That sounds like a fantastic storage tip! Keeping tomatoes fresh year-round can be tricky, but the right method makes all the difference. Here’s a trusted way to store tomatoes that many people swear by for preserving that fresh summer taste—even after weeks or months:
How to Store Tomatoes to Keep Them Fresh Like Summer
1️⃣ Store at Room Temperature, Stem Side Down
- Keep tomatoes out of the fridge because cold temperatures break down their texture and flavor.
- Place them stem side down on a flat surface or a shallow dish to reduce moisture loss and prevent bruising.
2️⃣ Separate Tomatoes From Each Other
- Avoid stacking tomatoes; keep them spaced so air circulates and bruising is minimized.
3️⃣ Use a Single Layer on a Counter or in a Basket
- A shallow basket or tray lined with paper towels works well to keep tomatoes ventilated.
4️⃣ Avoid Plastic Bags
- Tomatoes need airflow; plastic bags trap moisture and speed up spoilage.
5️⃣ Refrigerate Only When Fully Ripe and You Can’t Eat Them Soon
- If a tomato is perfectly ripe but you won’t eat it for a day or two, refrigerate it to slow ripening—but bring it back to room temperature before eating to restore some flavor.
Bonus: For Long-Term Storage (Months)
🥫 Canning or Preserving
- Can tomatoes whole, as sauce, or as diced for use later in soups and stews.
❄️ Freezing
- Freeze whole or chopped tomatoes after blanching or roasting.
If you want, I can share a detailed step-by-step guide to homemade tomato preservation methods like canning or drying that keep that fresh taste all year round!