tomatoes, once they start turning red, is it better to keep them on the vines or to pick them and let them?

Question

rippen on the window sill?

Answer 1

Great question !!! I have 5 different varietals of tomatoes too and I often wonder the same thing. In the past, I usually let the early season tomatoes ripen on the vine, and at the end of the season, when the weather starts cooling, I'll pick those tomatoes and window ripen them. Also, end of the season is great for fried green tomatoes if you've ever tried them. It's a real treat and simple to make. Just slice them and dip them in egg and batter them with Italian bread crumbs and pan fry. DELICIOUS !!!

Answer 2

It doesn't matter really. Pick them when you are ready. I just picked some half ripe and green ones this morning because my bush is overloaded with tomatoes. I really don't see a difference between letting them ripen on the vine or in my house. Do what you want because there is no rule. It's a matter of preference.

Yummm...Fried green tomatoes...what a great idea Jay Dub :)

Answer 3

It's sort of a matter of timing. i like to pick them when they look about 3/4's ripe & let them get fully ripe in the house. If they get to rip on the vine the skins can split or they can get too mushy.

You can also pick the green tomatoes. Fired or made into relish, they are really yummy!

Answer 4

Let them ripen 100% on the vine!

If you think they are to heavy and will fall off the vine on their own before ripening 100%....then pick them and let them finish on the window sill.

Answer 5

vine ripe tomatoes
allows the most sweetness and juices
unless you have a problem where they all split or you want to fry them either green or semi- ripe
but do not let them get over ripe or they begin to rot inside and are mushy and watery with no flavor
they should be red and firm