The shelf life of cherry tomatoes can vary depending on several factors such as their freshness at the time of purchase, how they are stored, and the ambient temperature and humidity conditions where they are stored.
In general, fresh cherry tomatoes can last for up to a week if stored properly. If they are kept at room temperature, they may start to soften and become wrinkled after a few days. To extend their shelf life, it's best to store cherry tomatoes in the refrigerator. This will slow down their ripening process and help to preserve their freshness. When stored in the refrigerator, cherry tomatoes can last for up to two weeks.
It's important to note that once cherry tomatoes begin to spoil, they can develop mold, discoloration, or a bad odor, and should be discarded. Always check the tomatoes carefully before consuming or cooking with them, and if you notice any signs of spoilage, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard them.
How do you know if cherry tomatoes have gone bad?
There are several signs to look out for to determine if cherry tomatoes have gone bad:
- Appearance: Fresh cherry tomatoes should have a bright, plump appearance with smooth, taut skin. If the tomatoes have started to shrivel, wrinkle, or have soft spots, they may have gone bad.
- Smell: Rotten cherry tomatoes may have a sour or musty smell. If you notice an unpleasant odor coming from the tomatoes, it's best to discard them.
- Mold: Mold is a common sign of spoilage in cherry tomatoes. It can appear as fuzzy or powdery spots on the surface of the tomatoes. If you notice any mold on the tomatoes, it's best to throw them away.
- Taste: If you taste a cherry tomato and it has a bitter or off-flavor, it may have started to spoil. Fresh cherry tomatoes should have a sweet, slightly tart taste.
It's important to check cherry tomatoes carefully before consuming or cooking with them, especially if they have been stored for a while. If you notice any of the above signs of spoilage, it's best to discard them to avoid the risk of food poisoning or illness.
Is it OK to put tomatoes in the fridge?
Yes, it is generally safe to put tomatoes in the fridge. However, storing tomatoes in the refrigerator can affect their texture and flavor. The cool temperature of the fridge can cause the tomatoes to become mealy and lose some of their juiciness. Additionally, the cold temperature can also reduce the natural aroma of the tomatoes, which can affect their flavor.
That being said, if you have ripe tomatoes that you want to keep for a few more days, storing them in the fridge can help to slow down their ripening process and extend their shelf life. It's best to store the tomatoes in a plastic bag or container and keep them in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. This will help to protect the tomatoes from moisture and prevent them from getting crushed or bruised.
If you do refrigerate your tomatoes, it's a good idea to let them come to room temperature before eating them to restore their texture and flavor. Alternatively, you can use chilled tomatoes in dishes such as salads or gazpacho, where the cool temperature can actually enhance their taste and texture.
