There's nothing quite like biting into a juicy, sun-warmed tomato fresh from your own garden. But knowing exactly when to harvest can be a bit of a puzzle. Do you wait for them to reach peak colour on the vine, or pick a little early to protect them from pests and the elements? Let's explore the factors that influence this common tomato growing decision.
Two Paths to Tomato Perfection
There's a common misconception that tomatoes must ripen fully on the vine to achieve the best flavour. While vine-ripened tomatoes are undeniably delicious, the truth is a bit more nuanced. Once a tomato begins to change colour, it has already developed most of its flavour. Further ripening on the vine primarily intensifies the colour and might add a touch more sweetness.
This means you have a choice! You can leave your tomatoes to ripen fully on the vine or you can pick them earlier, when they just start to show a blush of colour, and ripen them indoors. Both approaches have their pros and cons, and the best choice for you will depend on your individual circumstances and priorities.
1. Vine Ripening
Leaving your tomatoes to ripen fully on the vine allows them to develop their deepest colour and potentially a bit more sweetness. However, it also exposes them to potential problems:
- Pests and Diseases: Birds, insects, and even small animals might be tempted to take a bite out of your ripening tomatoes.
- Splitting: Heavy rain or inconsistent watering can cause ripe tomatoes to split.
- Disease: Ripe tomatoes can be more susceptible to certain diseases.
Here's how to tell if your tomatoes are fully ripe and ready to be picked:
- Colour: This is the most obvious indicator. Most varieties turn a vibrant, deep red when fully ripe, while others ripen to yellow, orange, purple, or even striped colours. Know your variety and watch for its mature hue.
- Firmness: A ripe tomato yields gently to pressure, similar to a ripe peach. If it's hard as an apple, it needs more time.
- Twist and Pop Test: Gently twist the tomato. A ripe tomato should detach easily from the vine with minimal force.
By keeping a close eye on your tomato plants and watching for these signs of ripeness, you can ensure a you harvest when they're perfectly ripe.
Above: Ripe tomatoes on the vine, ready to harvest.
2. Early Picking and Indoor Ripening
Harvesting tomatoes early, when they first show a blush of colour can protect them from damage and extend your harvest. And don't worry, you won't be sacrificing much flavour! Tomatoes picked at this stage will continue to ripen off the vine, developing a delicious taste and texture.
Ideal Early Picking Stage:
Aim for when the tomato shows the first hint of colour; a touch of pink, yellow, or its mature colour. It will still be firm overall, but the bottom will yield slightly to gentle pressure.
How to Ripen Tomatoes Indoors
Ripening them indoors is simple. They'll continue to ripen naturally in normal household conditions. However to encourage the process place the tomatoes in a single layer in a well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight. A consistently warm temperature (around 21-24°C) is ideal for ripening. Cooler temperatures will slow down the process, while excessively hot temperatures can hinder ripening and affect flavourer.
Notes:
- Monitor your tomatoes as they ripen, and remove any that show signs of spoilage to prevent it from spreading to others.
- To speed up ripening, place the tomatoes in a paper bag with a banana. The banana releases ethylene gas, a natural ripening agent, which will help the tomatoes ripen faster. This method also helps to trap some warmth, further accelerating the process.
Above: The larger tomato is showing it's first hint of colour. This tomato is safe to harvest now and will continue to ripen off the vine.
Storing Your Harvest
Whether you've harvested perfectly ripe tomatoes from the vine or ripened them indoors, once they're ready proper storage is key to maintaining their flavour and freshness. Here are a few tips:
- Benchtop: For optimal flavour, keep ripe tomatoes at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, stem-side down. Avoid refrigerating tomatoes if possible, as this can affect their texture and flavour. It's best to enjoy them fresh!
- Refrigerator: If you need to store your tomatoes for longer, refrigeration is an option, but be aware that it can impact their texture and flavour. If you do refrigerate them, bring them back to room temperature before eating for the best taste.
- Long-Term Storage: For longer storage, consider freezing, canning, or drying your tomatoes to preserve their goodness for future use.
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Ultimately, the decision of when to pick your tomatoes is yours! Weigh the factors, assess your tomatoes, and choose the approach that best suits your circumstances. With a little practice, you'll become a tomato-picking pro, enjoying the fruits of your labour at their flavourful best.
