Tomatoes: Refrigerator or Room temperature? (tomato, meal, 2014, buy)

[gentlearts]

I have never kept tomatoes in the fridge until recently. I got sick and tired of having them go bad, and I had tomatoes at a friend's house, and she has always kept them in the fridge.
I thought this made them get mushy and lose flavor, but they have really been fine.

[eureka1]

Keep them in the fridge but remove them at least one hour before serving. That's how I do it, anyway.

[Flamingo13]

Store-bought grape tomatoes are okay kept in the fridge, home-grown tomatoes - NEVER refrigerate, they get mealy and tasteless.

[gentlearts]

Originally Posted by Flamingo13

Store-bought grape tomatoes are okay kept in the fridge, home-grown tomatoes - NEVER refrigerate, they get mealy and tasteless.

I know right? That's what I always thought too. Our homegrown ones get picked and used right away.

[momtothree]

I don't like my tomatoes sweet which is why I don't put mine in the fridge. I keep them in it's own basket hanging under my upper cabinets. I also keep all produce with the exception of berries and grapes at room temperature in it's own baskets. I prep/chop right in front of my baskets so it's handy to reach up and grab what I need. It's also shady and cool under there as well. I just used wire baskets from Lowes intended for something else but worked well to attach under my cabinets.

Kind of like these:

[Delahanty]

I never refrigrate tomatoes unless they're already prepared and dressed in a tomato salad.

[elnina]

I usually do what the stores do. What they refrigerate - I refrigerate. If they don't - I don't.
You should NOT refrigerate tomatoes and here is why:

Why You Should Never Refrigerate Tomatoes

Tomatoes will lose all their flavor in the fridge. The cold air in the fridge stops the ripening process, and ripening is what gives tomatoes more flavor. The fridge will also alter the texture of the tomato - cold temperature breaks down the membranes inside the fruit walls, turning it mealy. Keep tomatoes out in a bowl or basket on the counter.

[gentlearts]

Originally Posted by elnina

I usually do what the stores do. What they refrigerate - I refrigerate. If they don't - I don't.
You should NOT refrigerate tomatoes and here is why:

Why You Should Never Refrigerate Tomatoes

Tomatoes will lose all their flavor in the fridge. The cold air in the fridge stops the ripening process, and ripening is what gives tomatoes more flavor. The fridge will also alter the texture of the tomato - cold temperature breaks down the membranes inside the fruit walls, turning it mealy. Keep tomatoes out in a bowl or basket on the counter.

This was always the gospel for me too. But, like I said, I'm tired of having them spoiled, and I have NOT found much difference in quality on the refrigerated ones.

[yankeegirl313]

Neighbor lady taught me a secret that works very well!

Turn your tomatoes upside down on the counter, like stem down. They will continue ripening this way.

I say room temp.

[Sundaydrive00]

Originally Posted by gentlearts

This was always the gospel for me too. But, like I said, I'm tired of having them spoiled, and I have NOT found much difference in quality on the refrigerated ones.

I've never had a problem with tomatoes spoiling, but then I always use them within a few days. Tomatoes don't keep forever, so try to only buy what you will be using within the next few days.