How To Ripen Your Tomatoes
By: Brian Puckett, Vice Chairman Helena Beautification Board
People say, there is nothing better or juicer that a bright red vine ripped tomato and I tend to agree with those people. The satisfaction of pulling a tomato from the vine and taking a nice large bit lets you know that you have accomplished your goal.
Now, have you gone out to check on your tomato plants and found the tomatoes starting to ripen only to see the bugs starting to eat them rather than you? Like me, you are shaking your head in agreement and thinking how did I let this happen. How did the bugs beat me to my plump juicy tomato? The simple answer; the bugs are outside more than you are.
One of the great benefits to your tomatoes is that you do not have to leave them outside on the vine to fully ripen. Yup, you read that right. Pulling your tomatoes off the vine before they ripen will only give you positive results. No more ugly spots. No more wasted tomatoes because the bugs are feasting.
Tomatoes ripen just as well inside on your kitchen counter as they do on the vine outside. So let’s go with a rundown on the best ways to ripen them inside. Whatever you do, keep them out of direct sunlight aka don’t put them on the kitchen window seal. It is the temperature that helps them ripen not the direct sunlight.
In a Box – Grab any ole cardboard box and line it with a piece of newspaper. Line your tomatoes about 1 inch apart and then cover with another sheet of newspaper. Close the box and wait for happiness to arrive in about 2 weeks.
In a Jar – Place your tomatoes in a glass jar, put the lid on and watch them as they start to change color from green to bright red.
In a Bag – Grocery bags galore! I think everyone has that bag of bags tucked away in their pantry. Well, here is a great way to reuse them. Place your green tomatoes in the bag, tie it up and soon you will have ripe tomatoes.
Helpful Hint: Add in an apple or banana to the container when ripening your tomatoes. The fruit will release ethylene, a gas that helps the tomatoes ripen faster.
Whether your ripen your tomatoes on the vine or inside; the results are the same… Bright red and juicy goodness.
Now, have you gone out to check on your tomato plants and found the tomatoes starting to ripen only to see the bugs starting to eat them rather than you? Like me, you are shaking your head in agreement and thinking how did I let this happen. How did the bugs beat me to my plump juicy tomato? The simple answer; the bugs are outside more than you are.
One of the great benefits to your tomatoes is that you do not have to leave them outside on the vine to fully ripen. Yup, you read that right. Pulling your tomatoes off the vine before they ripen will only give you positive results. No more ugly spots. No more wasted tomatoes because the bugs are feasting.
Tomatoes ripen just as well inside on your kitchen counter as they do on the vine outside. So let’s go with a rundown on the best ways to ripen them inside. Whatever you do, keep them out of direct sunlight aka don’t put them on the kitchen window seal. It is the temperature that helps them ripen not the direct sunlight.
In a Box – Grab any ole cardboard box and line it with a piece of newspaper. Line your tomatoes about 1 inch apart and then cover with another sheet of newspaper. Close the box and wait for happiness to arrive in about 2 weeks.
In a Jar – Place your tomatoes in a glass jar, put the lid on and watch them as they start to change color from green to bright red.
In a Bag – Grocery bags galore! I think everyone has that bag of bags tucked away in their pantry. Well, here is a great way to reuse them. Place your green tomatoes in the bag, tie it up and soon you will have ripe tomatoes.
Helpful Hint: Add in an apple or banana to the container when ripening your tomatoes. The fruit will release ethylene, a gas that helps the tomatoes ripen faster.
Whether your ripen your tomatoes on the vine or inside; the results are the same… Bright red and juicy goodness.
About the Author
A twelve-year resident of Helena, Brian is actively involved in civic and faith based initiatives and is currently serving as Vice Chairman and Secretary of the Helena Beautification Board and a second term on the Riverchase Business Association Board of Directors, where his eye for design has help lead the Riverchase ARC. Brian has an MBA and works at Regions Bank. Mr. Puckett is married with two daughters. With a knack for design, Brian makes ideas come to life. His eye for detail bodes well from small planter flower selections to grandiose projects. A skilled woodcrafter, he recently showcased his skills in the various holiday displays throughout Old Town.