WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER STORE TOMATOES IN THE FRIDGE

Tomato season is upon us!!

SCIENCE-BACKED CHEF SECRETS

Aloha, foodies!

Last month, one of my retreat participants was surprised when I stopped her from putting my beautiful tomatoes in the refrigerator. I realized that most people make this very common error and don't know why this is a big chef no-no!

So let's talk about a small kitchen habit that can make a big difference: how you store your tomatoes.

As a former professional chef and someone who loves savoring every bite, I'm here to share why tomatoes should never see the inside of your fridge.

Do you love a fresh heirloom tomato salad as much as I do?

THE SCIENCE BEHIND TOMATO STORAGE

Tomatoes are a summer fruit, bursting with vibrant flavors that remind us of warm sunshine and garden-fresh goodness. However, storing them in the fridge can turn these delightful fruits into flavorless, mealy disappointments. Let's dive deeper into the science of why this happens:

1. Flavor Preservation: Cold temperatures below 55°F (13°C) affect the volatile compounds responsible for a tomato's flavor. When you refrigerate tomatoes, the production of these compounds slows down, resulting in a bland taste. Additionally, refrigeration affects the balance of natural sugars and acids in tomatoes, further dulling their flavor profile. Keeping tomatoes at room temperature allows them to maintain their vibrant, sweet, and tangy taste.
2. Texture Matters: Cold temperatures cause the water inside tomato cells to expand and rupture the cell walls. This process, known as "chilling injury," results in a grainy and mealy texture. By storing tomatoes on your countertop, you preserve their cell structure, ensuring a juicy, firm bite that we all love.
3. Ripening Process: Tomatoes are climacteric fruits, which means they continue to ripen after being picked due to the production of ethylene gas. Refrigeration slows down the ripening process by inhibiting ethylene production, trapping tomatoes in an underdeveloped state. For the best taste, let your tomatoes ripen naturally at room temperature, allowing the flavors to fully develop.
4. Nutritional Value: While refrigeration won't drastically affect the nutritional content of tomatoes, storing them at room temperature ensures you get the maximum benefits. Fully ripened tomatoes boast higher levels of antioxidants like lycopene, which is great for your health. Lycopene is more abundant in fully ripened tomatoes, contributing to their health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.

Enjoy your ripe tomatoes at the peak of flavor (and nutrients)!

3 PRO TIPS FOR STORING TOMATOES

1. Location, Location, Location: Store your tomatoes on a cool, dry countertop away from direct sunlight. This allows them to ripen evenly without the risk of over-ripening.
2. Stem Side Down: Placing tomatoes stem side down can help prevent moisture from entering through the stem scar, extending their shelf life.
3. Use Ripe Tomatoes Quickly: Once your tomatoes are perfectly ripe, use them within a day or two for the best flavor. If you can't use them immediately, you can refrigerate them, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature before eating to revive some of their lost flavor.

Ever noticed that the tomatoes are stored at room temperature in your local grocery store?

ENHANCED FLAVOR WITH 11.5pH KANGEN WATER

For an extra burst of flavor, I recommend washing your tomatoes in 11.5pH Kangen water. This high-alkaline water helps to remove pesticides and impurities more effectively than regular tap water, allowing the true taste of the tomatoes to shine through. 

When my friend Lee Meadows washed tomatoes side-by-side in tap water and 11.5pH Kangen water, I was shocked to notice a significant difference! I couldn't deny that the tomatoes tasted fresher, cleaner, and more vibrant without the chemical residue. It's a small step that has made a big impact on the quality of my produce. 

Curious to learn more? Let Lee know Diana sent you!

I I love a good classic BLT... With simple ingredients, quality and care is key!

3 DELICIOUS WAYS TO ENJOY YOUR PERFECT TOMATOES

Now that you're storing your tomatoes like a professional chef, here are a few ideas to savor their peak flavor and nutrition:

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, good quality extra virgin olive oil, a drizzle of real aceto balsamico, and your favorite finishing salt – a simple, yet heavenly dish that instantly transports you to Italia!
2. Pan con Tomate: This Spanish dish is a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy ripe tomatoes. Toast bread, rub with garlic, and top with grated tomatoes, olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt – perfection!

3. Ensaladang Kamatis: For this simple and refreshing Filipino delight, combine diced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, vinegar, and fish sauce (patis). Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions. This is the perfect side dish for grilled meats or fish, offering a burst of tangy and savory flavors that complement any meal beautifully.

For more simple, delicious, and healthy recipes, and to find out why I never buy canned diced tomatoes, join my free Members Only Portal.

Perfect for 4th of July: Ensaladang Kamatis with grilled meats and seafood, served Filipino Kamayan style

Now you can ensure that every tomato you enjoy at home is bursting with delicious flavor and nutrients!

Elevating your knowledge can transform your culinary experience. Keep those tomatoes out of the fridge, and savor these sweet summer moments!

With love and gratitude,
Diana