All About Tomatoes
Your complete guide to tomatoes - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Tomatoes Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for tomatoes in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
frozen (raw, cooked, or pureed)8-12 months
Signs of Spoilage
Severe freezer burn (large dry, discolored patches), strong off-odor upon thawing (rare if properly stored), or a significantly degraded texture that becomes mushy even beyond typical thawing.
How to Check
Inspect for excessive freezer burn before thawing. After thawing, smell for any off-odors. The texture will be very soft and watery, which is normal for frozen/thawed tomatoes.
Storage Tips
Tomatoes can be frozen whole (blanched or unblanched), diced, or pureed. Blanching whole tomatoes for 1-2 minutes helps with skin removal and preserves color. Pack in airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or cook directly from frozen.
at room temperature (unripe to ripe)5-10 days (unripe to ripe), 3-5 days (fully ripe)
Signs of Spoilage
Excessive softness, shriveling, dark spots, mold growth (fuzzy white, green, or black patches), leaking liquid, strong fermented or sour smell.
How to Check
Visual inspection for mold, discolored areas, or wrinkling. Gently squeeze to check for excessive softness or mushiness. Smell for any off-odors like sourness or fermentation.
Storage Tips
Store stem-side down on a counter, away from direct sunlight. Do not wash until just before use, as moisture can accelerate spoilage. Keep away from other ripening fruits (like bananas) if you don't want them to ripen faster.
in the refrigerator (ripe)1-2 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Significant loss of firmness (mushy), deep wrinkles, large dark or soft spots, visible mold, sour or fermented smell, slimy residue.
How to Check
Visually check for mold or severe discoloration. Feel for a very soft or mushy texture. Smell for any unpleasant or sour odors.
Storage Tips
Bring refrigerated tomatoes to room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before eating to restore some of their flavor and texture. Store in a loose bag or container to allow for air circulation, or in the crisper drawer. Avoid storing in airtight containers which can trap moisture.
cooked in refrigerator3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (any color), sour or off-smell, bubbling, significant discoloration, slimy texture, or a fermented taste.
How to Check
Visually inspect for mold or any unusual surface growth. Smell for a sour, yeasty, or unpleasant odor. Check for bubbling, which indicates fermentation.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container immediately after cooling. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Always use clean utensils to avoid introducing bacteria.