How to Store Tomatoes. If you've got a great, vine-ripened tomato, don't kill its flavor by storing it in the refrigerator!
Determine whether tomatoes are fully ripe. A ripe tomato is dark red or orange, is slightly soft, has a uniform skin color and smells like a tomato.
Put unripe tomatoes in a brown paper bag and leave them at room temperature until they ripen, usually in a day or two.
Store ripe tomatoes in a cool place - around 55 degrees F. Stored this way, they should keep for five days. Avoid refrigerating tomatoes.
Store cut tomatoes in the refrigerator and use as soon as possible.
- Most tomatoes bought in supermarkets are not ripe.
- Temperatures below 50 F (like in your refrigerator) begin to destroy tomato flavor and texture.