Monday, August 24, 2015

A Discussion On How To Ripen Tomatoes

By Shawn Hunter


Indoor ripening of tomatoes is not a difficult task. This will not give you the same quality as that gotten when the tomatoes are ripened by the sun but the taste is much better compared to the green ones found at grocery stores. The discussion below outlines how to ripen tomatoes in doors.

They have to be picked off before the onset of frosting. If it happens that the frosting has already occurred, the ones which were not affected are the only ones which will become ripe. The affected ones can be picked out easily from the group as they will certainly take on an intense green color within a one or two.

The fruits should be washed immediately after been picked. Inspection takes place at this stage. Thereafter, they are dried off with a clean dish towel. Washing should only be done under running water for effective removal of fungus, dirt and fungus. Also, it prevents cross-contamination. Any spotted, soft or damaged tomatoes should be eliminated from the group. Nonetheless, those who wish to include then in the ripening process can still do the same but ensure they are the first ones to be taken out because they are more likely to rot.

A wide flat container having a spongy layer to act as an absorbent is required. This is where the fruits will be spread. The absorbent material should be thick so as to contain liquid seeping from rotten tomatoes to ensure that it does not come into contact with the rest. Also, it should be liquid-proof.

The spacing must be done in such a way that each of the tomatoes has enough space to breath. The ideal distance between them is two inches. The containers should be lined with thick leafs of newspapers or towel papers. After cleaning and drying the fruits, they are arranged in a single layer inside the container. Ensure none are touching.

The temperatures of the room being used for storage purposes are supposed to be 50-65 F. The recommended places for storage include unheated basement, enclosed porch and insulated garage. If the temperatures a low, the ripening will be prolonged while high temperatures hasten the process. Humidity is another factor which must be keenly regulated because high levels will cause rotting. Investing in a dehumidifier is important as it will allow you to control the humidity levels.

The tomatoes must be checked once in a week or often than that. If there are any which are fifty percent ripe, they ought to be taken out and allowed to ripen completely from the outside. In addition, they have to checked for signs of rotting. If there are any rotten ones, they have to be removed immediately because once the rotting starts, it needs just a little time to affect the whole tomato. The ripening starts from three weeks and may go on for three months.

One of the greatest dangers to ripening of green tomatoes is rot. One rotten tomato is enough to destroy the rest of the bunch. Humidity ought to be kept low and good circulation maintained to prevent mildew and mold from growing.




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