How to Store Grape 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.

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

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.

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 tomatoes fare much better at low temperatures.

If you have far too many cherry tomatoes to use in the next few days, you will need to look towards some form of long term storage.

Freezing works well to extend the life of a tomato to about 3 months. However, after freezing, the texture will be affected and you won't really want to use them in raw preparations.

For cherry tomatoes, dehydrations is often a better option than freezing for long term storage. It will intensify the flavor and extend their life expectancy to about 2 months. Halve the tomatoes and toss in salt and olive oil. Roast for 4-8 hours at the lowest temperature your oven will maintain.

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.