The other night Nate told me that I forgot to put the tomatoes in the fridge. To which I replied, “Don’t you read my blog? They shouldn’t go in the fridge!” But then I realized, I have only alluded to this tomato info once in a post about ripening avocados. So…I think a post on refrigerating tomatoes is in order!
One day while selecting tomatoes at the grocery store, I noticed a little sign hanging above the tomatoes. It said that tomatoes should never be refrigerated and (here’s where my memory gets fuzzy) there was something about the colder temperature affecting the sugars of the tomato, which changes the texture and makes them mushy and/or mealy.
I’ve done a little research and can’t find any good resources with information on this topic, in fact a lot of the information is conflicting. Often people say you shouldn’t refrigerate tomatoes because it reduces flavor. I actually don’t think this is the issue. The sign I read at the store didn’t say anything about flavor, but specifically talked about texture. Perhaps it’s a combo of both, who knows? Any tomato scientists out there?
Regardless, don’t put them in the fridge. They are affected and are much better stored at room temperature. Also, putting tomatoes in the fridge will stop the ripening process (as with most fruits and vegetables), and most tomatoes I’ve purchased could always use a little more ripening.
That all said, once I cut into a tomato, I do refrigerate any leftovers. But I make an effort to only cut as many as I need and keep my tomatoes at room temperature for as long as possible.
If you want to read a few articles on the topic, click this link or this link.
If you do put your tomatoes in the fridge, I’m certain it won’t be the end of the world as we know it. But if you want your tomatoes to taste their best, keep them on the counter.
All this tomato talk (which, by the way, was much longer than I was planning on!) is making me happy we’re having tomato soup tonight! (And, yes, I’ll share that recipe with you later.)
Hello! My name is Jane Maynard and you've landed yourself on my blog, This Week for Dinner™. Every Sunday I share a weekly menu...and then count on you to share your own! You'll also find other deliciousness that I hope you'll enjoy!
i agree! i never put tomatoes in the fridge because they always turn mushy! and they just taste fresher at room temperature.
I get a produce basket once a week, and get alot of tomatoes at a time. They recommended if you’re not going to use them up quickly (i.e., they might spoil) then refrigerating is better than spoiling on the counter. But, storing them at room temp is the best, and if you do need to refrigerate the tomato, bring it up to room temp before you use it.
I’m allergic to tomatoes and can’t offer a valid answer-but I have heard that putting tomatoes in the fridge makes them mushy.
This sounds like a question for Christopher Kimball or Alton Brown.:)
Good tip. Happy New Year!
For some reason during the summer months I have counters full of tomatoes while in the winter months I put them in the fridge? What’s wrong with me. Heading to the fridge now to rescue my little red babies.
Can’t wait for the recipe. Tomato soup sounds like the perfect comfort food AND healthy too!
I used to work for a chef and learned that tomatoes will stop ripening when you refrigerate them. In other words, keep them on the counter until they are ripe…then, if you cannot use them up, refrigerate them. But, in order to maintain flavor…you need to eat them within a day or so of refrigerating.
Tomatoes will turn mushy and mealy in the frig and lose all flavor after just a short time. If you have ever eaten a hamburger from a fast-food restaurant and not tasted the tomato – they had placed it in the fridge. Happens a lot there. They are better off as compost than refrigerated!
I used to work at a grocery store and most everything was refrigerated except never ever the tomatoes. My mom also worked for a grocery back in europe and they also never ever refrigerated tomatoes.
i just found your blog!! i’m swooning over it.
but, another great reason not to put tomatoes in the refrigerator is because the chemical tomatoes release as they are ripening actually increases the rate at which other produce you might have in your fridge to ripen, sometimes even causing it to spoil.