Don’t Put Tomatoes Straight into the Fridge—Do This Instead to Keep Them Fresh for a Whole Year

Many people throw tomatoes into the refrigerator as soon as they get home from the market, but this common habit actually shortens their shelf life and reduces both flavor and nutritional value. Instead, with just one simple kitchen trick, you can keep tomatoes fresh and tasty for up to a year.

Why You Shouldn’t Refrigerate Tomatoes Right Away

Tomatoes prefer room temperature. Storing them in a fridge—usually below 10°C (50°F)—too soon can:

• Diminish their natural sweetness and flavor

• Cause the skin to wrinkle and the flesh to become mushy

• Make them more prone to spoilage or mold once taken out of the cold

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Tips to Store Tomatoes for Up to a Year Without Spoiling

1. For Ripe Tomatoes You’ll Use Soon: Store Stem-Side Down

If you plan to eat ripe tomatoes within a few days, simply place them stem-side down. This prevents air and moisture from entering through the stem, which is the most vulnerable spot for bacteria.

Place the tomatoes on a tray or breathable container lined with paper towels, then store them in a cool, dry place. This method can keep them fresh for up to a week.

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2. For Long-Term Use: Make Sauce or Freeze

If you have too many ripe tomatoes, it’s best to cook or preserve them before they spoil.

To make tomato sauce for year-round storage:

• Wash and core the tomatoes, then blanch in boiling water to peel

• Blend or chop the tomatoes and simmer with a bit of salt and oil

• Once thickened, let the sauce cool, pour into sterilized glass jars, and seal tightly

• Store in the fridge for 2–3 months or freeze for up to a year

To freeze whole tomatoes:

• Wash, dry, and wrap each tomato in cling film or place in ziplock bags

• Store in the freezer

• When needed, thaw and use for soups, stews, or stir-fries

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3. Make Sun-Dried Tomatoes—No Fridge Needed

A traditional way to store tomatoes long-term without refrigeration is to dry them:

• Slice tomatoes thinly and sun-dry them for 2–3 days, or use a low-temp oven to dehydrate

• Once dried, store them in an airtight jar

• For extra flavor, add olive oil and garlic

• Keep in a cool, dry place—perfect for sauces, pasta, or pizza

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A Few Small But Important Notes

• Don’t wash tomatoes before storing. Moisture speeds up spoilage. Only wash them before use.

• Keep tomatoes away from bananas and apples. These fruits release ethylene gas that causes tomatoes to ripen—and spoil—faster.

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Tomatoes are easy to preserve when handled the right way. Skip the fridge and choose the storage method that best suits your needs—whether short-term use, freezing, or sauce-making. With proper care, tomatoes can stay fresh and flavorful for months, making them a reliable staple in your kitchen all year long.