How do you refrigerate cherry tomatoes?

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Should cherry tomatoes be refrigerated?

Yes, cherry tomatoes should be refrigerated for optimal freshness and shelf life. While tomatoes are traditionally stored at room temperature, cherry tomatoes are an exception. Their small size makes them more susceptible to quick spoilage if left out on the counter. Refrigeration helps slow down ripening and extend their shelf life.

What is the best way to store cherry tomatoes in the fridge?

The best way to refrigerate cherry tomatoes is to keep them loose in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Avoid storing them in the main compartments, as the temperature fluctuations from repeated opening can lead to faster deterioration.

Here are some tips for proper storage in the crisper:

Place cherry tomatoes in a single layer if possible, avoiding overcrowding
Use a paper towel or cloth to line the bottom of the crisper, absorbing excess moisture
Keep the temperature between 40-50°F for optimal freshness

Wash and dry thoroughly before refrigerating
Try to avoid washing until ready to eat, as excess moisture speeds up spoilage
Consume within 5-7 days for best quality and flavor

You can also store them in a resealable plastic bag or container, as long as adequate airflow is maintained. Just be sure to line it with paper towels and change them out if they become wet.

How long do cherry tomatoes last in the fridge?

With proper refrigeration, fresh cherry tomatoes will typically last around 5-7 days before spoiling. Expect the tomatoes to start showing signs of age like shriveling, wrinkling and mold after about a week in the fridge.

Here are some general guidelines for cherry tomato refrigerator shelf life:

Unwashed: 7-10 days
Washed: 5-7 days
Cut: 2-3 days

Cooked: 3-5 days

To maximize freshness, use cherry tomatoes within a few days of purchasing for best flavor and texture. Always inspect the tomatoes and discard any that appear old, damaged or spoiled before refrigeration.

What are the advantages of refrigerating cherry tomatoes?

Refrigerating cherry tomatoes offers several advantages:

Slows ripening – Refrigeration slows down the ripening enzymes, preserving texture and acidity.
Retains firmness – The cold environment keeps tomatoes crisp and firm.
Extends shelf life – Refrigeration doubles shelf life compared to room temperature.

Maintains moisture – The humid crisper drawer prevents shriveling.
Inhibits bacterial growth – The cold restricts microbial growth that causes spoilage.
Preserves nutrients – Refrigeration preserves more vitamin C and antioxidants.

Proper refrigeration preserves both the flavor and nutritional content of cherry tomatoes compared to leaving them out at room temperature. It allows you to keep fresh tomatoes on hand to enjoy for longer.

What are the disadvantages of refrigerating cherry tomatoes?

While refrigeration has its benefits, there are a few potential downsides:

Texture changes – Tomatoes become mealier and lose their crisp snap.

Flavor loss – Cooling mutes the complex flavors and sweetness.
Faster decay – Condensation and chilling injuries accelerate decay once removed from fridge.
Color fading – Tomatoes lose their bright red pigment over time.

Slower ripening – Prevents tomatoes from fully ripening if picked unripe.
Increased susceptibility – Makes tomatoes more prone to chilling injury at temperatures below 45°F.

The impact depends on the length of refrigeration. Tomatoes held for a short period maintain freshness. But longer storage above a week causes noticeable decline in eating quality.

What are signs that cherry tomatoes have gone bad?

Check cherry tomatoes closely before eating and watch for these signs of spoilage:

Wrinkling skin
Water-soaked appearance

Dented, mushy texture
White mold growth
Unpleasant sour odor

Brown or black spots
Leaky, cut or cracked skins
Shriveling into a deflated appearance

Discard any tomatoes showing these defects. If you spot mold, remove and destroy the moldy tomatoes immediately to prevent spreading.

Trust your senses – if the tomato looks, smells or feels bad then it has likely spoiled and should not be eaten. When in doubt, throw it out.

How should you handle cherry tomatoes for refrigeration?

Follow these simple guidelines for handling cherry tomatoes to maximize refrigerated life:

Avoid purchasing pre-refrigerated tomatoes, choose fresh field tomatoes instead
Select ripe, firm cherry tomatoes without blemishes or cuts
Handle gently to avoid bruising which quickens deterioration

Do not wash before storage, only just before eating
Refrigerate in breathable container on paper towel lining
Keep stem end intact if possible

Consume within 3-5 days of refrigeration
Rinse under cool water before serving, don’t soak
Allow to come to room temperature before eating for best flavor

With proper handling, preparation and storage, fresh cherry tomatoes can be enjoyed refrigerated for up to a week.

Can you freeze cherry tomatoes?

Yes, it is possible to freeze cherry tomatoes for extended storage. However, tomatoes have high water content which causes significant damage to their structure when frozen. Freezing will result in a mushy, watery texture once thawed.

Here are some guidelines for best results:

Choose ripe, undamaged cherry tomatoes for freezing
Wash, dry, and remove cores/stems
Place in single layer on baking sheet and freeze solid

Transfer to freezer bags or airtight container
Label with date and use within 8-10 months
Thaw in refrigerator before using

Use for cooking rather than raw
Avoid direct freezer to plate, thaw first for safety

Freezing can extend shelf life for seasonal tomatoes but compromises fresh eating quality. Refrigeration is simpler and retains better texture.

How should you use thawed, frozen cherry tomatoes?

Since freezing alters cherry tomatoes’ texture, they are best used for cooked applications rather than fresh eating once thawed.

Some good uses for thawed, frozen cherry tomatoes:

Add to soups, sauces and stews at the end

Use in casseroles, egg dishes, baked pastas
Roast or simmer into a rich tomato sauce
Puree into a smooth gazpacho soup

Blend into hummus, salsa or tomato jam
Mix into chili, curry or scrambled eggs

The collapse in structure gives thawed cherry tomatoes a roasted, concentrated flavor. Take advantage by using them in any recipe calling for cooked, canned tomatoes.

Avoid using thawed cherry tomatoes raw in salads or cold applications. The mealy, waterlogged texture is undesirably soft.

Can you freeze cherry tomatoes on the vine?

Freezing cherry tomatoes still attached to the vine is possible but challenging. Keep these tips in mind:

Pick ripe, undamaged cherry tomatoes only

Do not wash before freezing
Spread vine out flat in a single layer, do not pile
Place on tray or cookie sheet, freeze solid

Transfer frozen to airtight bags
Remove from vine before thawing and using
Expect loss of texture and flavor

The connected vines act as insulation, slowing down freezing. This can result in uneven freezing and bursting.

For best results, remove tomatoes from vines first before washing, drying, and then open freezing in a single layer. Avoid freezing tomatoes on the vine.

Can you freeze cherry tomatoes in oil or water?

Freezing cherry tomatoes in oil, water or other liquids is not recommended:

Oil does not prevent freeze damage to cell walls
May increase freezer burn due to slower freezing
Can harbor dangerous anaerobic bacteria in oil

Liquids draw out more moisture, worsening texture
Dilutes flavor compared to plain freezing
Prone to oxidation and rancidity over time

For food safety and best quality, it is better to simply wash, dry, core, and open freeze cherry tomatoes in a single layer without any liquid. Quick freezing helps lock in texture and flavor.

Should you blanch cherry tomatoes before freezing?

Blanching involves briefly boiling vegetables then shocking in ice water to deactivate enzymes before freezing. This process is not necessary for freezing cherry tomatoes:

Does not prevent cell wall rupture during freezing

Can intensify mealy, mushy texture
Removes skin which acts as a protective layer
Loss of firm texture when thawed

Dilutes natural tomato flavor
Time consuming and cumbersome

Since tomatoes are eaten raw or cooked, blanching provides no advantage and negatively impacts quality. It’s best to simply wash, dry, and freeze cherry tomatoes. Blanching is not worth the extra effort.

How should you thaw frozen cherry tomatoes?

To safely thaw frozen cherry tomatoes and prevent further deterioration, follow these guidelines:

Move tomatoes from freezer to refrigerator 12-24 hrs before needed
Keep thawed tomatoes refrigerated and use within 3-5 days

Leave tomatoes in original sealed bag or container while thawing
Avoid thawing at room temperature or in standing water
Do not refreeze thawed tomatoes

Add to hot dishes at end of cooking after fully thawed
Submerge in cold water if quicker thaw is needed for cooked recipes

Slow thawing in the refrigerator will help prevent excess moisture loss and preserve any remaining texture. Always keep thawed tomatoes chilled until ready to use.

How can you tell if frozen cherry tomatoes are still good?

Check frozen cherry tomatoes for these signs of safe freshness before using:

No freezer burn or ice crystals on surfaces
Lack of dull, dry patches

Intact, sealed packaging
Bright, deep red coloration, not faded
Firm texture, not mushy

No odor upon opening bag
Used within 8-10 months

Discard any tomatoes with off colors, damaged packaging or strange smells. Adhering to best practices for packaging, freezing and storage keeps frozen cherry tomatoes safe.

Can you substitute fresh cherry tomatoes for canned?

Yes, fresh cherry tomatoes can be used in place of canned tomatoes in many recipes:

Works well for sauces, soups, stews that cook down
Roast or simmer to concentrate flavor and evaporate liquid

May need to increase cooking time for release of juices
Boost umami flavor by adding tomato paste if needed
Increase thickening agents like cornstarch to reach desired consistency

Cut or mash before adding to achieve texture of crushed tomatoes
Adjust seasoning to account for less concentrated taste

The key is to allow enough cooking time for fresh cherry tomatoes to break down and develop that rich, complex flavor. With the right techniques, fresh tomatoes make a flavorful substitute.

Can you substitute frozen cherry tomatoes for fresh?

Frozen cherry tomatoes can be substituted for fresh in cooked dishes with some adjustments:

Thaw tomatoes first in refrigerator before using
Account for mushier, waterlogged texture in raw applications

May need to reduce cooking liquid due to higher moisture content
Boost flavor with tomato paste or seasonings
Use immediately after cooking, don’t reuse in leftovers

Strain or puree to remove skins if undesirable
Reduce cooking times since tomatoes are partially softened

While frozen tomatoes lose their fresh, crisp bite, their concentrated taste and softer texture makes them ideal for sauces, soups and stews. Adjust methods to accommodate the changes from freezing.

What are some serving ideas for fresh cherry tomatoes?

Here are creative and delicious ways to serve fresh cherry tomatoes:

Salads – Toss whole into garden and Greek salads
Salsas & Bruschetta – Dice and mix into fresh pico de gallo or bruschetta topping

Pizzas – Scatter over homemade or store-bought pizza
Sandwiches – Stack tomato slices on BLTs and paninis
Skewers – Alternate with cheese, basil, olives for easy appetizers

Snacks – Keep a bowl washed and readily available for healthy snacking
Side dishes – Roast or sauté with olive oil, garlic, herbs
Garnishes – Use fresh tomatoes to garnish pastas, antipasto and grain bowls

With their vibrant color and sweet, juicy pop of flavor, fresh cherry tomatoes are the perfect versatile ingredient.

Conclusion

Cherry tomatoes require refrigeration for optimal storage and shelf life compared to standard tomatoes. Keeping them loose in the crisper drawer maintains quality for 5-7 days. While refrigeration mutes flavor and texture to an extent, it extends freshness significantly compared to room temperature. Handle cherry tomatoes gently, refrigerate unwashed in breathable packaging, and use promptly once chilled for best results. Frozen tomatoes should be thawed before using and work best cooked into sauces or other dishes. Employ optimal storage and handling practices to enjoy fresh cherry tomatoes at their crispy, sweet, juicy best.