The question of whether tomatoes belong in the crisper drawer is a surprisingly contentious one. For many home cooks and gardening enthusiasts, the answer is a resounding “No!” However, conventional wisdom, fueled by refrigerator design, often leads people to store them there anyway. Understanding the science behind tomato ripening and optimal storage is crucial to enjoying these delicious fruits at their peak flavor and texture. Let’s delve into the details of tomato storage, exploring the pros and cons of different methods and offering practical advice for keeping your tomatoes fresh and flavorful.
Understanding Tomato Ripening and Storage
Tomatoes are technically fruits, and like many fruits, they continue to ripen after being harvested. This ripening process is driven by ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that triggers changes in color, texture, and flavor. Understanding how ethylene affects tomatoes is key to understanding how to store them properly.
The Role of Ethylene Gas
Ethylene gas is responsible for the softening of the tomato’s flesh, the conversion of starches to sugars (enhancing sweetness), and the breakdown of chlorophyll (leading to the vibrant red color we associate with ripe tomatoes).
Storing tomatoes near other ethylene-producing fruits, like bananas and apples, can accelerate their ripening. While this can be helpful if you need to ripen green tomatoes quickly, it can also lead to overripe, mushy tomatoes if you’re not careful.
The Impact of Temperature on Tomato Flavor
Temperature plays a critical role in the development and preservation of tomato flavor. Cold temperatures, particularly those found in a refrigerator, can negatively impact the flavor and texture of tomatoes. Chilling tomatoes below 55°F (13°C) can disrupt the enzymes responsible for producing the volatile compounds that give tomatoes their characteristic taste and aroma.
This can result in a bland, mealy tomato, even if it appears ripe. This is why experienced cooks and gardeners often advise against refrigerating tomatoes.
The Crisper Drawer: Friend or Foe to Tomatoes?
The crisper drawer is designed to maintain a humid environment, which is generally beneficial for leafy greens and other vegetables that tend to wilt quickly. However, this humidity can also be detrimental to tomatoes.
Why the Crisper Drawer Might Not Be the Best Choice
The primary issue with storing tomatoes in the crisper drawer is the temperature. Crisper drawers are typically located in the coldest part of the refrigerator, exposing tomatoes to temperatures that can damage their flavor and texture.
Furthermore, the humidity in the crisper drawer can promote mold growth, especially if tomatoes are already slightly damaged or bruised. This can lead to faster spoilage and the need to discard tomatoes prematurely.
When the Crisper Drawer Might Be Acceptable
There are a few exceptions to the “no crisper drawer” rule. If your tomatoes are already fully ripe and you need to slow down the ripening process slightly, you can store them in the crisper drawer for a day or two. However, be aware that this will likely compromise their flavor to some extent.
Another scenario where the crisper drawer might be acceptable is if you live in a very hot climate and your kitchen is consistently above 75°F (24°C). In this case, storing tomatoes in the crisper drawer for a short period might be preferable to allowing them to overripen and spoil at room temperature. However, always prioritize consuming them as quickly as possible.
Optimal Tomato Storage Techniques
So, if the crisper drawer isn’t the ideal solution, what is the best way to store tomatoes? The answer depends on the ripeness of the tomatoes.
Storing Unripe Tomatoes
Green, unripe tomatoes should be stored at room temperature, ideally in a single layer, away from direct sunlight. This allows them to ripen gradually and develop their full flavor.
You can expedite the ripening process by placing the tomatoes in a paper bag with an apple or banana. These fruits release ethylene gas, which will encourage the tomatoes to ripen faster. Check the tomatoes daily and remove them from the bag once they are ripe.
Storing Ripe Tomatoes
Ripe tomatoes are best stored at room temperature, but out of direct sunlight. A countertop or pantry shelf is usually a good location. Avoid stacking tomatoes, as this can cause bruising and accelerate spoilage.
If you need to store ripe tomatoes for more than a day or two, you can refrigerate them, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature before eating. This will help to restore some of their lost flavor.
Long-Term Tomato Preservation
For long-term storage, consider preserving tomatoes through canning, freezing, or drying.
- Canning: Canning is a great way to preserve tomatoes for use in sauces, soups, and stews.
- Freezing: Tomatoes can be frozen whole, chopped, or as a sauce. Freezing does alter the texture, making them best suited for cooked applications.
- Drying: Sun-dried tomatoes are a delicious and versatile ingredient. They can be used in salads, pasta dishes, and as a topping for pizzas.
Reviving Refrigerated Tomatoes
If you’ve already made the mistake of refrigerating your tomatoes, don’t despair! There are a few things you can do to try and revive their flavor.
Bringing Tomatoes to Room Temperature
The first step is to bring the tomatoes to room temperature for at least an hour before eating. This will help to restore some of their flavor and improve their texture.
Adding a Pinch of Salt
Sprinkling a pinch of salt on sliced tomatoes can also help to draw out some of their flavor. The salt helps to break down the cell walls, releasing the flavorful compounds.
Roasting or Grilling
Roasting or grilling refrigerated tomatoes can also improve their flavor. The heat helps to concentrate their sweetness and adds a smoky element.
The Tomato Storage Experiment: Putting Theory to the Test
To illustrate the importance of proper tomato storage, consider a simple experiment. Purchase several identical tomatoes at the same time. Store one tomato at room temperature, one in the crisper drawer, and another in a paper bag with a banana. Observe the tomatoes daily, noting their color, texture, and aroma.
After a week, taste each tomato and compare their flavors. You will likely find that the tomato stored at room temperature has the best flavor, while the tomato stored in the crisper drawer is bland and mealy. The tomato stored in the paper bag may be overripe, but its flavor should still be superior to the refrigerated tomato.
Beyond the Basics: Other Factors Affecting Tomato Quality
While storage is crucial, several other factors influence tomato quality.
Tomato Variety
Some tomato varieties are simply more flavorful than others. Heirloom tomatoes, for example, are often prized for their complex and nuanced flavors.
Growing Conditions
The conditions in which tomatoes are grown can also affect their flavor. Tomatoes grown in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight tend to be more flavorful than those grown in poor soil or shady conditions.
Harvesting Time
Tomatoes should be harvested when they are fully ripe but still firm. Overripe tomatoes will be mushy and may have a bland flavor.
Conclusion: The Verdict on Tomato Storage
In conclusion, while the crisper drawer might seem like a convenient place to store tomatoes, it is generally not the best option. The cold temperatures can damage their flavor and texture, resulting in a bland and mealy product. Storing tomatoes at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, is the best way to preserve their flavor and enjoy them at their peak. Understanding the science behind tomato ripening and storage will help you to make informed decisions about how to handle these delicious fruits. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your tomatoes are always fresh, flavorful, and ready to be enjoyed. Remember: Room temperature is key for optimal tomato flavor.
Why is there a debate about storing tomatoes in the crisper drawer?
The debate stems from the tomato’s unique characteristics as a fruit that continues to ripen after being picked. Refrigeration, while helpful for preserving many fruits and vegetables, can negatively impact the flavor and texture of tomatoes. Specifically, the cold temperatures halt the ripening process, preventing the development of the complex sugars and acids that give tomatoes their characteristic sweetness and tang. This often results in a mealy, bland tomato, disappointing for those expecting a vibrant taste.
Furthermore, the cold air in the refrigerator damages the cell membranes within the tomato. This breakdown leads to a loss of moisture, contributing to the undesirable mealy texture. The ideal temperature for tomatoes is around 55-70°F (13-21°C), a range not typically found in a refrigerator. Therefore, storing tomatoes in the crisper drawer, which is typically colder than this range, is often discouraged for those prioritizing optimal flavor and texture.
What are the arguments against storing tomatoes in the crisper drawer?
The primary argument against refrigerating tomatoes, including storing them in the crisper drawer, is the detrimental impact on their flavor and texture. Cold temperatures inhibit the enzymes responsible for converting starches into sugars, resulting in a less sweet and more bland tomato. Additionally, the cold can cause the cell walls to break down, leading to a soft, mealy texture that is far from desirable.
Another consideration is the ethylene gas tomatoes produce as they ripen. Storing them in a confined space like the crisper drawer with other ethylene-sensitive produce, such as leafy greens, can accelerate the ripening process and potentially cause spoilage in the other items. Therefore, even if tomatoes aren’t negatively impacted directly, they can indirectly affect the quality of other produce stored alongside them in the crisper drawer.
When *is* it okay to put tomatoes in the crisper drawer?
While generally discouraged, refrigerating tomatoes in the crisper drawer is acceptable when they are fully ripe and you need to extend their shelf life by a day or two. At this point, the ripening process is largely complete, and refrigeration will slow down any further degradation. This can be a useful strategy to prevent overripening and spoilage if you’re not able to use them immediately.
Furthermore, if you’ve already refrigerated tomatoes and noticed they’ve lost some of their flavor, allowing them to come to room temperature for a few hours before using them can help restore some of their lost taste. This won’t completely reverse the damage caused by refrigeration, but it can improve the overall flavor profile compared to using them straight from the cold crisper drawer.
What is the best way to store tomatoes for optimal flavor?
The best method for storing tomatoes to maintain optimal flavor is at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Choose a cool, dry spot in your kitchen, ideally around 65-70°F (18-21°C). Storing them stem-side down can also help prevent moisture loss and bruising. This allows the tomatoes to continue ripening naturally and develop their full flavor potential.
It’s important to monitor your tomatoes closely and use them when they are ripe but not overripe. Signs of ripeness include a vibrant color, a slight give when gently squeezed, and a fragrant aroma. Once they reach this stage, use them as soon as possible to enjoy their peak flavor. If you anticipate not using them immediately, consider the crisper drawer as a last resort for short-term preservation.
How do I tell if a tomato has been damaged by refrigeration?
Several indicators suggest a tomato has been negatively affected by refrigeration. The most obvious sign is a change in texture, where the tomato becomes soft and mealy instead of firm and juicy. This texture change is a direct result of the cold damaging the cell walls within the tomato.
Another telltale sign is a loss of flavor. Refrigerated tomatoes often taste bland and lack the sweetness and acidity characteristic of a properly ripened tomato. The color may also appear duller compared to a tomato stored at room temperature. These changes are irreversible, so prevention is key to enjoying tomatoes at their best.
Does the type of tomato matter when it comes to storage?
Yes, the type of tomato can influence storage considerations. Varieties with thicker skins, such as Roma or grape tomatoes, tend to hold up better to refrigeration than those with thinner skins, like heirloom tomatoes. Heirlooms, prized for their delicate flavor and texture, are particularly susceptible to cold damage and should almost always be stored at room temperature.
Furthermore, the stage of ripeness when purchased also plays a role. Green or underripe tomatoes will require longer at room temperature to fully ripen, while already ripe tomatoes of any variety should be consumed sooner rather than later. Understanding the specific characteristics of the tomato you’re storing can help you make informed decisions about storage location and duration.
What alternatives are there to storing tomatoes in the crisper drawer for extending shelf life?
Besides the crisper drawer, there are other methods for extending the shelf life of tomatoes without sacrificing too much flavor. One option is to preserve them by canning, freezing, or drying. These methods significantly alter the tomato’s texture but allow you to enjoy their flavor throughout the year. Canning is ideal for sauces and stews, while freezing is best for cooked applications. Drying creates intensely flavored sun-dried tomatoes perfect for snacking or adding to dishes.
Another less drastic approach is to process them into sauces or salsas. These cooked preparations can be stored in the refrigerator for a longer period than raw tomatoes. This is a great way to use up a large batch of ripe tomatoes before they spoil. Additionally, properly stored tomato sauces and salsas can also be frozen for extended preservation.