Cherry tomatoes, and tomatoes in general, can be considered one of those mysterious foods with an incredibly unusual lifespan.
If you’ve ever bought these little juicy morsels, you might be confused about how long they’re edible for, as sometimes they seem to last far longer than the sell-by date, and other times, they get soft and unpleasant days before. How long do cherry tomatoes last?
Some people state that you shouldn’t even keep cherry tomatoes in the refrigerator at all but merely store them on the counter like other fruits. But will this help to preserve them for longer?
If you’ve found yourself asking these questions, don’t worry; we’ve got some answers for you.
To find out more about the lifespan of cherry tomatoes, keep reading below as we take a closer look.
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What Is The Best Way To Store Cherry Tomatoes?
Before we jump straight in and look at how long cherry tomatoes last, first of all, we should discuss proper storage instructions. By following these, you’ll be able to ensure that your cherry tomatoes don’t go bad before they sell by date.
As mentioned briefly above, some people assert that cherry tomatoes should be stored on a countertop rather than in the refrigerator. But is this the case?
The answer is yes! You should always avoid putting your cherry tomatoes in the refrigerator, as they tend to last far longer at room temperature.
But this comes with a little twist. You should keep your cherry tomatoes on the counter until they ripen fully.
Once your tomatoes are fully ripe and ready to be eaten, you can move them to the refrigerator until they’re ready to be consumed.
In addition to this, it is important to note that if you place your cherry tomatoes in the refrigerator before they’re fully ripened, this can impact the flavor.
A popular method of growing and storing your cherry tomatoes at home is by using a kitchen countertop hydroponic growing system like the Indoor Garden Hydroponics Growing System from Ahopegarden
We all love the tangy, sweet taste of cherry tomatoes, but they can undergo a flavor loss process if they’re placed in conditions that are too cool early on.
Some people keep their tomatoes on the counter even after being fully ripe. This isn’t a problem either and it depends on how long you need your cherry tomatoes to last.
How Long Will My Cherry Tomatoes Last?
Now that we’ve reviewed some storage instructions for your cherry tomatoes, we can discuss how long you can expect them to last.
For some reason, cherry tomatoes tend to last longer than regular tomatoes; you might have noticed this after purchasing them.
If you have a bunch of unripened cherry tomatoes, then you can expect these to be fully ripened after approximately 7 days. After you’ve noticed they’re fully ripe, you should then seek to move them into the refrigerator.
When placed in the refrigerator, your cherry tomatoes will last approximately 8 days. If you don’t put them in the refrigerator, the tomatoes will last around 4 days, significantly shorter.
As we mentioned before, this isn’t necessarily an issue and won’t affect the flavors of your tomatoes at all; it just depends on how soon you plan on eating them.
Remember, though, that these are general guidelines and won’t always apply. Several things affect how long your cherry tomatoes will last for, most of which are out of your control.
You may not, for example, know how long the cherry tomatoes have already been stored before purchasing them.
In addition, if you’re purchasing your tomatoes from a supermarket, you won’t be able to test their ripeness with your hands because they’re typically placed in plastic containers.
How Long Do Cherry Tomatoes Last In The Freezer?
Some people might not be aware of the fact that cherry tomatoes can be stored in the freezer to be eaten at a later date.
This is particularly good for people who have grown their own cherry tomatoes and have been left with an abundance that they couldn’t possibly consume in time.
If you want to freeze your cherry tomatoes, you can safely do so for up to 6 months. When you store them, they’re sealed in an airtight container or ziplock bag. This will help to prevent any cross-contamination with other food items.
How Can I Tell If My Cherry Tomatoes Have Gone Bad?
This is one of the most common questions regarding the longevity of cherry tomatoes. How will I be able to tell when they have gone bad? (to learn more about fruit going bad, read here)
Well, there are a few things to look out for to check whether your cherry tomatoes are edible. The first sign that your tomatoes have gone bad is that they’ll be very soft to the touch; they’ll feel squishy and moist rather than firm.
In addition, you can tell from the skin of the tomatoes themselves. The skin will usually be wrinkled in appearance. Finally, a surefire way to tell that your tomatoes have gone bad is if they display any spotting.
These spots are usually very dark and mean that they’re decaying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on How Long Do Cherry Tomatoes Last
Q: How long are cherry tomatoes good for?
A: Cherry tomatoes typically stay fresh for about 1 to 2 weeks when stored properly. To maintain their quality, refrigerate them in a sealed container or ziplock bag. Remember to check for any signs of spoilage, such as mold or soft spots, before consuming.
Q: How long do cherry tomatoes last in the fridge?
A: Cherry tomatoes typically last about one to two weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator. Proper storage includes placing them in a breathable container, like a paper bag or a perforated plastic bag, to maintain their freshness.
Q: How to tell if cherry tomatoes are bad?
A: To identify if cherry tomatoes have gone bad, check for signs such as mold or unusual discoloration. Rotten tomatoes may also have an unpleasant smell and feel mushy to the touch. If any of these indications are present, it is best to discard them to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Q: How long do baby tomatoes last?
A: Baby tomatoes typically last for about 1-2 weeks. These small varieties of tomatoes need proper storage in a cool, dry place to extend their shelf life. Ensure they are free from any signs of spoilage, such as mold or mushy texture, before consuming.
Final Thoughts on How Long Do Cherry Tomatoes Last
To summarize, cherry tomatoes can last up to 8 days in the refrigerator after fully ripening. If left out of the refrigerator, they can last up to 4 days once ripened.
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