When to pick tomatoes: Guide to Color, Smell, and Ripeness
It’s summertime, and that means one thing – time for tomatoes! Tomatoes are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal, and there’s nothing quite like picking your own fresh tomatoes from the garden.
Today will discuss everything you need to know about picking the perfect tomato. We’ll go over when to pick them based on color, smell, and ripeness, as well as some tips on how to store them. So read on to learn all about this summer favorite!
Step #1 Check the color of the tomato
Green and yellow tomatoes are another breed, generally not used for cooking the same way red tomatoes are. That’s why when shopping for tomatoes, it is essential to check their color before making your purchase.
A deep red tomato harbors the optimum ratio of sweetness and acidity, making it great for salads, sandwiches or cooked sauces. If a tomato is green or yellow, chances are it hasn’t ripened enough yet and won’t have that perfect balance of sweet and sour.
Also, before harvesting, make sure you’ve inspected your tomato plants for Hornworms. If, unfortunately, you do end up finding them, we’ve a complete guide on how to get rid of Tomato Hornworms.
Therefore, keep an eye out when you shop; always reach for the deep red tomato!
Step #2 Gently squeeze the tomato to see if it’s ripe
When you go to the grocery store, picking out the perfect tomato is like a game of chance. You can focus on the size and shape, or even look for the most beautiful hue of red, but nothing will tell you if that specimen has reached its peak ripeness.
The best way to find out if that tomato is ready for eating is to give it a gentle squeeze. With this simple trick, you can come home with the tastiest tomatoes from the produce section! If it yields slightly under pressure, you’ll know it’s ripe and ready for culinary endeavors.
Step #3 Smell the tomato! Here’s what you’re looking for…
When it comes to tomatoes, nothing beats the vibrant scent they give off when ready to be eaten. The ideal aroma should be strong but still pleasant; if it is pungent or too overpowering, there is a good chance that the tomato may have spoiled or gone bad.
It’s important to take a moment and pause before cooking your tomatoes – make sure to give them a good whiff. This way you can ensure that you are getting the best quality tomatoes!
This precaution will ensure your recipes turn out just right with perfect juicy and firm tomatoes every time.
If all else fails, read a book!
Gardening can be challenging but rewarding, especially when it comes time to reap the fruits of your labor! No matter how confident you feel in your gardening skills, being precise about the proper timing for picking tomatoes can be tricky.
To ensure your tomatoes are at their prime when all else fails, it’s best to consult a specialized gardening book like Epic Tomatoes: How to Select and Grow the Best Varieties of All Time is a great all-time pick.
With these four simple tips, you’ll be able to pick the perfect tomato every time. And don’t forget – the best tomatoes are always homegrown! Are there any other fruits or vegetables that you have trouble picking out? Let us know in the comments and we’ll give you some guidance.