Tomatoes
Quick answer: Unripe tomatoes last at room temperature until ripe, then 2-3 days on the counter or 2-3 days in the fridge once ripe. Cooked tomatoes (sauce, etc.) keep 5-7 days refrigerated, and raw tomatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months after blanching.
Tomatoes are the produce drawer's most dramatic resident, fine on Monday, a puddle of regret by Thursday. The trick is knowing when to move them off the counter and into the fridge, and what to do with the ones that are one day away from the point of no return. A little timing goes a long way here.
Pantry
Refrigerator
Freezer
How to store tomatoes
Keep tomatoes at room temperature until they reach full color and give slightly to the touch, the counter is their friend before they're ripe. Once ripe, move them to the fridge in a breathable container (not sealed) to slow the clock. Skip washing until you're ready to use them; moisture speeds up the rot.
How to spot spoilage
Toss them if you see dark spots, white or green fuzz, or skin that's shriveled and discolored. A sour or fermented smell is a clear no. Mushy, slimy flesh or liquid pooling at the bottom means they're done.
Use it up before it spoils
- Roast a tray with olive oil and garlic, then blend into a quick pasta sauce
- Dice and simmer into a shakshuka for a fast weeknight dinner
- Chop the soft ones into a fresh salsa with onion, cilantro, and lime
- Halve and broil with salt and herbs as a side that takes five minutes
- Blend into a gazpacho and chill, no cooking required
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Best ways to preserve
- freeze
- can
- dehydrate
- ferment
- pickle
Nutrition at a glance
Per 123 g (1 medium tomato)
| Calories | 22 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1.1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4.8 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 3.2 g |
| Fat | 0.2 g |
| Saturated fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 6 mg |
Source: USDA FoodData Central. Tomatoes, red, ripe, raw, year round average (SR Legacy)
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Frequently asked questions
Do tomatoes need to be refrigerated?
Unripe tomatoes should stay at room temperature until fully ripe, the fridge halts ripening and can affect texture. Once ripe, move them to the refrigerator and use within 2-3 days.
Can you freeze tomatoes?
Yes, blanch them first to preserve texture, then freeze for up to 2 months. Frozen tomatoes are best used in cooked applications like sauces and soups, not fresh salads.
How long do tomatoes last after cutting?
Cut tomatoes should be refrigerated and used within 2-3 days. Store them cut-side down on a plate or in a container to limit moisture loss.
How can you tell if a tomato has gone bad?
A bad tomato will have visible mold (white or green fuzz), dark spots, or shriveled skin. It may also smell sour or fermented, or feel mushy and slimy to the touch.
How long does tomato sauce last in the fridge?
Cooked tomato sauce lasts 5-7 days in the fridge when stored in a sealed container. For longer storage, freeze it, it holds well for months.