How to ripen raw tomatoes quickly

Raw tomatoes can be ripened by storing them together with apples or bananas, in paper bags, in a warm environment, avoiding direct sunlight, and increasing humidity appropriately. The ripening speed of tomatoes is mainly related to factors such as ethylene gas concentration, temperature, and humidity.

1. Fruit ripening

Store raw tomatoes together with fruits with high ethylene release, such as apples or bananas, in a paper bag. The ethylene released by apples can activate pectinase activity in tomatoes, promote cell wall softening, and usually soften and turn red after 2-3 days. Daily inspection is required to avoid overcooking and rotting. Once matured, it should be immediately removed and stored separately.

2. Paper bag sealing

Using kraft paper bags to wrap tomatoes can accumulate ethylene gas and create a locally high concentration environment. The paper bag should have breathable holes to prevent water vapor accumulation, and kitchen paper can be placed inside the bag to absorb condensed water. This method is about twice as fast as storing bare tomatoes, making it suitable for home processing of small amounts of tomatoes.

3. Temperature Control

An environment of 20-25 degrees Celsius is most conducive to tomato ripening, and immature fruits can be placed in warm places such as kitchen cabinets. Too low a temperature can inhibit the action of ethylene, while temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius can easily cause skin wrinkling. In winter, it can be placed near heat sources such as routers, and in summer, it should be avoided in areas with direct air conditioning.

4. Avoid light storage

The maturation process should be carried out in a dark place, as direct sunlight can cause local overheating and water loss. Ultraviolet radiation can damage the structure of lycopene and affect its final color. The container can be covered with cotton cloth to maintain a dark environment and allow for gas exchange.

5. Humidity regulation

Maintaining the surrounding humidity at 60% -70% can prevent dry wrinkles on the skin. You can place a damp towel or half a cup of water next to the container. Excessive humidity can easily breed mold. If water droplets condense, they should be wiped dry in a timely manner. In the later stage of maturity, the humidity can be slightly reduced to avoid being too soft. Tomatoes that have been ripened should be refrigerated and consumed as soon as possible, as the vitamin C content will decrease with prolonged storage time. Avoid using plastic bags to seal and accelerate spoilage. They can be prioritized for making tomato sauce or stew. Naturally ripe tomatoes have richer flavor compounds, and it is not recommended to use chemical ripening agents. When making daily purchases, you can choose tomatoes with green fruit stems and slightly red fruit bodies. These fruits have great potential for ripening and are not easily spoiled.