Why You Should Not Store Tomatoes in the Fridge

Tomatoes are a key ingredient in Greek salad and form part of the Mediterranean diet’s staple foods. Although many consider them vegetables, tomatoes are technically fruits. Like all fruits, the way they are stored significantly impacts their taste and quality. Many people habitually store tomatoes in the fridge immediately after purchasing them from the market or supermarket, thinking it keeps them fresh for longer. However, this is a common mistake. Low temperatures can alter their taste. When tomatoes are placed in the fridge, the low temperature affects the enzymes responsible for their rich aroma and distinctive flavor. Storing them at temperatures below 12 degrees Celsius stops these enzymes from working, causing the tomatoes to lose their flavor. This is why cutting a tomato straight from the fridge may leave it tasting bland. Instead, if your tomatoes are ripe, they should be stored at room temperature in a well-ventilated area of the kitchen, away from direct sunlight. Place them in a bowl without stacking them on top of each other, with the stem facing upwards. This also applies to green, unripe tomatoes, as they will continue to ripen at room temperature until they turn red. Finally, if you have overripe tomatoes that you don’t plan to use immediately, you can store them in the fridge for 1-2 days. If the tomato is already cut or nearing spoilage, the fridge can slow down its deterioration.