How to Tell When Tomatoes are Ripe

You step out to your garden and notice all of the tomatoes starting to grow on their vines. You can’t wait to taste the fruits of your labor. You ask yourself, “How do I know when the tomatoes are ripe for picking?” Determining whether or not a tomato is ripe is not hard.

The first thing you want to look for is the color. When the tomato turns from the unripe green color to red (or other colors depending on the type of tomato), there’s a good chance it is ripe and ready for picking. How the tomato feels to the touch is also a good indicator. Unripe tomatoes are firm and the skin is tight. Ripe tomatoes are firm but have a little “give” to them if you squeeze gently. If, after looking at the color and feeling the tomato, you are still questioning, taste one. Unripe tomatoes lack flavor and tomatoes that are too ripe have a starchy taste. You can safely pick a tomato from the time it starts to show color, up until it is soft.

Since flavor is the main goal, try and leave the tomato on the plant as long as possible. A tomato can still change color once it is picked, but the flavor will not change. If you have to pick the fruit before it is fully ripe, leave the vine attached. Set the tomato in the windowsill with the stem up to avoid bruising. Never store your tomatoes in the fridge, because it ruins the tomato's flavor and texture.

Color, firmness, and flavor are the best ways to tell if tomatoes are ripe. Now you can ask yourself, "What am I going to do with all these tomatoes?"