If you want to enjoy the delicious taste of homegrown tomatoes but your plants haven't quite ripened yet. You can stimulate the ripen green tomatoes indoors with our helpful tips below.
CAN I USE A WINDOWSILL TO RIPEN GREEN TOMATOES?
While a windowsill can provide some light and warmth for ripening tomatoes, it's not the best location. Tomatoes ripen best in a cool, dark place with good air circulation.
CAN I RIPEN COMPLETELY GREEN TOMATOES?
Yes, you can thoroughly ripen green tomatoes. However, in our experience, tomatoes that have started to turn yellow or pink are more likely to ripen effectively.
HOW TO RIPEN GREEN TOMATOES?
Sort the Tomatoes: Before ripening the tomatoes, sort them according to their ripeness. Tomatoes that are starting to turn yellow or pink will ripen faster than completely green tomatoes. This will help you to monitor their ripening progress more effectively.
Clean the Tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes gently in cool water and dry them thoroughly. Remove any stems or leaves that are still attached. Damaged or bruised tomatoes should be consumed first, as they may not ripen properly.
Choose a Ripening Method: There are several methods for ripening green tomatoes indoors. One popular method is to place the tomatoes in a paper bag with a ripe banana or apple. The ethylene gas produced by the ripe fruit will help to ripen the tomatoes. Another method is to place the green tomatoes in a cardboard box with a layer of newspaper between each tomato. Store the box in a cool, dark place, checking on the tomatoes regularly for signs of ripening.
Monitor the Ripening: Check the tomatoes for signs of ripening on a regular basis. They should gradually change color and soften to the touch. Remove any tomatoes that are spoiled or rotting.
Store Ripe Tomatoes: Once your green tomatoes have ripened, properly store them to avoid spoiling. Ripe tomatoes should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. You can also store them in the refrigerator, however, this may cause some of the flavors to fade.
TOMATOES RIPENING TIME
Green tomatoes can ripen indoors in a variety of ways, depending on the method employed and the temperature and humidity of the storage area. Green tomatoes typically take 1-2 weeks to ripen indoors.
FINAL THOUGHT
Ripening green tomatoes indoors is a great way to enjoy the delicious taste of fresh, homegrown tomatoes all year round. By harvesting your green tomatoes at the right time and preparing them properly for ripening, you can successfully ripen them indoors using methods such as a paper bag or cardboard box. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy the sweet taste of fresh tomatoes no matter the season.
