Are tasty and juicy tomatoes a seasonal product? I assure you that they can be successfully stored at home for quite a long time. I'll tell you how to keep tomatoes fresh for the winter using simple and affordable methods.
General rules
The desired variety
For long-term supplies, it is best to choose certain varieties of tomatoes. For these purposes, medium-late and late varieties. For example, varieties:
- "New Year" will be perfectly preserved until the New Year;
- « Giraffe" and "Long Keeper" In general, you can store it until spring.
When purchasing, ask how the vegetables were grown. Tomatoes grown on open ground, can be stored much longer than greenhouse ones.
Storage conditions
The optimal temperature for long-term storage of tomatoes is +8… +10 °C and humidity 80%.
The thing is that these vegetables are very sensitive to temperature. This is due to volatile substances that provide a characteristic rich taste and react very sensitively to decreases or increases in temperature. When the heat balance is disturbed, tomatoes become lethargic and lose their flavor.
Storage
Where to store tomatoes is a very important question. Cool, dark places are best for this: the basement, pantry, vegetable rack in the refrigerator, space under the bed.
Preparing vegetables
Before sending vegetables for long-term storage, they must be carefully sorted. Select only whole fruits, preferably of milky ripeness - almost green tomatoes that have already grown to the size characteristic of the variety and are just beginning to turn red.
To destroy all harmful microbes on the surface of the fruit, wipe each vegetable with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or vodka.
How to preserve tomatoes
Fresh tomatoes can be stored in different ways.
Method 1. In boxes
- Take wooden or plastic boxes with lattice bottom. Boxes must be clean and dry.
- Cover them with paper.
- Place the vegetables with the stems facing up, intersecting each row with paper.
- For a better effect, you can wrap each fruit in paper.
- Fill the box with sawdust or wood peat.
Method 2. Tomatoes for the New Year's table
- Select milk-ripe tomatoes.
- Wrap each vegetable in black paper.
- Place it in a box.
- Cover with straw.
- Store tomatoes in a dark, well-ventilated area at a temperature of +8... +10 °C.
- To ripen, expose required quantity tomatoes in a bright and warm room for 5-10 days.
Method 3. Gradual ripening
- Place the tomatoes, stems side up, in a cool place with good lighting.
- Wait until the vegetables are ripe and ready to eat.
Method 4. In banks
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Method 1
Pour the vegetables with a solution of water, salt and vinegar in a ratio of 8:1:1. |
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Method 2
Pour sunflower oil over the tomatoes, which should cover the vegetables by 1 cm. |
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Method 3
Place clean and dry fruits in a jar, sprinkling each layer with a spoonful of mustard powder. On three liter jar You should use at least 6 tablespoons of mustard. |
Method 5. In a saucepan
- Sort the fruits by ripeness and size.
- Cut overripe vegetables into large pieces.
- Lay out vegetables in layers: a layer of chopped tomatoes, salt, a layer of whole fruits, table salt.
- Repeat the operation until the container is completely filled.
Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to periodically inspect your supplies. If a tomato begins to spoil, it must be removed immediately so that it does not infect the others.
Method 6. In the refrigerator
Alas, the refrigerator is not the best the best place for storing tomatoes. Here the shelf life of tomatoes reaches a maximum of 7 days:
- To prevent vegetables from spoiling, wrap each fruit in paper and keep it at a distance from each other.
- It is best to place the tomatoes on the bottom shelf or in the vegetable tray in a single layer to prevent the vegetables from choking.
- The plastic bag retains moisture and can cause premature spoilage of the tomatoes.
Storing heat-treated tomatoes
Tomatoes are beautiful not only when eaten fresh. Sun-dried, canned and home-pickled tomatoes can be an excellent addition to any dish. Instructions for storing heat-treated tomatoes will help you understand all the intricacies.
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Sun-dried tomatoes: |
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Dried tomatoes:
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Canned and pickled tomatoes:
This will be news to many, but keep canned tomatoes no more than 12 months possible. Pickled tomatoes can stay in a barrel for no more than 8 months. Canned tomatoes are stored well at room temperature (the pantry is suitable), and pickled tomatoes are stored at low temperatures (in the basement, refrigerator). |
Tomatoes can be stored in the freezer. This option is suitable for preparing various dishes. Except for salads, of course.
Summary
As you understand, you can store tomatoes correctly if you know the optimal way for certain fruits. There's plenty more waiting for you in the video in this article. useful tips for processing tomatoes.
If you know any other ways to store tomatoes, I’m waiting for them in the comments.
- Shelf life: 1 month
- Best before date: 1 month
- Shelf life in the refrigerator: 1 month
- Freezer life: 12 months
In a cool, dry place at a temperature not exceeding +12 ° C
Tomatoes are the most popular product sold worldwide. They are so popular not only because of their taste, but also because of their usefulness. Tomatoes, of course, are a storehouse of a huge amount of minerals, vitamins and useful substances. This product contains vitamins B2, A, B6, E, PP and even the rare vitamin K.
There is currently a lot of controversy surrounding how to store tomatoes. Many people claim that tomatoes cannot be stored in the refrigerator, but only at room temperature. Of course, this statement is not entirely true; it is better to store tomatoes not in the refrigerator, but also not at room temperature.
How to store tomatoes
When choosing a method for storing tomatoes, it is better to choose the lesser of two evils. Best temperature Storage of this product is from 12 to 20 degrees. The problem is that the room temperature, especially in summer, is much higher than 20 degrees. That is why, to preserve the product, it is better to put it in the refrigerator. Of course, ideally, it is better to store tomatoes in a cellar or in wine cabinet. If there are none, the choice is either high room temperature or too low in the refrigerator. If the tomatoes are already ripe, it is better to store them in the refrigerator.
If you don't like cold tomatoes and don't want to wait for them to reach the refrigerator after room temperature, it is better to buy already ripe tomatoes and in small quantities, as much as you can eat in a few days. In this case, they can be stored at room temperature and it is better that they are on a flat surface.
If you bought unripe tomatoes, it is better to store them for some time at room temperature until they ripen. After the tomatoes are ripe, they can be put in the refrigerator.
If you do not have a cool place, then all tomatoes that have not been eaten in a few days should be transferred to the refrigerator. If you nevertheless decided to store this product in the refrigerator, then it is better to place them on the door or the very last shelf, since it is usually warmer there than in the entire refrigerator.
How to store green tomatoes
If the tomatoes are left for further ripening, it is necessary to provide them with a bright place with a temperature within +15+18 degrees. Vegetables are acquired in the light bright colors and ripen evenly, while in dark places their color will be light pink.
To make the fruits ripen faster, put them in green tomatoes a few red ones.
Green tomatoes can be preserved quite long time However, not all varieties are suitable for this. For long-term storage, the fruits must be medium in size, with thick skin, without dents or damage. Large tomatoes are only suitable for rapid ripening; small ones can be left for long-term storage, but this is not better side will affect their taste.
Unripe green tomatoes are placed in baskets, boxes, boxes or placed on shelves. For long-term storage, it is advisable to sprinkle the fruits with sawdust.
Shelf life of tomatoes in the refrigerator
Many people still debate whether to store tomatoes in the refrigerator. Let's figure it out.
An indisputable fact in favor of the refrigerator is the suspension of metabolic processes in fruits, which contributes to their longer freshness. However, in the refrigerator, a tomato can quickly wilt due to the high moisture content in its composition. Owners of old-style refrigerators that do not maintain constant humidity have often faced and continue to face this problem. Those who have at their disposal modern refrigerators, such problems are not known, since they maintain optimal parameters of temperature and humidity conditions.
Without a doubt, tomatoes will be stored many times longer in the refrigerator than at room temperature. The shelf life of tomatoes in the refrigerator is up to 2 weeks, at a time when tomatoes stored in the room will last only a couple of days.
Shelf life of tomatoes in the freezer
Freezing tomatoes is in a great way keep them for as long as possible. However, even when storing tomatoes in the freezer, you need to follow some rules:
- choose medium-sized vegetables without dents or damage;
- wash the fruit thoroughly before freezing;
- To help them dry faster after washing, dry them thoroughly with paper towels.
You can freeze tomatoes in several ways, at your discretion:
- freezing whole vegetables.
At this method vegetables will be stored quite well for a long time, and also retain most of the vitamins and useful properties. In addition, after defrosting, whole fruits can be used in salads or cut into slices.
For such freezing, select medium-sized tomatoes, without damage, wash and dry them. Then place the vegetables in shallow containers and place in the freezer to pre-freeze. After 6-7 hours, remove the vegetables and put them into bags or containers, and then put them in the freezer again, but for long-term storage. You can store tomatoes in the freezer during a year.
- freezing chopped tomatoes.
Pre-washed and dried vegetables must be cut into slices or pieces. Then arrange the resulting elements on a plate, leaving small gaps, and put them in the freezer. After 3-4 hours, pour the contents of the plate into a container convenient for storage and place in the freezer for long-term storage.
- vitamin balls.
This method requires a little more time to prepare, unlike others, but in the future it will save a lot of time. Any tomatoes are suitable for this freezing. First, wash them, and then peel them and cut them into small pieces.
For variety, you can add and, which also need to be pre-washed and cut.
Grind the resulting mixture of vegetables using a blender or meat grinder. No need to add salt. Pour the finished product into molds and place in the freezer to freeze. After 5-6 hours, remove the molds, separate the resulting semi-finished products from them and place them in containers or bags for freezing. This vitamin mixture can be added to any dish during preparation.
Shelf life of tomatoes at room temperature
To store tomatoes at room temperature, you need to find a dry and ventilated room. For unripe tomatoes, the temperature in the storage area should not exceed +20°C, otherwise they will become overripe and begin to rot. For ripe tomatoes, it is necessary to maintain the temperature within +5+7 degrees.
During the entire storage period, check the fruits every 1-2 weeks for spoilage and dispose of them in a timely manner so that they do not affect the storage of the rest.
It is also necessary to promptly separate overripe fruits from others.
If all conditions are met, tomatoes can be stored within a few months.
A fresh tomato is delicious, but once it sits in the refrigerator, this wonderful fruit turns into a dull tastelessness. Why is this happening? Science answers.
Chemistry of tomato
The taste of a tomato is the result of a combination of sugars, acids and volatiles (compounds perceived by our senses as aromas). It is in volatile substances that the cause lies. They are extremely sensitive to temperatures, and it is exposure to these substances that kills the wonderful flavor of tomatoes.
The French know a lot about food, and it was their scientists who conducted research on the effects of temperature on the taste of tomatoes. In particular, the effects of storing fruits at room temperature and in the refrigerator were compared. The result is:
At a storage temperature of 20 degrees Celsius, ripe tomato not only does it not stop the release of volatile fragrant substances, but also enhances their production. Simply put, the tomato became even more aromatic.
A completely different situation was observed at a storage temperature of 4 degrees Celsius. The aromatic substances not only ceased to be released - those already contained in the tomato began to break down similar connections. Moreover, at different connections different resistance to low temperatures. First of all, and more than others, the substances that give the taste of the fruit the so-called “herbaceous” or “green” tint were destroyed. This is what we perceive as a sign of a fresh tomato, and the substances responsible for this quality are destroyed in the refrigerator first.
The problem here is not just chemistry. The structure of the fruit also plays a role. Tomatoes are delicate, and not only sub-zero temperatures can harm them. Cool enough environment up to 10 degrees Celsius, and the fruit begins to collapse at the cellular level. In fact, it's massive frostbite, resulting in a bland, tasteless tomato.
Exceptions: soups and sauces
Against such a background negative influence refrigerator on fresh tomatoes It seems strange that soups and sauces based on the same tomatoes, when stored in the refrigerator for a short time, not only do not lose their taste, but often even become even better. Why?
The fact is that in the case of a mixture, we are no longer talking about the pure taste of one product, but about a mixture of tastes, and, in fact, the taste of tomatoes is no longer there.
Harold Klee, a professor at the University of Florida, studies flavor compounds in vegetables, fruits, berries, and especially tomatoes. He explains everything clearly.
In processed tomatoes, water is first removed. Naturally, with heat treatment There is no talk of any volatile fragrant substances - they are not there. So why don't manufacturers isolate these substances before processing and then put them back into the finished product (tomato paste)? This is done with orange juice, and why not do a similar process with tomato products? It turns out that manufacturers simply don't rely on the true taste of tomatoes. Taste is added using herbs and spices. The paste doesn't taste like fresh tomato. There's just a mixture of seasonings + the residual taste of the tomatoes themselves. Just add fresh grated tomatoes to the tomato soup at the very end - and you will feel the difference with tomato paste.
If you still need to cool it down
Tomatoes should be stored at room temperature, but if you really need to refrigerate them, consider the following fact:
Even if the tomato had been in the refrigerator for 6 days, then after it was placed at room temperature for a day, a renewal of the activity of releasing fragrant substances was observed. Of course, in a smaller volume, but still.
Scientists are trying to develop special varieties of tomatoes that are resistant to low temperatures. To do this, wild varieties of plants that successfully grow in the Andes are being studied.
Reader, have pity on the tomato, it suffers in the refrigerator!
Tomatoes are one of the most famous vegetables that are canned for the winter. You can easily keep them fresh for 10-15 days if you place them in a paper bag and put them in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator. How to properly store tomatoes at home so that they remain fresh until the New Year or even longer? The answers can be found in this article.
Shelf life of tomatoes
Having no idea how long tomatoes can be stored, it is better not to purchase them in large quantities. They just won't stay fresh for long. You should definitely know how to properly store tomatoes. And then you can keep the vegetables fresh for several months or all winter.
If you need to buy a large batch of tomatoes, it is better to choose those varieties that:
- have a fleshy consistency,
- thick peel,
- not divided into a large number of cameras
The storage conditions for tomatoes are chosen based on the stage of ripening they are at. Brown fruits require one storage temperature, and red fruits require another. And they are not at all capable of ripening at low temperatures.
There are some types of tomatoes that tolerate storage better. These are mid-late and late ripening varieties.
So, the shelf life of tomatoes in a city apartment before they are processed:
- green fruits – from 25 to 70 days;
- ripe red ones - from 7 to 10 days.
If the tomatoes are overripe and have already become soft, they will not be able to be stored.
Storage conditions for tomatoes
Fruits at different stages of ripening require individual storage temperatures:
- milk-ripe tomatoes are stored at a temperature of +8°C -+10°C;
- red - +4°С - +6°С;
- brown – 0°С -+2°С.
Tomatoes should be kept in cool, dark places. It is best to store tomatoes in an apartment in the freshness zone of the refrigerator. The best place in your home is basements or cellar.
- Tomatoes should be stored at a humidity of 80%, in a room equipped with ventilation.
- The fruits are placed with the stalk up, trying to prevent damage, in containers made of wood or plastic.
- Tomatoes are very sensitive to temperature changes thanks to volatile substances that provide their taste. Therefore, any change in climate where tomatoes are stored will cause them to become soft, wrinkled and lose their flavor.
Preparation for storage
First, the tomatoes are sorted: whole, dent-free fruits that have reached milky ripeness are selected. These are vegetables that have grown to normal size who have already started to turn red.
Before sending tomatoes for storage, they should not be washed. It is better to lightly wipe with alcohol, applying it to a piece of cotton wool. This “disinfection” will get rid of various bacteria and microorganisms that may be on the surface of the fruit.
When preparing tomatoes for storage, the stems are not removed. You can cut them only immediately before use.
Storage in cellars and basements
Tomatoes are placed in layers in wooden or plastic containers, sprinkled with chopped wood or covered with paper. If there are not many tomatoes, it is better to wrap each tomato in paper. Afterwards the boxes are sent to cellars or basements. The temperature in the basement must correspond to the storage standards for fruits of a certain degree of maturity.
In containers made of cardboard or wood, tomatoes are placed in no more than 3 layers. Otherwise, the fruits located at the very bottom will be deformed under the weight of the upper layers.
You need to check the condition of the crop at least once a week. Then it will be possible to notice in time if some fruit begins to deteriorate. In this case, you should immediately isolate it from the rest of the crop.
Cold storage
Tomatoes, stem side up, are placed in layers in plastic container refrigerator intended for vegetables. The layers are separated using paper, and for greater safety they wrap each fruit with it so that they do not touch. This will significantly increase the shelf life of tomatoes. You need to place the fruits in the container in a maximum of 2 layers, and if they are already ripe, in one.
Tomatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
These vegetables cannot be kept in a plastic bag. It is not capable of allowing air to pass through, and condensation forms very quickly inside the bag. In such conditions, the fruits will soon deteriorate.
If tomatoes have been at too low a temperature for some time, their taste may change. But if you let them sit at room temperature for a day after the cold, some of their taste will return.
Freezer storage
You can store tomatoes for the winter in the freezer. Tomatoes are frozen by first cutting them into rings, pieces or slices. Small fruits can be frozen even whole. But large tomatoes are not recommended to be frozen entirely. You can peel them and freeze them in the desired form:
- The peel is removed with a knife from a well-washed tomato using crosswise cuts in its upper part.
- The tomato is immersed in boiling water until the cut skin begins to curl up (20 seconds).
- After which it is quickly removed and cooled with cold water.
- Then they are carefully removed from the skin and frozen in food containers or special ziplock bags.
To freeze tomatoes whole, you don't need anything other than ripe, firm fruits with firm skin. Small tomatoes are placed several pieces in one bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bags, tie them up and put them in the freezer.
Freezing in pieces
- In order to freeze tomatoes cut into circles, you will need fleshy fruits with a dense peel.
- Washed and dried tomatoes should be cut into slices up to 1 cm thick. If the slices are very thin, they will lose their shape during defrosting.
- Then the slices are laid out in layers in a food container, not forgetting to separate the layers with foil or cling film.
- Then put it in the freezer for 6 hours.
- After 6-12 hours, the frozen tomatoes are transferred to bags and sent into the cold for long-term storage.
When freezing tomatoes into pieces or cubes, you can first remove the skin, then cut them and place them in small batches into portioned bags. It is not necessary to ensure that the pieces are crumbly. They are added without defrosting to already prepared dishes.
You can make a homogeneous mass from tomatoes and freeze it in special molds. To do this, the fruits are crushed using a blender or meat grinder to a puree consistency. Then put into molds for freezing. As a last resort, you can use silicone baking molds or plastic ones for ice. It is important not to put tomato puree in each mold all the way to the top: when freezing, the mass will expand and go beyond its limits.
After freezing (8 - 10 hours), the puree should be removed from the molds and placed in freezer bags, packaged in small portions.
Proper defrosting
Only if the tomatoes were frozen entirely, they need to be thawed at room temperature for up to 20 minutes. Other types of frozen tomatoes (mugs, pieces, briquettes, stuffed tomatoes) do not need defrosting.
Now you know how to store tomatoes at home. And if you have any questions, wishes or suggestions, be sure to leave them in the comments to the article.
The unique taste and smell distinguish freshly cut tomatoes from those that have been stored unfavorable conditions. The refrigerator is considered such an unfavorable storage place for them.
When comparing tomatoes that have been in the refrigerator for some time and without, there is a significant loss in the quality of the product in the first case. For the special sweet taste and the unique aroma of the fruit are responsible for the sugar, acids and volatile substances included in the composition.
If the temperature is incorrect, the taste properties are destroyed.
At low temperatures Not only volatile substances disappear, but all such compounds are destroyed. Tender berries receive a dose of “frostbite.” The result of the influence of cold is a soft fruit, devoid of taste.
Can tomatoes be stored in the refrigerator?
This method is also possible if it is not possible to keep the room fresh. But it should be remembered that from long-term storage (more than three days) decay is underway chemical elements. And the former taste and aroma will be lost. But research shows that a tomato is able to regain its lost properties if it is moved from a cold environment to a warmer one. favorable conditions. This is only possible when it has been left at a low temperature for a short time. At optimal conditions substances responsible for taste begin to be produced again.
Attention!
There is no point in storing unripe tomatoes in the refrigerator.
They can ripen only at a temperature not lower than room temperature.
Where to store tomatoes in the refrigerator?
The optimal place for tomatoes in the refrigerator is the compartment for vegetables and fruits. Modern models equipped with a special function to maintain the necessary temperature regime for long-term storage.
If it is not possible to store them in a special compartment, place the tomatoes on a shelf.
Conditions for storing tomatoes in the refrigerator
Observe storage conditions correctly. This will allow the fruits to remain “in shape” longer. After purchasing, immediately remove them from plastic bag. Place in a drawer for vegetables and fruits in one or two rows, but no more. Cover the first row with paper, then lay out the second. Try to arrange it so that the top one does not overwhelm the bottom one.
You can wrap each tomato in paper before placing it in the vegetable drawer. This method of protection will allow them to come into less contact with each other. Spoiled fruits will not negatively affect good ones.
Shelf life of tomatoes in the refrigerator
The exact timing can be predicted if you know exactly when the berries were cut and the conditions of their storage before they came to you.
They should not be stored in the cold for more than 2-3 days. If tomatoes are prepared to be sealed for the winter, do not leave them there for more than a day.
Remember, tomatoes can be stored in the refrigerator, but to preserve all their beneficial properties and taste, do so at room temperature.