Storing tomatoes in the right place, away from the fridge and the fruit bowl, means they keep their freshness, flavor and texture for longer.
Tomatoes are one of the tastiest and most versatile fruits in the kitchen, but proper storage is key to maintaining their freshness and flavor. Often, we tend to store them in the fridge or fruit bowl, however, there is a little trick that guarantees that they will stay in top condition for longer.
The ideal place to store tomatoes is not the fridge or the fruit bowl, but a specific place that helps prevent them from spoiling quickly, preserving their flavor and texture. Below, we reveal this simple and effective trick to enjoy fresh tomatoes for longer.
Neither the fruit bowl nor the fridge: the sacred place to leave tomatoes so they don’t spoil
It is best to store tomatoes in a dry place away from direct sunlight at room temperature. This prevents them from over-ripening and delays their decomposition. It is also important to keep them away from extreme heat, as this can accelerate their deterioration.
An effective trick to prolong their freshness is to place them with the stem facing downwards, which minimizes moisture loss and reduces the risk of contamination by microorganisms. In addition, it is advisable to keep them away from fruits such as bananas or apples, which release ethylene and accelerate their ripening.
Benefits of eating tomatoes
- Source of antioxidants: the tomato is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps fight free radicals and reduce the risk of cancer.
- Cardiovascular protection: regular consumption of tomatoes lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, protecting the heart and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Source of vitamins and minerals: Tomatoes contain vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, iron and vitamin K, essential for the immune system and for healthy blood and nerves.
- Anti-smoking effect: their coumaric and chlorogenic acids help neutralize the nitrosamines, carcinogenic substances present in cigarette smoke.
- Improves vision: the vitamin A in tomatoes contributes to better eye health and prevents night blindness and macular degeneration.
- Promotes digestive health: prevents constipation, diarrhea and jaundice, as well as helping to eliminate toxins.
- Regulates blood pressure: daily consumption helps reduce the risk of hypertension.
- Benefits for diabetes: studies indicate that tomatoes help reduce oxidative stress in people with type 2 diabetes.
