How to Store Tomatoes Perfectly Fresh for 10-Days or Longer
A perfectly ripe, fresh, slightly crisp tomato elevates so many things from salads to BLTs. But here’s the problem: At my house, we frequently cannot consume them in the short window of a couple of days before they turn mushy and slightly spoiled …
Photo thanks: TheKitchn, The GoochÂ
I have tested so many ways to keep tomatoes fresh long enough to use them—on the counter, upside down, in a closed container in the fridge, attached to the stem, to name a few. None were super satisfying. But this method? Now my absolute favorite and the only way I will ever store tomatoes.
The theory is that simple cellophane tape applied tightly (with the green “top” left attached or removed—I can’t see where that makes any difference at all) creates a barrier to hold moisture in and potential bacteria and mold out.
Using this method, I can leave an unwashed, “taped” tomato on the counter for 10 days, and it’s the same as it was on day 1. To use, simply remove the tape, wash it, and enjoy. That’s it!
Best way ever to store fresh tomatoes long enough to actually use them, without any detectable change in texture or flavor. Amazing.
More from Everyday Cheapskate
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/20260720-slow-cooker-hot-weather-meals-salads-plus-pico-de-gallo-recipes.png
800
1200
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2026-07-20 21:12:192026-07-20 21:15:463 Slow Cooker Summer Salads for Hot Weather Dinners
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/20260717-a-woman-holding-a-crate-of-cucumbers.png
800
1200
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2026-07-17 10:11:072026-07-17 10:13:44Cucumbers Galore? Here’s What to Do With Every Single One
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/20260713-what-to-pack-for-kids-lunchboxes-young-boy-and-girl-eating-a-banana-and-a-sandwich.png
800
1200
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2026-07-13 21:54:132026-07-13 21:54:13Back-to-School Lunch Ideas for a Week (No Boring Sandwiches)
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/20260609-refreshing-glasses-of-iced-tea-with-fresh-lemon-slices-and-ice-best-way-to-make-tea.png
800
1200
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2026-07-09 18:30:102026-07-09 18:30:10The Best Way to Make Iced Tea? Depends What You’re After
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/20260707-creamy-whipped-frozen-coffee-drink-on-balcony-with-whipped-cream.png
800
1200
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2026-07-07 10:09:112026-07-07 10:09:11I Stopped Buying $7 Frappuccinos. Here’s What I Make Now
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/20260630-a-lit-sparkler-with-an-american-flag-in-the-background-4th-of-july-hacks-tips-and-recipes.png
800
1200
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2026-06-30 21:44:502026-06-30 21:44:5034 Fourth of July Recipes and DIY Hacks for a Stress-Free Holiday
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/20260628-Grilled-Peaches-with-Balsamic-and-Blue-Cheese-1.png
800
1200
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2026-06-29 09:38:342026-06-29 09:38:34Summer Grilled Peaches with Balsamic and Blue Cheese
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/20260620-cheesey-chicken-and-rice-casserole-in-a-baking-dish.png
800
1200
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2026-06-20 13:31:162026-06-20 13:31:16Cheesy Chicken & Rice Bake That Disappears at Family Dinners
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/20260619-delicious-creamy-no-churn-vanilla-ice-cream-scoop-and-loaf-pan.png
800
1200
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2026-06-19 18:42:402026-06-19 18:42:413-Ingredient No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream (No Machine Needed)
Thank you Mary!
We have 30 tomatoe plants. I will be trying this.
Sheri asked about cut tomatoes. I try to cut tomatoes from the center leaving equal sides which I sandwitch together and put in a open air ramikan/glass dish in the fridge. Seems to work pretty well.
Avacados- Once cut they need an acid to stop browning. I use vinegar as its always on the counter or lemon juice. Then put in a open air ramikan/glass dish in the fridge. Good for a couple days, if I don’t eat them first.
bon appetite all !!!
Hello. I have a question about the “tomato on the vine”…
If you leave the vine on, wouldn’t that do the same thing? Thanks
Nothing I’ve tried works as well as this method, but if you experiment, let us know how it goes!
Thank You. It really, really works! Awesome.
interesting.
my question is, what prompted someone to try the tape in the first place?
Wow, that easy! Thank you!
i have so many tomatoes spoil. this is really going to cut down on the tomatoes i waste. thank you for this great tip.
Ok, I have the been doing that for a while now. BUT How can you keep the tomato once you cut a slice out of it.
Or even How do you keep avocados once you slice it in half with out having to put lemon on it.?
I have tried putting it in a Ziploc and suck the air out of it. Also Food Saver bags that you can put produce in and such out the air. I am the only one that eats avocados.