The best way to store ripe tomatoes (don’t use tape!)

[Sonicfan]

I have to go rotate my tomatoes now, which is definitely a sentence I've never said before. Thanks Kenji!

[archivememory]

This joins the hall of fame Kenji tomato tips:

1. A BLT is primarily a tomato sandwich, not a bacon sandwich

2. Use cherry tomatoes to make sauce because they are higher in pectin and sweeter (from the recipe where they "burst" in the pan)

3. Store ripe tomatoes upside down

[suzannes]

I agree about the tape...it can also pull the tomatoes' skin off if "dinked" if handled improperly, which then can bring mold if not removed and used quickly. The skin break can also cause the whole batch to go bad very quickly. I also agree about storing the stem down. I also learned that using a bowl or container that is somewhat lifted off the counter - and that also has aeration holes on the bottom and sides (in addition to the aerated lid, to keep any small bugs or flies off your fruit) really extends the life. I also check the tomatoes once a week to see if any need to be removed from the batch. I have found that with this - and depending on what season it is, and what part of the world I am in - the tomatoes can remain ripe and firm for up to 6 to 8 weeks. Bon appetit, everyone! 🍅

[FerociousSniper]

I store my ripe tomatoes on a plate with some mozzarella, basil, and a balsamic reduction. They don't last long.

[nickcoul]

I've never even heard of the tape method of storing tomatoes. Thanks for sharing your experience/expertise!

[ctwest]

A) Cool info I can actually use
B) I can't get over how happy and healthy Kenji has been looking lately. Not that there was anything wrong, but he just looks like he's doing GREAT lately!

[ANGELOFDARKification]

I always liked how you combine cooking with a more scientific approach

[Dentspeed]

Your recipes, techniques, and style are the bomb. Love ya!

[Jfrat]

You look really healthy kenji! Hair cut looking fresh too

[yousufazad]

love these short tips and specially the explanation

[wpeth]

We've just moved into a gaff with a very productive tomato plant in the garden.

We are now inundated with unexpected ripe tomatoes!

Glad to be gifting them to neighbours but this piece of advice is so timely.

Thank you Kenji!

[QuietAlien]

Love this! I've also heard they ripen from blossom end first which can cause bruising if stem side is up.

[Mighty_Ogrelord]

Makes sense. I've observed tomatoes first growing mold in the stem area a few times now.

[otroflores]

I learned something new from this short video, so I would like to share a tip too.
If you ever want to store whole fish with guts in (preferably guts out) . Put it on ice upside down ( fish belly up towards you), covered with more ice and make sure the excuse melted ice water has a way to drain. Add ice as needed to keep the fish covered.
Preferably you want crushed ice but I've kept my local caught fresh fish at home iced up to 3 days with this method in a cooler in the shaded part of my backyard. At that point you can scale and clean the fish whole or cut it out. You'll end up with a nice fish that can still keep in the fridge for at least two days.
Just keep them on kitchen towels to soak up extra moisture and covered to prevent the cold air of the fridge from drying it out.

[milliway]

My Gran grew what we now know as heritage varieties, and called the stem end of the tomato "the shoulders" and always stored hers on the shoulders in a cool spot in the kitchen.

[kaia]

Liking healthy Kenji! Thanks for the tip!

[m.theresa]

Yummy yummy! I LOVE tomato season. Since I have the teeniest kitchen I ripen tomatoes on a shelf on my countertop. I have to keep a close eye on them though since it can get pretty warm there and more than once I’ve cut through a beauty of a tomato only to find the seeds have sprouted! Imagine my surprise 😹 I simply cleaned them out and saved tho meaty part for a sauté, the beefy tomato next to it was perfect for my tomato 🍅 sarnie 🥪 Delicious!

[LittleMissSyreid]

Couldn't have timed this any better Kenji! I'm house-sitting at the moment and will be picking fruit from their tomato plant tomorrow; now I know how I can store the crop so it last until my friends come home. Thank you!

P.S. don't suppose you did any experiments with preserving courgettes as well did you? 😅

[justinbrown]

Kenji, you're looking like you've lost weight! Hope this is a healthy and planned loss! Looking good!

[Shilag]

What about if you leave the stem attached to the tomato?