5 Tips for Choosing Fresh, High-Quality Tomatoes
1. Choose tomatoes based on their color
When selecting tomatoes, go for ones with a bright red skin, possibly with a touch of yellow or green in some spots.
Choose tomatoes with intact, shiny skin that’s free of scratches or bruises—these are likely to be fresh and not damaged.
In addition, good tomatoes often have small, evenly distributed yellow or green specks on their skin. When cut open, ripe and fresh tomatoes should have yellow seeds and red flesh.
Avoid tomatoes with a perfectly uniform color, as they may appear unnaturally glossy and could have been chemically ripened.
2. Choose tomatoes based on fragrance
Naturally ripened tomatoes will have a mild, distinct aroma. In contrast, artificially ripened tomatoes typically lack scent, have tough skins, and taste bland.
3. Choose tomatoes based on the stem
Check the tomato stems. Fresh tomatoes should still have green, non-wilted stems.
Vine-ripened tomatoes usually have stems tightly attached to the fruit. You can gently tug on the leaves to see if the fruit is still fresh.
4. Choose tomatoes based on shape
Opt for tomatoes that are medium-sized and evenly shaped. The surface should be smooth, round, and free from scratches or insect damage.
Avoid oddly shaped tomatoes or those with bruises, cuts, or unusual bumps—these could be genetically modified or treated with harmful chemicals.
5. Use your hands to check firmness
Another simple method to check freshness is to gently squeeze the tomato.
A good tomato should feel firm yet slightly soft and elastic to the touch. If it’s overly firm and lacks aroma despite its bright color, it may have been chemically ripened.
With just a few taps on your phone, you can order through the bTaskee app, and their team will handpick fresh tomatoes and other produce and deliver them to your door quickly.
Popular Types of Tomatoes Today
Cherry Tomatoes
These small, round tomatoes come in red or orange-yellow colors. They have a slightly tangy flavor and can be eaten like fruit. Many consider them tastier than regular tomatoes.
Arka F1 Tomatoes
Recognizable by their bright red skin, round shape, and larger size, these tomatoes feel heavy in the hand and are often used in cooking.
Red & Yellow Cherry Tomatoes
These tomatoes are small and round like cherries, with red or yellow-orange skin and thick, sweet flesh.
Octopus Tomatoes
Despite the name, these tomatoes don’t resemble octopuses. Instead, the plant grows in clusters like tentacles. The fruit is large, round, and usually red or orange. They’re often used in soups or sauces.
Purple Tomatoes
True to their name, purple tomatoes have a deep purple skin and a round shape. They are smaller than regular tomatoes and offer a mild sweetness.
How to Store Tomatoes for Freshness
Tips for storing tomatoes in the fridge:
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Tomatoes can be stored at 20–25°C (68–77°F). However, for maximum freshness, store them in the fridge.
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For unripe (green) tomatoes: Don’t refrigerate at low temperatures, as it can affect flavor and texture. Let them ripen at room temperature (20–25°C).
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For pinkish tomatoes: Store them in a sealed container in the fridge at 14–15°C (57–59°F). If not used within 4 days, reduce the temperature to 5°C (41°F) to keep them fresh for up to a week.
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For fully ripe tomatoes: Wrap them in paper and store them in the fridge at 2–5°C (36–41°F), with 85–90% humidity. This will keep them fresh for another 1–2 days.
Learn more tips on keeping tomatoes fresh longer.
Health Benefits of Tomatoes
Rich in Fiber
A medium-sized tomato provides about 1.5 grams of fiber. About 87% of it is insoluble fiber such as hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin.
Heart Health
Tomatoes contain lycopene, a carotenoid known to help reduce heart disease and stroke risk. According to the U.S. NCBI, lycopene may lower harmful LDL cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and protect blood vessels from oxidative stress.
Cancer Prevention
Research shows that tomatoes may reduce the risk of prostate, lung, and stomach cancers. For women, high levels of carotenoids may protect against breast cancer.
Healthier Skin
Tomatoes support healthy skin. Lycopene and other plant compounds help prevent sunburn.
One NCBI study showed that eating 40 grams of tomato with olive oil daily for 10 weeks reduced sunburn incidence by over 40%.