How to do it:

1. Prepare canning jars and lids by sterilizing them in boiling water.
2. Wash tomatoes and peel them by blanching in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transferring to ice water and peeling off skins.
3. Cut tomatoes into quarters or leave whole if small.
4. Add lemon juice or citric acid to jars to ensure safe acidity.
5. Pack tomatoes tightly into jars, leaving some headspace.
6. Add salt (optional) and fill jars with boiling water or tomato juice.
7. Remove air bubbles, wipe rims, and seal jars with lids.
8. Process jars in a boiling water bath or pressure canner according to safe canning guidelines (usually 40-85 minutes depending on altitude).
9. Let jars cool and check seals before storing in a cool, dark pantry.

Tip:

Proper canning techniques are essential to avoid spoilage or foodborne illness.

6. Store Tomatoes in Paper Bags with Apples or Bananas (Speed Up Ripening)

Why?

Apples and bananas release ethylene gas, which accelerates the ripening of tomatoes. This is helpful if you want to ripen green tomatoes faster and keep them usable for weeks.

How to do it:

1. Place green or underripe tomatoes inside a paper bag.
2. Add one ripe apple or banana to the bag.
3. Fold the top of the bag loosely to trap the ethylene gas.
4. Store the bag at room temperature away from direct sunlight.
5. Check tomatoes daily, removing those that have ripened.
6. Once ripe, move tomatoes to regular room temperature storage or refrigerate as needed.

Tip:

Use paper bags rather than plastic, as they allow airflow and prevent moisture buildup.

Final Thoughts

Proper tomato storage depends on their ripeness, your intended use, and how long you want them to last. By applying these clever methods — from simple room temperature storage and refrigeration to freezing, drying, and canning — you can enjoy fresh, delicious tomatoes for weeks or even months.

Experiment with these techniques to find what works best for your kitchen and lifestyle, and you’ll never waste another tomato again!

If you want, I can also help you with detailed recipes or tips on how to cook with your stored tomatoes. Would you like that?