Tomatoes originally grew in the remote mountains of South America, now they are one of the most consumed “fruits” in the world.
They are eaten raw or turned into juice or puree, for the most part, and are used as ingredients in countless dishes as well as sauces.
Below, we discuss whether or not tomatoes continue to ripen after being picked.
Do Tomatoes Ripen After Being Picked?
Tomatoes are one of many fruits that ripen after being picked. That’s because the ethylene gas they produce causes continued ripening. In fact, most tomatoes sold in stores are picked well before they are ripe (when they are still green). During the time they are being transported and set up in the grocery stores or markets, the tomatoes will just be ripening.
How Do You Ripen a Tomato?
The most common way to ripen a green tomato is leaving them on a windowsill that receives plenty of sun. Most of the time they ripen within a few short days. If you decide to sit your tomatoes on the windowsill, place them upside down so they don’t roll away and damage themselves (when they hit the floor).
How to Tell if a Tomato is Ripe?
When a tomato turns red (depending on the species), and is just a bit soft when you squeeze it with your fingertips, it is more than likely ripe. If the fruit isn’t a solid color (IE: part of it is still yellow, but the main fruit is red) it probably still needs a bit of time before it’s fully ripe.
How Long Do Tomatoes Take to Ripen?
Tomatoes, on average, take around 6 to 8 weeks to grow to full size when grown in an environment with temperatures in the 70°Fs. Once fully mature, a tomato may take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to fully ripen. The species, climate, and weather conditions all play a vital role in how long it takes for homegrown tomatoes to ripen.
Are Green and Black Tomatoes Ripe?
Most tipe tomatoes are red. However, some species may be yellow, orange, green, or even black. The best way to tell if green and black tomatoes are ripe is by feel (if they are soft but firm). Green and black tomatoes also tend to develop stripes on their skin.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
