Do different tomato varieties require unique harvesting approaches?

Some varieties require very different harvesting approaches. Cherry varieties on the vine should be gently twisted off the stem; beefsteak varieties may require the use of shears. If you are harvesting heirlooms, choose them carefully, as the skin tends to crack easily, and you will want to pick them early. Paste tomatoes taste much better when they are picked at full red (again, is there a full red?). It will save you time if you become accustomed to cutting off the truss for different cluster types, rather than doing it individually.

Structural differences account for different ways to harvest other fruits. In cherry tomatoes, strong stems allow one to twist the fruit off. Beefsteak stems thicken and require a shear. Heirloom fruits grow so heavy that a thin vine cannot support them, necessitating early picking. In cluster varieties, the fruit is tightly attached to the truss. Always support fruit with your free hand.

Vegetable Post-harvest handling is varied according to each variety. Store your cherries in single layers at the bottom of a flat container to prevent them from crushing one another. Put your beefsteaks stem-up, in single layers. Wrap your heirlooms in paper towels. Leave your cluster tomatoes on the truss when storing.

Beyond appearances, there are other signals. Cherry tomatoes pull off with little resistance. A beefsteak's shoulders will begin to soften. An heirloom's skin is unusually waxy in a ripened state. A paste tomato feels heavy for its size. The stems of the clusters will turn brown when they're ready. Your body will signal you that it is time.

Read the full article: When to Harvest Tomatoes for Best Flavor