According to all the rules: how to store fresh tomatoes and for how long?
Keeping tomatoes fresh for a long time is not an easy task.
In order for the vegetable not to spoil quickly, it needs to create the most suitable conditions.
In this article we will tell you how to properly store fresh tomatoes at home, how long vegetables are stored, and at what temperature.
Content
Shelf life of tomatoes at home
How long the harvested tomato crop will last depends on a number of factors. The following points play an important role:
- vegetable variety;
- proper cultivation and timely collection;
- quality of harvested tomatoes;
- choosing a storage location;
- package.
If it is necessary for tomatoes to be preserved until spring or even until the next harvest, additional processing is indispensable.
Where to keep it?
The choice of storage location for vegetable supplies is limited, especially in a city apartment. There are more opportunities for residents of the private sector.
In the apartment
If there is no cellar, you will have to look for a suitable place for vegetables in the apartment. It should be borne in mind that tomatoes will only sit well in a cool place, protected from light.
If you have a balcony, especially a glazed one, you can arrange for the tomatoes to be there. It is convenient to use a wooden vegetable box with a lid.An alternative option is a cabinet with doors to keep the vegetable in the dark.
If a balcony is chosen, then it is necessary to constantly monitor the conditions on it. Otherwise, the crop may begin to deteriorate and rot, or even be caught by frost. Fruits should be placed in boxes or boxes.
In the apartment itself a suitable place for tomatoes may be, if available, a cool pantry or a place in the hallway. If they are not available, you can use the refrigerator for long-term storage of vegetables.
In a refrigerator
It is believed that the refrigerator is not the best place to keep tomatoes, since the temperature in it is quite low for this type of vegetable. While in it, tomatoes partially lose their taste and aroma. But if there is no other suitable place, and the apartment itself is very warm, you can use the refrigerator.
It is recommended to remove tomatoes stored in the refrigerator 30-60 minutes before serving so that they regain their aroma.
This video will show you how to properly store tomatoes in the refrigerator:
Is it possible in the cellar?
If the house has a cellar, it can be used for storing vegetables. First, it should be disinfected, the remnants of old food supplies should be removed and put in order.
Conditions
Their storage period largely depends on the conditions in which tomatoes are located.Violation of even just one indicator can lead to damage to the entire harvest.
At what temperature?
There is simply no ideal temperature for any tomatoes. This indicator differs significantly depending on the degree of ripeness of the fruits sent for storage.
If tomatoes are picked green, they are best stored at a temperature of +12°C to +15°C. For milk-ripe fruits that have not yet turned brown, a temperature of +8°C to +10°C is suitable.
Brown tomatoes will last longer at 4-6°C. For fully ripe tomatoes, a lower temperature is also suitable, but it must be above 0°C.
Humidity
The air humidity in the place where tomatoes are stored should be from 85% to 90% on average. If the value is higher, the vegetables will begin to rot and spoil. If you are in a place with very dry air, on the contrary, tomatoes will begin to lose moisture and appearance.
Lighting
The place where tomatoes are stored must be protected from direct sunlight and artificial light.. Additionally, boxes with tomatoes can be covered with burlap, cardboard or straw.
Ventilation
Good ventilation in the place where tomatoes are stored is a must. If this rule is not followed, the harvest will deteriorate very quickly.
What's the best way to store it for the winter?
To preserve tomatoes for the longest possible period of time, the following requirements must be taken into account:
- The harvest should be sent to storage only after drying and sorting.
- It is better to keep fully ripe tomatoes separately from green ones.
- Bananas, pears, eggplants or apples should not be close to where tomatoes are stored.This is due to the fact that they release substances that accelerate the ripening process, which leads to overripening of tomatoes and their spoilage.
- Inventory must be sorted periodically. If damaged specimens are found, they must be removed.
- It is advisable to store large and small fruits separately.
- Do not put many layers of tomatoes in a container. The fewer there are, the better. Maximum - there can be up to five of them, and then only if the tomatoes are not overripe.
- Tomatoes are placed in boxes or boxes with the stalk facing up.
- To reduce the likelihood of fruits being damaged by microbes, they can be treated with alcohol or a weak solution of potassium permanganate before sending them for storage.
This video will tell you about storing tomatoes in vacuum packaging:
Conclusion
Storing fresh tomatoes according to all the rules allows you to extend the shelf life of the product. At the same time, its beneficial properties, appearance and attractive aroma are preserved. In cases where it is not possible to organize such storage, canning recipes, freezing, drying and others will come to the rescue.
