Tomatoes stay ‘naturally sweet’ if you store them in 1 area of home

It’s one of the nation’s most fiercely contested kitchen practices. But could we be making a storage mistake when it comes to keeping tomatoes?

As British Tomato Fortnight (1st–14th June) highlights UK-grown varieties at their seasonal peak, Sainsbury’s is offering straightforward guidance that could significantly enhance the taste of tomatoes.

While numerous shoppers admit they store tomatoes in the fridge according to online forums, cooler temperatures can actually diminish flavour and compromise texture, rendering them less sweet and succulent.

Yet 8 in 10 Britons confess they presently keep them refrigerated at home. Sainsbury’s advises storing tomatoes outside in a cool, dry place, so they maintain their natural sweetness and quality.

The guidance arrives as British tomatoes reach peak season and flavour. Simultaneously, Sainsbury’s has witnessed a +30% year-on-year sales increase across its entire tomato range, with Taste the Difference Vittoria Cherry Vine Tomatoes amongst its standout best-sellers. Last year alone, the retailer sold more than 100 million packs, equivalent to the weight of over 2,330 London double-decker buses.

Emma Joslin, Technical Manager at Sainsbury’s, said: “Tomatoes are at their best when they’re juicy, sweet and full of flavour, and at this time of year, British tomatoes are at their seasonal peak. At Sainsbury’s, millions of tomatoes are enjoyed by customers each year and we work closely with our long-standing British growers to maintain that quality.

“During British Tomato Fortnight, we’re focused on helping customers get the best from their tomatoes – which is why keeping them out of the fridge is key to retaining their natural sweetness.”

Paul Faulkner, Director at Evesham Vale Growers added: “British Tomato Fortnight coincides with the start of summer and peak production for UK tomato growers, making it the perfect time to enjoy British tomatoes at their very best.

“Our growers produce a fantastic range of varieties in all shapes, sizes and colours, known for their great quality and flavour. This fortnight is a brilliant moment to celebrate British produce and we’ve worked closely with Sainsbury’s to bring customers great-tasting tomatoes, ready to enjoy all summer long.”

So where ought you to be storing tomatoes if not in the fridge? To maintain their sweetness, juiciness and aroma, experts recommend keeping them on your kitchen worktop at room temperature, out of direct sunlight.

Food scientists explain that cold temperatures below 60°F (15°C) permanently stop the enzymes that produce a tomato’s flavour compounds. The result is a bland, musty and mealy fruit instead of a sweet and succulent one.