To choose and ripen tomatoes, look for taut, unblemished skin; the tomato should feel slightly soft but still firm enough not to be crushed, and smell pleasant near the stem. Greenish, unripe tomatoes can ripen at room temperature over a few days. Tomatoes continue to ripen after being picked: their skin changes from green to red, their sugar content increases, and their flavor becomes sweeter. Refrigeration slows ripening, and low temperatures can affect aroma, so keep unripe tomatoes at room temperature. Thin-skinned tomatoes leave less pulp in salads. Small varieties such as cocktail tomatoes can make salads taste sweeter.
What Should You Look for When Buying Tomatoes?
A few simple checks make it easier to choose fresh, flavorful tomatoes. The skin should be taut, shiny, and free of cracks; wrinkled or dull skin can indicate that a tomato is stale. It should yield slightly when pressed gently, but not feel crushed. A slightly sweet smell near the stem is a sign of ripeness and flavor. Soft, sunken, or moldy spots indicate that a tomato may be starting to spoil.
How Can You Ripen Tomatoes?
Tomatoes that are not fully ripe can be ripened at home. Place them stem-end up at room temperature in a spot out of direct sunlight. Putting them in a paper bag or bowl with a banana or apple can speed ripening. Avoid crowding or stacking them tightly to prevent bruising and rot. Once ripe, tomatoes can be refrigerated to extend freshness, though their aroma may diminish somewhat. Check them once a day while they ripen.
How Should You Choose a Tomato Variety?
Choose a variety based on how you plan to use it. Meaty, low-seed Roma tomatoes are suitable for tomato paste and sauces, while juicier, tangier varieties can work well in salads. Cocktail and cherry tomatoes are often used in salads and as garnishes because they are small and sweet. A less pronounced star-shaped crack near the stem is also a sign that the skin is intact.
What Mistakes Should You Avoid When Choosing and Ripening Tomatoes?
Putting unripe tomatoes straight into the refrigerator can halt ripening and leave them firm and bland. Stacking them tightly can crush and rot the tomatoes underneath. Waiting for wrinkled tomatoes to ripen is usually disappointing, since wrinkling can indicate staleness. Long-term refrigeration can also make tomatoes mealy and dull their flavor. Choose tomatoes by checking for taut skin, slight give, and a pleasant aroma; if they are unripe, leave them at room temperature. Proper selection and ripening help tomatoes taste their best. Leaving the stem attached during storage may also help them stay fresh a little longer.