Expiration & Storage Tips
When does plum tomato expire?
Unopened and fresh off the vine, plum tomatoes usually last about a week at room temperature, while an additional week when stored in the fridge. If you notice a date printed on the packaging, it's usually a sell-by date and not an expiration date. It means the tomatoes will maintain optimum freshness if bought before this date, yet they may still be safe to use beyond this. Once sliced or chopped, the tomatoes should be used within a day or two to prevent them from going bad. If you decide to freeze your tomatoes, they can last up to 3 months in the freezer in airtight containers or freezer bags.
How do you tell if plum tomato is bad?
Check for signs of mold, discoloration or a slimy texture on the surface of the plum tomato. An off smell, usually sour or putrid, or a mushy texture are also signs that it's time to get rid of your tomatoes. If your tomatoes start to feel soft or wrinkly, this could mean they're past their prime although this doesn't necessarily mean they're bad. Always exercise caution and when in doubt, throw it out.
Tips for storing plum tomato to extend shelf life
• Keep fresh tomatoes at room temperature away from direct sunlight to ripen them.
• Once ripe, tomatoes can be stored in the refrigerator to slow down the ripening process and extend their shelf life.
• Avoid storing tomatoes near ethylene-producing fruits like bananas and apples, which can make them ripen faster.
• If you want to freeze your tomatoes, blanch them first to remove the skin, then once cooled, place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. This step helps preserve their texture and taste.
• For sliced or diced tomatoes, store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator and consume within a day or two.
• If you want to keep your chopped tomatoes for a longer time, consider storing them in olive oil. The oil helps keep them from drying out and adds a lovely flavor!