Selecting Green Tomatoes Choose tomatoes showing a hint of color at the blossom end or that give a little when squeezed
Avoid very small, immature tomatoes or ones with blemishes, blossom end rot, or pest damage
Harvest tomatoes with a small portion of the stem attached
Ripening Methods Paper bag method: Place tomatoes in a paper bag with an apple or banana. The ethylene gas produced will speed ripening. Loosely seal the bag
Box method: Line a cardboard box with newspaper. Place tomatoes in a single layer and add an apple or banana. Store in a dark place at 55-70°F (13-21°C). Check weekly and remove any spoiled tomatoes
Hanging method: Dig up the entire tomato plant, shake off excess soil, and hang upside down in a cool, dry place like a garage or basement. Remove foliage, leaving just the fruit trusses
Tomatoes will ripen in 4-14 days depending on their initial color. Ripe tomatoes will be fragrant and yield to gentle pressure. Enjoy your homegrown tomatoes!