Ripeness of Tomatoes

If you are growing your own tomatoes then you must have discovered that home grown tomatoes have better flavor than any tomato you can buy in the store. This is because tomatoes bought in the store are not ripened on the vine. They are picked at the first signs of ripening and then ripen during shipment or while in a gas chamber. If you are growing your own tomatoes you might be asking, when are tomatoes ripe and ready to pick?

Color is one of the easiest ways to tell if a tomato is ripe. All tomatoes (even the green ones) change colors as they ripen. When the tomato has reached full color, usually red, then it is probably ripe. A tomato can still be ripe before full color has been reached. It is safe to pick the tomato at any point after the first bit of color change and when it breaks away easily from the plant. Tomatoes will continue to change color off the vine but their flavor will not change. Leaving the tomato on the vine as long as possible gives it the chance to have the best flavor. This is why your homegrown tomatoes taste so good.

How a tomato feels can also determine its ripeness. Tomatoes that are not ripe are firm and solid feeling. Ripe tomatoes are firm and when you give a gentle squeeze they have a little give. Tomatoes that are ripe are also heavier than unripe ones because they are full of juices.

When in doubt, try a bite of a tomato, the taste will tell you instantly if it is ripe. Just watch for the signs and in no time you will be an expert in determining when tomatoes are ripe.