Tomatoes...and the refrigerator

[Ed of Somis]

There is really a nice article in today's LA Times. It talks about the influence that refrigerators have on different fruits/veges. In short, it states that tomatoes should never be put in the frig. The study showed the frig negatively affected "fruity-floral aromas and sweetness. I had heard this before. Some other fruits are less affected AFTER ripe.

[carolyn137]

Originally Posted by Ed of Somis

There is really a nice article in today's LA Times. It talks about the influence that refrigerators have on different fruits/veges. In short, it states that tomatoes should never be put in the frig. The study showed the frig negatively affected "fruity-floral aromas and sweetness. I had heard this before. Some other fruits are less affected AFTER ripe.

So true and not putting them in the fridge, that's tomatoes, has been known for a very long time as far as I know.

Wait a minute. Is the article talking about putting ripe or unripe tomatoes in the fridge and I ask b'c of your last sentence.

Carolyn

[KarenO]

I never store my tomatoes in the fridge, preferring a bowl on the counter. However, you can chill a ripe tomato just before using it if you wish without ruining the flavor. Some dishes and salads are nicer if the ingredients are chilled, fresh salsa is an example. The secret is to not keep them in there, just use it to chill them before eating if they are to be used in a cold dish.
KO

[Ed of Somis]

Originally Posted by carolyn137

So true and not putting them in the fridge, that's tomatoes, has been known for a very long time as far as I know.

Wait a minute. Is the article talking about putting ripe or unripe tomatoes in the fridge and I ask b'c of your last sentence.

Carolyn

C...the article talked about other fruits (like peaches, plums, etc.) that store well in the frig after they are fully ripe. It even talked about some "tropical" fruit that actually physically degrades when refrigerated. They can become woody and pitty. The article said NEVER put tomatoes in the fridge. I do think Karen makes a good point, however.

[ramapojoe]

well, i don't think not putting tomatoes in the fridge is news. it's common knowledge since people have been storing tomatoes but i have put them in the fridge when i have too many to eat before they rot on the kitchen table.
they will loose taste and texture but they will last a few days longer.
only do it when i'm overwelmed with them. most people say they last longer at room temperature.

[lavanta]

I pick everything at the first blush and store them on the 60F shelf of the wine fridge.

[Worth1]

Originally Posted by lavanta

I pick everything at the first blush and store them on the 60F shelf of the wine fridge.

Absolutely the best advice I have ever seen on this forum for storing tomatoes.

Way to go.

Did you guys know that a 70 degree tomato will feel very cool in your mouth when you eat it?
Your mouth is 98.6 degrees: anything cooler in it will feel cooler.
A 70 degree tomato is 28.6 degrees cooler.
I drink all of my beer around 45 to 50 degrees, most of my wine I keep at around 68 to 70.
All of my fruit is the same, I cant stand cold fruit.

Worth

[clkeiper]

Originally Posted by ramapojoe

well, i don't think not putting tomatoes in the fridge is news. it's common knowledge since people have been storing tomatoes but i have put them in the fridge when i have too many to eat before they rot on the kitchen table.
they will loose taste and texture but they will last a few days longer.
only do it when i'm overwelmed with them. most people say they last longer at room temperature.

I do farmers markets and a roadside stand...you would not believe the number of people who think they should be in the fridge. It does change the texture, sugar and flavor of the fruit. Melons shouldn't be put in the fridge, either.

[lavanta]

Originally Posted by Worth1

Absolutely the best advice I have ever seen on this forum for storing tomatoes.

Way to go.

Worth

WOW thanks! I am not known for giving "best advice ever" on anything here on TV.

[creister]

I only refrigerate if I am going to can them, and don't want them to rot on the counter.

[AprilMayJune]

I didn't know not to put tomatoes in the fridge until I was in my early 20s (I am in my early 30s now.) I think I was already done with college when I read it online somewhere. My parents should be ashamed of themselves for neglecting to teach me this, clearly, haha. It really does make a huge difference not keeping them in the fridge.

I prefer my tomatoes chilled before eating. If we are feeding many people for dinner, I usually prepare a platter of cut/sliced tomato varieties two or three hours before dinner and refrigerate them before serving. In my humble opinion, the chilled taste is better than room temp. taste. I think chilling tomatoes is a choice as subjective as serving ice cold beer or warm beer. It depends on who you ask.

Ted

[JamesL]

Love the wine refrigerator idea!

Chilling tomatoes- depending on what I am serving, I will chill them for an hour.
IMHO - an hour or two does not affect flavor.

[Redbaron]

I prefer warm tomatoes picked fully ripe late in the afternoon, eaten right in the garden still completely warm from the sun. But if you do need to store them, root cellars work great. No colder than that though.