatoes should be stored at room temperature, not in the refrigerator, because they are grown in warm climates and then they are not very tasty if you decide to make tomato salad for example;
3. According to other claims, tomatoes should not be stored in a cold place, because a temperature below 13°C, which is usually in the refrigerator, damages them. A tomato that is fully ripe may lose its flavor if refrigerated and then tomato dishes will not be as successful. However, if left for a day or two before consumption at room temperature, the taste will recover.
Still, here are the ideal storage conditions for tomatoes:
- It is good to store them in a dark, cool room, preferably in a cellar or basement;
- The air temperature should be between 5-12°C and the humidity 80%;
- Tomatoes must be arranged with the stem upwards;
- Tomatoes with visible damage, soft skin or overripe ones must be discarded;
- They must be placed in wooden boxes and periodically turned over and inspected for damage;
- When you see rotten tomatoes, they must be thrown away as quickly as possible;
- They can be wrapped in newspaper or other paper;
- Do not wash them before putting them away for storage, they can be arranged in plastic bags;
- If you store tomatoes at room temperature, it should not be more than 20°C, so they will last up to 1 week without losing their flavor, shape and appearance;
- If you buy tomatoes that are unripe, put them next to a window where there is direct sunlight, turning them well so that they ripen evenly;
- Store the tomatoes in the refrigerator only as a last resort.
