How to Store Tomatoes

It all depends on the varietal and when you plan to use them.

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, dry place, but not below 55°F. Storing tomatoes at low temperatures can give them a mealy texture and hinder proper flavor development.

How to Store Fresh Tomatoes

The trick to storing fresh tomatoes is temperature control.

If possible, separate tomatoes into a single layer so that you get plenty of airflow. Keeping them dry will reduce the likelihood of mold growth. Lining their container with paper towels or parchment can help absorb any excess moisture.

In the odd case that you can't use your tomatoes immediately and they are already overripe, you can refrigerate them to halt ripening.

Smaller tomatoes tend to suffer less from refrigeration. A large heirloom tomato can be ruined by refrigeration. But grape tomatoes can be chilled and returned to room temperature without too much degradation.

Make sure to let tomatoes warm up to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

If you just have way too many tomatoes and you know you won't get to them for awhile, you have several options.

You can freeze them. Just toss them in a ziplock bag, seal it tight, and in they go. But please make sure to label them. They won't last forever, so a packing date will help you figure out when it might be time to let go. Frozen tomatoes should last around 3 months.

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.

You can dry them out in the oven, or with a dehydrator. This is really quite easy and the results are delicious. Just halve them, remove seeds if desired, season and toss in oil, and roast at low temperature for several hours.

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.

Canning is also an option. You can tomato sauce or whole tomatoes effectively. Canning is probably the best option for long term storage, but it's also the most complicated. Acidic foods like tomatoes, when canned, should last for about 18 months.