How to Make Tomatoes Turn Red
Yes, it’s winter, and, yes, we are still harvesting tomatoes and placing into the baskets for members to enjoy. However, the number one question we get asked every year is: ”How do we make tomatoes to turn red?”
Well, getting tomatoes to turn red is not difficult. There are several methods that can be used for making tomatoes turn red. Here are a few:
One way to turn green tomatoes red is to ripen mature green tomatoes in a well-ventilated area at room temperature, checking their progress every few days and discarding unsuitable or soft ones. The cooler the temperature, the longer the ripening process will take. For instance, mature green tomatoes will usually ripen within a couple of weeks in warmer temperatures (65 ºF – 70 ºF) and about a month in cooler temperatures (55 ºF – 60 ºF).
Another way to get your tomatoes to turn red is by using ripening bananas. The ethylene produced from these fruits will help with the ripening process.
If want to know how to turn green tomatoes red, but you only have a few on-hand, using a jar or brown paper bag are also easy and effective methods. Add two to three tomatoes and one ripening banana to each jar or bag and seal it. Place them in a warm area away from sunlight and check them regularly, replacing the banana as needed. Tomatoes should ripen within one or two weeks.
