How to Store Cherry Tomatoes

You might as well give them a rinse so they'll be ready to go when you need them. You really don't know where those tomatoes have been. Dry the tomatoes thoroughly on paper towels after rinsing.

In general, fresh tomatoes should be stored in a cool place, but not below 55°F. Storing tomatoes at low temperatures can give them a mealy texture and hinder proper flavor development.

If possible, separate them into a single layer so that you get plenty of airflow and reduce the likelihood of mold growth.

In the odd case that you can't use your tomatoes immediately and they are nearly ripe, you can refrigerate them to halt ripening. While temperatures below 55°F can really ruin the texture and flavor of a larger tomato, smaller cherry tomatoes often fare much better at low temperatures.

Make sure to let them warm up to room temperature before serving.

Cherry tomatoes should keep for at least 3 months in the freezer. Be sure to label them so that you will know when it's time to let go. But don't plan on serving previously frozen tomatoes raw, as the flavor and texture will be adversely affected by freezing.

How to Freeze Tomatoes

If you don't think you can get to your fresh tomatoes before they go bad, try tossing them in the freezer.

Halve cherry tomatoes and toss them in salt and olive oil. Roast them for about 5-6 hours at the lowest temperature your oven can be set to. Dried cherry tomatoes, submerged in olive oil, will store in the refrigerator for about 2 months. Plus, they taste great.

How to Dry Tomatoes in the Oven

If you find yourself with too many tomatoes, drying them out is an excellent option. Intensify the flavor and increase the shelf life to around 2 months.