You can pick tomatoes as soon as their green color begins to yellow.
Understanding Tomato Ripening
Tomatoes ripen due to the production of ethylene gas. This process triggers a color change, indicating the tomato is nearing full maturity. The stages of ripening, and therefore when picking is feasible, are important to understand.
Stages of Tomato Ripening & When to Pick
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Breaker Stage: This is the key stage for picking. "Breakers" are tomatoes that are mature and starting to change color. They transition from green to a yellowish-green hue.
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Color Transition: After the breaker stage, the tomato progresses through various colors, including salmon and pink, before finally turning red.
Why Pick at the Breaker Stage?
Picking tomatoes at the breaker stage allows them to ripen off the vine. This can be beneficial in several situations:
- Preventing Pest Damage: Removing tomatoes from the plant reduces the risk of pests and diseases affecting the ripening fruit.
- Avoiding Cracking: Rapid temperature changes or excessive watering can cause tomatoes to crack. Picking them early can prevent this.
- Extending the Harvest: If frost is expected, picking all tomatoes at the breaker stage or beyond ensures you salvage your crop.
Ripening Tomatoes Off the Vine
To ripen tomatoes off the vine:
- Place them in a single layer in a cardboard box.
- Keep them at room temperature (around 70°F or 21°C).
- Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause uneven ripening.
- Adding a ripe banana or apple can speed up the process, as they release ethylene gas.
