These plump, juicy gems steal the show insummer recipes, from freshsaladsto savory pies toBLTs.
Not to mention, those thick slices sprinkled with nothing but salt and pepper.
Here’s how to store tomatoes to maintain peak flavor.
Credit:Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Lydia Pursell
Store the bag in a dry, warm spot and check on them daily for ripeness.
Placing tomatoes in a bag traps the ethylene gas they give off, which ripens the fruit.
That said, take a stab at use cut tomatoes within two days of slicing.
Credit:Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell
Does the “tape hack” actually work?
Weve found that storing them upside down works just as well and wont damage their thin skins.
Its ok to pick them before they have fully ripened.
It reduces the risk of cracking or critters getting to them first.
They will ripen at home and be just right when you need them.
Look for tomatoes with no cracks, splits, or bruises.
Those overripe tomatoes will also be good in tonights dinner.
Turn them intoTomato Gravythat can be spooned over biscuits, meatloaf, or eggs.
Halve your bounty of cherry tomatoes forTomato Pudding.
Blend upEasy Freezer Tomato Sauceto keep on hand for later.
The good news is that you’re free to freeze tomatoes.
Otherwise, keep them on the counter at room temperature for two to five days.
So yes, you should flip those tomatoes over and store the upside down.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Program Information Manual: Retail Food Protection Storage and Handling of Tomatoes.
