Can tomatoes ripen after being picked from the vine?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Tomatoes continue to ripen off the vine because they give off ethylene gas that brings about effective color changes and develops the fruit's flavor just as well as if left to ripen on the vine. The secret is to take them off the vine at the breaker stage, i.e., when the first blush appears. Set them in suitable surroundings, and the rest will be accomplished quite well.
Ethylene Activation
- Natural gas production begins at breaker stage
- Triggers enzymatic breakdown of chlorophyll
- Stimulates lycopene and carotenoid development
- Continues until full color saturation
Ideal Conditions
- Maintain constant 70°F temperature
- Provide indirect light exposure
- Keep humidity at 85-90%
- Ensure adequate air circulation
Tomatoes harvested immature (10% color) ripen in 5-7 days; those 30% colored ripen in 3-4 days. Increased temperatures above 75°F will hasten the process but may adversely affect flavor.
Check for ripeness daily, tomatoes are best picked vine-ripened, and this means they should be fully colored and have no hint of green shoulders. There should be a slight give to the touch when you press gently near the stem, and the fruit should emit a rich, sweet, earthy perfume when sniffed from the blossom end. (True vine ripened fruit will separate from its stem with ease.)
The flavor is developed through the proper ripening of tomatoes. The sugar concentration is the same when measured using the Brix scale. The ratio of sugars to acids is balanced. The texture of tomatoes maintained its desired firmness. The perception that tomatoes have less flavor when harvested before they are fully ripe is a result of harvesting them before they are fully ripe.
To prevent bruising, handle ripe tomatoes with care and gentle handling. Store tomatoes in a stem-up orientation, and do not stack more than two layers at a time. Ripe tomatoes should be rotated daily to ensure even exposure to light and air. Moldy tomatoes should be removed from your storage area immediately to prevent the spread of infection to other tomatoes.
Read the full article: When to Harvest Tomatoes for Best Flavor
