This short article explains how to know answers to the question “Should Tomatoes Be Refrigerated“? Read further to see when whole or cut tomatoes need it, when they don’t, and the pros and cons about it all. Also, see other posts like this one in our Food Articles category.
Introduction of ‘Should Tomatoes Be Refrigerated?’
This article is to provide solid answers to the age old question of “Should tomatoes be refrigerated?”. Refrigerating tomatoes cause a big flavor loss. However, there are some tomato longer life advantages to getting them cold. Keep reading to learn how to balance this out.
1. WHOLE: Should Tomatoes Be Refrigerated?
Store Tomatoes in Fridge or Counter
There are some scenarios where you should refrigerate tomatoes. With several types of tomatoes, let’s first focus on whole, uncut tomatoes. Leave whole tomatoes, such as Vine Ripe and Roma, left at room temperature until they become ripe. Then, you can store them in the fridge have them last a little bit longer than they would if they were left out. Finally, when closer to serving time, set them out to approach room temperature to improve their flavor. So, following that method, you’ve mastered the balance between longevity and flavor.
So, refrigerate ripe tomatoes when you get home from the store. However, leave them out if you’ll use them in the next 2 days. That is the solution for best flavor and best life. In the fridge, their ripening will slow down and they can remain reasonably firm for about 4-5 days. And, they can still be usable for about 7-10 days, although less firm.
Do Cherry Tomatoes Need To Be Refrigerated?
You don’t need to refrigerate uncut Cherry tomatoes (aka Grape tomatoes) if they’ve ripened, at least not right away. Like regular sized tomatoes they ripen faster when left out of the fridge. However, they tend to last longer out of the fridge than their larger sized relatives. If not using within 1 or 2 hours, always refrigerate cut or sliced Cherry tomatoes.
How Long Do Cherry Tomatoes Last In The Fridge?
Leave Cherry tomatoes out about 4-5 days max before using. The good thing is, however, they will last about 10-15 days (sometimes longer) if they’re in the fridge.
2. CUT or SLICED: Should Tomatoes Be Refrigerated?
Since whole tomatoes are openly displayed at room temp at grocers, should sliced tomatoes be refrigerated? The answer is Yes, but only if you’re not going to use them within an hour or two. They taste a bit better if they’re returned to room temperature before eating. However, most people serve sliced tomatoes cold. But, now you know they taste better if left not as cold.
How Long Do Cut Tomatoes Last In The Fridge?
A cut open or sliced tomato has a very shortened life expectancy. It might last 1 day (or 2 days max) in the fridge. However, the good thing is, even though mushy (but not moldy or “bad”), you can use them for things like sauces, soups, or additions to tomato-based recipes.
Can Sliced Tomatoes Ever Be At Room Temperature?
Sliced tomatoes tasted noticeably better when at room temperature, although most will serve them chilled. Refrigerated cut tomatoes’ flavor changes to a lesser desired flavor. But, tomatoes are partially flavorful, shortly after leaving out at room temperature
Taryn Pire talks about this in the article “Should Tomatoes be Refrigerated?“
How Do You STORE Tomatoes in Fridge or Counter?
As you know, you can store tomatoes at room temperature or refrigerated. However, cut or opened tomatoes require refrigeration. But, how do your store both types, whole and cut? Since the composition and ripening process changes once they go into the fridge, it’s good to know how they should be stored that might impact this process.
How Do You Store Whole Tomatoes?
They will last longer in the fridge, usually about twice as long, compared to out on the counter in a bowl, for example. Store whole tomatoes in a bag or covered, on the counter or in the fridge.
The only time tomatoes are stored in a freezer is if you’re going to cook them but at a much later date. However, freezing tomatoes changes their composition. So, never use previously frozen tomatoes in a salad or other recipe calling for fresh tomatoes. However, you can use previously frozen tomatoes for making some cooked tomato dishes, tomato soups, or sauces.
How Do You Store Sliced Tomatoes?
You can store cut, sections, or sliced tomatoes in a food storage bag or other type of enclosed food container in the fridge. Also, for a cooking recipe, you can even freeze them for storage.
Tomato Related Articles or Recipes
Conclusion of Should tomatoes Be Refrigerated
Now you know what goes into deciding about should tomatoes be refrigerated or put on the counter. You’ve discovered if first depends if they’re whole or cut. So, you know the food safety requirement about keeping opened tomatoes refrigerated. Finally, you now also understand that tomatoes in any fresh form will taste better when closer to room temperature. However, you also know that they ripen much quicker on the counter. So, it’s a balance in flavor between refrigeration and room temperature. Also, check out some of the tomato recipes above for some great sides for your next dinner.