You can extend the shelf life of fresh tomatoes without freezing them. This simple method shared by ezy2Learn on Youtube can help extend the shelf life of your fruits and vegetables without sacrificing their quality. Controlling ethylene gas surrounding the tomatoes is the key to keeping fresh tomatoes.
- 2 tsps of salt
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- water
- storage container
- newspaper or brown paper bag
Combine two teaspoons of salt and half teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of water.
Using turmeric, which is a natural preservative, you can keep tomatoes safe from germs. Remove any stems from the tomatoes before adding them to the mixture. 30 minutes after adding the tomatoes, remove them from the mixture. Remove any excess dirt from the tomatoes by rubbing them between your fingers, then transfer them to a colander. Transfer the tomatoes to a container filled with fresh water.
Using a kitchen towel, dry your colander well. Make use of a clean towel to dry each tomato individually of any excess water before placing them in a storage container or a tray. After that, insert a sheet of brown paper or a sheet of newspaper at the bottom of the tomato and individually wrap each tomato in the paper or newspaper. Make sure to put them with the stems facing up. The use of paper will limit the buildup of ethylene gas, which is produced by ripening tomatoes, in the air.
Tomatoes should be stacked in a single layer no deeper than two layers thick. Wrap tomatoes can be stored for up to three months in a cool, dark location such as the bottom of a kitchen cupboard or a closet away from direct sunlight. To prevent ethylene gas from damaging the remaining tomatoes, check the tomatoes on a weekly basis and remove those that are fully ripened.
If you come across any soft or completely ripened tomatoes, put them in the refrigerator immediately to prevent them from deteriorating.
