How To Store Your Tomatoes to Stay As Fresh As Possible (And Never Get Mealy Again)

How: Use within 2–3 days for best flavor

Tip: Store whole, uncut—slicing speeds up spoilage

They’ll stay juicy, aromatic, and full of that sweet-tangy punch you love.

✂️ When It’s Okay to Use the Fridge

There’s one exception:

👉 After cutting.

Once a tomato is sliced, it starts to lose moisture and attract bacteria. That’s when refrigeration helps.

For Cut Tomatoes:

Place in an airtight container

Store cut-side down on a paper towel (absorbs excess moisture)

Use within 2 days

💡 Pro tip: Bring back flavor by taking them out 20–30 minutes before eating—let them warm up!

🍅 Storage Guide at a Glance

Green/unripe

Counter, stem down

Until ripe (3–7 days)

Ripe & whole

Counter

2–3 days

Cut or sliced

Fridge (airtight)

Up to 2 days

Overripe (eat soon)

Counter → use fast