How to Ripen Green Tomatoes
Harvest regularly., Before storage, always remove vines, twigs, stems, leaves etc.,Use one of the techniques outlined below to store and ripen the tomatoes off the vine., Keep an eye out for decay or mold.
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Harvest regularly.
For each of these methods, always check regularly.
If you can, pick green tomatoes that have a tinge of color at the blossom end and feel a little softer than the solid young fruits.If you pick them any earlier than this, they will not have matured and thus will not ripen at all.
Cook immature green tomatoes as is.
If you're not sure whether your green tomatoes are mature, cut a questionable tomato in half--if it has yellowish interiors and jelly-like or sticky tissue, it is mature enough to ripen.Obviously, the one that you cut in half won't ripen, but observing how it looks on the outside will give you an idea of what to look for with green tomatoes on the vine.
If you know there's a frost coming that will ruin all of the tomatoes, don't pick individual tomatoes; lift the entire plant out of the ground, making sure that some roots are still attached.
Shake off as much dirt as you can and hang it upright in a dry, sheltered location, such as the garage.
Avoid extremes (direct sunlight, total darkness). your tomatoes will die! The tomatoes will still ripen almost as well as they would have on the vine., that might rub on other tomatoes and cause damage during the ripening process.
If the tomatoes are dirty, wash them gently first and allow to air dry before trying to ripen them. ,, If you see any, remove the affected tomatoes immediately and give the tomatoes more air circulation.
The cooler the storage area for the tomatoes, the longer the ripening process will be.
Expect about 2 weeks for ripening under normal, warm household conditions.
If the house or storage area is too cold, the tomatoes may never ripen or will result in flavour-less tomatoes. -
Step 2: Before storage
-
Step 3: always remove vines
-
Step 4: leaves etc.
-
Step 5: Use one of the techniques outlined below to store and ripen the tomatoes off the vine.
-
Step 6: Keep an eye out for decay or mold.
Detailed Guide
For each of these methods, always check regularly.
If you can, pick green tomatoes that have a tinge of color at the blossom end and feel a little softer than the solid young fruits.If you pick them any earlier than this, they will not have matured and thus will not ripen at all.
Cook immature green tomatoes as is.
If you're not sure whether your green tomatoes are mature, cut a questionable tomato in half--if it has yellowish interiors and jelly-like or sticky tissue, it is mature enough to ripen.Obviously, the one that you cut in half won't ripen, but observing how it looks on the outside will give you an idea of what to look for with green tomatoes on the vine.
If you know there's a frost coming that will ruin all of the tomatoes, don't pick individual tomatoes; lift the entire plant out of the ground, making sure that some roots are still attached.
Shake off as much dirt as you can and hang it upright in a dry, sheltered location, such as the garage.
Avoid extremes (direct sunlight, total darkness). your tomatoes will die! The tomatoes will still ripen almost as well as they would have on the vine., that might rub on other tomatoes and cause damage during the ripening process.
If the tomatoes are dirty, wash them gently first and allow to air dry before trying to ripen them. ,, If you see any, remove the affected tomatoes immediately and give the tomatoes more air circulation.
The cooler the storage area for the tomatoes, the longer the ripening process will be.
Expect about 2 weeks for ripening under normal, warm household conditions.
If the house or storage area is too cold, the tomatoes may never ripen or will result in flavour-less tomatoes.
About the Author
Judith Moore
Writer and educator with a focus on practical DIY projects knowledge.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: