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General Produce

Tomatoes

Tomatoes
Common Packs:

10-, 15-, and 25-lb. cartons.

Grades:
 

  • U.S. No. 1
  • U.S. No. 2
Receiving Inspecting:

Tomatoes should have bright, shiny skins (regardless of degree of ripeness) and firm flesh. Avoid tomatoes that are soft or mushy, lacking in color, or have blemishes or growth cracks.

Storage Handling:
 

Short-term storage recommendation (7 days or less)

  • 55-60° F/13-15° C
  • 85-95% relative humidity
Shelf-Life:
<p>Mature green: 14 to 21 days.<br> Ripe: 3 to 5 days.</p>
Troubleshooting:

Decay, softening, loss of flavor, and failure of mature greens to ripen properly are indications of chill injury; do not store below 50° F/10° C.

Moisture accumulation can promote product decay; maintain moderate air circulation, store containers off the floor, and inspect daily.

Uneven color can develop if tomatoes are exposed to temperatures above 86° F/30° C for more than a few hours.

Usage Ideas:

  • Purée peeled tomatoes with vegetable stock; whisk in heavy cream, Champagne vinegar, and pinch of paprika; garnish with chopped yellow tomatoes and basil.