When to Pick Tomatoes: The Timing is Crucial for a Perfect Harvest
When is the best time to pick tomatoes?
Tomatoes are a popular garden crop because of their high yield and delicious taste. But when is the best time to pick them? Timing is crucial for a perfect harvest! In this blog post, we will discuss the various stages of ripeness and give you tips on how to determine when your growing tomatoes are ready to be picked.
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When To Pick Tomatoes-Methods Of Harvesting Tomatoes
There are different opinions on when to pick tomatoes. Some people say that tomatoes should be ripe on the vine before getting picked while others believe that they should be harvested while they are still green.
What's more important to know is that the best time to pick tomatoes depends on the variety of tomatoes you are growing and the climate you are growing in.
But let's dive into the two methods of harvesting tomatoes: picking them while they are still green or letting them ripen on the vine.
Picking Tomatoes While They Are Still Green
Some gardeners believe that you should pick your tomatoes while they are half ripe and still green in color. This is a common practice in areas that have warm climates.
The idea behind this method is that you can pick a green tomato and it will continue to ripen off the vine.
Gardeners find the sweet spot to pick tomatoes when they reach the Breaker Stage. The Breaker stage is when the tomato has changed color from green to light orange or pink but this only really applies to a red tomato.
Picking tomatoes at this stage will give you a head start on the ripening process and allow you to enjoy your tomatoes a few days earlier than if you had waited until they were fully ripe.
So what are the benefits of picking unripe tomatoes?
The advantage of this technique is that the tomatoes will not lose any flavor and will taste exactly the same as if they had ripened on the vine. You are less likely to have cracked or split tomatoes, the squirrels and other critters are less likely to eat them, you can store them for a longer period of time, and by picking your fruit you are increasing the yield.
Picking Tomatoes On The Vine
Some tomato plant purists will tell you that you should never pick a tomato while it is still green. They believe that the tomato will not reach its full flavor potential if it is picked while it is still green. The natural ripening process of the tomato is supposed to happen on the vine.
The idea behind this method is that you should only pick the tomatoes when they are fully ripe. A vine-ripened tomato has the highest amount of sugar and tastes best. This means you'll get to taste all of the flavors that the tomato has to offer. You will also be able to savor the sweetness of the tomato.
So what are the benefits of picking tomatoes on the vine?
You're getting a fresh tomato that's ready to eat, ripe, and at its maximum flavor potential.
The downside to this method is that you are picking the tomatoes when they are ripe, which means that you will only have a limited window in which to use them. They also won't last as long as the tomatoes that have been picked while they are still green. They are also more prone to splitting and cracking or being overripe and mushy and bland.
Picking tomatoes is a personal preference and it really depends on what you are looking for in a tomato. Try picking your tomatoes both ways and see which way you prefer.
Two methods of harvesting tomatoes: picking them while they are still green or letting them ripen on the vine.
When To Pick Tomatoes-Determining Ripeness
If you're wondering when to pick your tomatoes, you must first understand the indicators of ripening. How do you check to see if your tomato plants are ready? Here are a few signals that your tomatoes are ripe for picking.
Color
The color can indicate when a tomato is ripe. The redder the tomato, the riper it is. However, not all tomatoes are red. There are also yellow, orange, green, pink, purple, brown, white, and striped tomatoes. Who knew there could be so many colors and different tomato varieties?
You will need to know what the color of maturity is for the variety of tomatoes you are growing. This is something you can read on the seed packet or look up online.
But once you know which ones are your favorite and have tasted them, you will be able to determine when you have a ripe tomato.
Texture
The texture of a tomato can also indicate ripeness. Ripe tomatoes will be softer than unripe ones. A tomato will become softer as it ripens. They will also have smooth skin and no blemishes.
If you pick your tomatoes too late they will have a soft and mushy texture. To test for ripeness, gently squeeze the tomato. You want it to be firm but with a little give.
Aroma
The aroma of a tomato can also indicate ripeness. Ripe tomatoes will have a subtle sweet and earthy smell. An unripe tomato will not have much of an aroma.
If you detect a strong smell that could mean that the tomato is almost about to spoil.
Days To Maturity
The days to maturity on the seed packet can also help you determine when to harvest tomatoes. The number of days is usually listed as a range. For example, a tomato might say it takes 60-80 days to mature. This means that the tomato will be ready for harvest within that time frame.
A good way to remember is to create a garden journal and write the date you planted your tomatoes next to the variety. Then when the tomato fruit is ready for harvest, you will know how many days it took for that particular variety to ripen.
These tomato plants are at different stages of being ripe.
Here are tomatoes that are ripening on the vine.
Factors That Can Affect When To Pick Tomatoes
There are certain factors that can influence when you pick your tomatoes. These include the type of tomato and weather conditions.
Type Of Tomato
The type of tomato can affect when it is ripe. Some varieties mature faster than others. For example, cherry tomatoes will mature quicker than beefsteak tomatoes. This is something to keep in mind when you are planting your tomato seedlings.
Weather Conditions
The weather can also affect when you should pick tomatoes.
If it is a hot summer, the tomatoes will ripen quicker than if it is a cool summer. The amount of sunlight and heat can also affect ripening. Temperatures above 90 degrees can harm your tomatoes and even lead to your tomato leaves turning white.
If you have a prolonged heatwave, the tomatoes will ripen all at once. This can be a good or bad thing depending on how you want to use them. If you want to can or preserve them, then it is a good thing. If you want to enjoy them fresh, then it might be too much at once.
Rain can also affect ripening. Tomatoes tend to crack if there is too much rain. This can cause them to develop blossom end rot. If you have a lot of rain in the forecast, you might want to pick your tomatoes a little earlier than usual.
How To Pick Tomatoes?
Now that you know when a tomato is ripe and ready to be picked, you are ready to harvest!
Picking tomatoes is easy. There is one major rule to follow: be gentle. You do not want to damage the plant or the tomatoes.
There are a couple of different ways you can pick tomatoes. The first is to use shear or pruners to cut the stem. You can make a clean cut about an inch or two above the fruit. This is the safest way to pick tomatoes.
The second way to pick a tomato is to hold it close to the stem and twist it. Whatever you do, do not pull on the stem of the tomato. This can damage the plant and the fruit.
When you are picking tomatoes, put them in a basket or a gardening apron. This will help prevent the tomatoes from getting bruised. Plus, you will probably have to transport them inside so you will need a container.
Once you have picked all the ripe tomatoes, it is time to enjoy them! There are so many different ways to use tomatoes. You can eat them fresh, make sauce, or can them for later. No matter how you choose to use your tomatoes, you will be glad you picked them at the perfect time.
When To Pick These Popular Tomato Varieties
To make your life a little easier, here is a list of some popular tomato varieties and when they are typically ripe and should be harvested.
When To Pick Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are one of the quickest maturing varieties. They can be ready to harvest in as little as 60 days. Keep an eye on them and pay attention to their color and texture.
Cherry tomatoes grow in trusses and can produce a large amount all at once. But it is unlikely all the tomatoes will be ripe at the same time. So it is best to pick cherry tomatoes as they ripen.
These indeterminate tomatoes will continue to grow tomatoes throughout the growing season. If you wait too long they will become soft, cracked, or overripe.
When To Pick Beefsteak Tomatoes
Beefsteak tomatoes can take up to 85 days to mature. But they are worth the wait! They are a large variety and need a long growing season.
The best way to tell when they are ready is by their color. Look for a deep red or pinkish hue. The skin should also be smooth. If there are any cracks or blemishes, the tomato is overripe.
When To Pick Heirloom Tomatoes
Heirloom tomatoes can take anywhere from 60-85 days to mature. They come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors.
Some common varieties are Brandywine, Mortgage Lifter, and Cherokee Purple.
The best way to tell when an heirloom tomato is ready is by looking at the color. Since heirlooms can be quite large, you want to harvest them when they are about 50-75% ripe.
They can ripen on the kitchen counter and be ready to enjoy in a couple of days. If you wait too long, they will be overripe and can crack.
When To Pick Roma Tomatoes
Roma tomatoes are a popular tomato variety that is used for sauce and canning. These determinate tomatoes take about 75 days to mature.
They should be picked when they are deep red in color and their skin is smooth. This variety is one that does better when it ripens on the vine. So if you can, wait a few extra days before picking beautiful ripe fruit.
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How To Ripen Tomatoes Off The Vine
Ripe tomatoes are the key to many summer dishes! But what if your tomatoes aren't quite ready? If you picked your tomatoes a little early or if you want to speed up the ripening process here are a couple of tips to get those green tomatoes ripe in a jiffy.
First, the temperature is key - around 65-75 degrees is ideal for ripening tomatoes indoors. Keep them out of direct sunlight, as this will actually harm your tomatoes.
And whatever you do, don't put them in the fridge! This will stop the ripening process altogether and change the texture of your tomatoes to something mushy and unappetizing. Refrigeration also reduces the tomato's fragrance, producing a less flavorful result.
As for storing tomatoes, stem side down is best. This prevents air from getting to the stem.
Ripe tomatoes will only have a shelf life of a couple of days. So it is best to use them as soon as possible- enjoy them fresh, in sauce, or canned for later.
With a little patience (and maybe a little help from our tips), you can have the perfect tomatoes to enjoy all summer long!
FAQS About Harvesting Tomatoes
Can you eat split or cracked tomatoes?
Yes, you can still eat cracked or split tomatoes as long as there aren't pests or signs of tomato diseases. However, they will not last as long and should be used immediately.
How do I know if my tomato is overripe?
Overripe tomatoes will be soft and have blemishes, or cracks in the skin.
Why are my tomatoes splitting before being picked?
Tomatoes can split for a number of reasons - too much water, not enough water, or sudden changes in temperature. If you notice your tomatoes are splitting, try to pick them as soon as possible.
What is the best way to store picked tomatoes?
Picked tomatoes should be stored stem side down in a warm (65-75 degree), dark place. Do not put them in the fridge!
Do tomatoes ripen faster on or off the vine?
Tomatoes ripen faster on the vine when the conditions are right - warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight. However, you can speed up the process by picking them early and ripen green tomatoes indoors.
When is the best time of day to pick tomatoes?
The best time of day to pick tomatoes is in the morning, before the heat of the day sets in. This will help them to stay fresh longer.
If you can't get out to pick them in the morning, try to pick them in the evening when it's cooler. Avoid picking them during the heat of the day if possible.
How often should you pick tomatoes?
Tomatoes should be picked every few days, or as needed. This will depend on the variety of tomato and how quickly they are ripening.
Check your tomatoes daily and pick them as soon as they are ripe. This will help to prevent them from splitting or getting overripe.
Summing Up When To Pick Tomatoes
Now that you know when and how to pick tomatoes, go out and enjoy the fruits of your labor! Freshly picked tomatoes are one of the best things about summertime. There is nothing like a ripe, juicy tomato straight from the vine. So get out there and enjoy them while you can!
