A variety of factors determine the optimal time for the tomato harvest. More intuition is required here than just staring at the calendar. We explain when and how to harvest tomatoes in the best possible way.
When should tomatoes be harvested?
The optimal time to harvest tomatoes is when the fruit has reached its full color and gives slightly when pressed gently. Red tomatoes should no longer have any green spots and the breaking point on the stem should give way slightly.
So the best time to harvest is no guessing game
The weather has a decisive influence on the timing of the tomato harvest. The sunnier and warmer the summer, the faster growth progresses. At the same time, the cultivated tomato variety and the start of cultivation play a role in this sensitive constellation. As a rule, you can look for the first ripe tomatoes from July onwards. How to recognize when the harvest is ready:
- red tomatoes are completely colored, without any green spots
- yellow, green, orange or dark fruits give a little when pressed
- the predetermined breaking point on the fruit stem bends without excessive force
As long as a tomato is still completely or partially green, it should not be harvested. In this condition, the level of toxic solanine is at a level that is harmful to he alth. Green tomato varieties are an exception. In this case, the bend test provides information about the state of ripeness as well as a slight thumb pressure on the peel.
Why time of day and sequence determine harvest quality
If you prefer to enjoy your home-grown tomatoes fresh from the vine, the time of day has a noticeable effect on the aroma. If you pick the fruits under the first rays of sunshine in the morning, they taste crisp, fresh and mild. If you harvest tomatoes in the late afternoon, you will experience a warm, highly aromatic treat. It's best to try both variants.
Experienced hobby gardeners first harvest the tomatoes that are directly on the trunk. These specimens are always particularly mature. As if the fruits wanted to postpone their fate a little longer, they often hide behind the leaves. But your trained eye will definitely not be fooled by this. Beef tomatoes have bad cards in this game of hide-and-seek anyway, in contrast to cocktail tomatoes.
Harvest tomatoes with stems for longer shelf life
You can extend the shelf life of home-grown tomatoes with a simple trick. When harvesting, simply leave a piece of the stem attached to the fruit. However, this part of the plant should be removed at the latest before consumption because it contains a very high concentration of toxic solanine.
Tips & Tricks
If the tomatoes just don't want to ripen, knowledgeable gardeners can help a little. A fully ripe banana works wonders when hung in the middle of the plants. The fruit emits ethylene gas, which accelerates the ripening process. Ripe apples achieve the same effect.
