We don't believe in keeping tomatoes in the refrigerator - especially when they are gifts from the garden. They should be left out for admiration.
Look! Tomatoes Make Good Centerpieces Too
I just moved into a new home, and while the first component in my dream dining setup has arrived, its farm table simplicity is cluttered by piles of boxes.
I couldn't stand the un-moved-in feel, and in a moment of determination (and probably subconsciously inspired by these centerpieces) I took a gift of tomatoes from a friend and a few IKEA vases and laid them out in a straight row on the table.
Turns out that tomatoes have some very interesting sculptural qualities; they should be left out as small works of art - maybe even used as paperweights! No, too juicy, I suppose.
But they should be admired while they last, and a red ripe tomato is also one of the best ways to make a new place feel like home. The bright sparks of color reminded me that this table is for good food, the treasures of harvest, and inspiration with friends around to share.
(This is better for the tomatoes too; they get mealy in the fridge. So until they go into a caprese salad they are going to sit on the table!)
Where do you keep your tomatoes?
Related: Heirloom Tomatoes with Oranges and Basil
(Images: Faith Hopler)
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This is beautiful! Pity my cats would totally knock them all over the floor. The younger one loves to play with fruit for some reason.
view Tiamat_the_Red's profile
Tomatoes have flavor compounds that essentially shut down permanently shut down if they get below 55 degrees, so not only is the centerpiece idea a nice look, but your tomatoes will taste better than if you put them in the fridge.
view chundered's profile
OK, one "shut down" would have sufficed in that sentence.
view chundered's profile
Yes, never never refrigerate tomatoes! It is bad for them and makes them unhappy.
view voted4kodos's profile
Great idea! I don't put my tomoatoes in the fridge either but I rarely "display" them so simply and beautifully. Yours looks esp lovely on that dark wooden table w/ white vases. Thanks! :)
view VeryDelishVeg's profile
lovely! I use a lot of vegetables as centrepiece. Using my three tiered cake stand, I place zucchinis, aubergines, paprikas, chillies and tomatoes on our dining table. They are gorgeous to look at and they fill the room with sweet subtle scents.
And of course, constantly reminding me to use them quickly ;-)
view mangolisa's profile
A beautiful way to display summer's bounty. However (you knew that was coming ...), your tomatoes will last longer if you display them stem-end down. Stem-up, as displayed, will encourage rot at the base of the tomato.
One question for you: How on earth do you keep your table clear of all the detritus that collects, like mail, magazines, books that need to go to the library? What a gorgeous open space!
view Sunday Cook's profile
I tend to use sliced tomatoes a lot - can i leave sliced tomatoes out, or should they be placed in the fridge in a tupperware, which is what I currently do?
view david's profile
Great tip on the stem end Sunday Cook! And my table is only free and clear right now because I just moved in; in fact, I moved chairs out of the way to take the photo. ;-)
David, I am not sure on the sliced tomatoes; I do put my sliced tomatoes in the fridge, but they get mealy fast.
view faith's profile
My mother puts half-used tomatoes in an airtight container and leaves them on the counter. They always seem fine. Me, I never have leftover tomato.
view jamiealyse's profile
Sunday Cook-- I have heard that tip before. I am wondering, though, do you think that rule also applies to stone fruit? I'm thinking especially of peaches, which in my experience, are very sensitive little creatures.
view mrahhh's profile
Good question - I'll try an experiment this weekend and will check back in. But my gut says, yes, it's probably true for stone fruit too.
view Sunday Cook's profile