Roma tomatoes are flavorful, reasonably priced, and easy to buy at the grocery store. Considering how delicious and convenient they are, it is crucial to know how long do Roma tomatoes last.
The Quick Answer
As with most questions, the answer is that it depends. Yes, it isn’t delightful, but let me do my best here to be helpful.
If your Roma tomatoes are ripe and fresh, they will last about a week on the counter. You can extend the life of the tomatoes by putting them in the fridge afterward.
If you are like me, you are really wondering if your Roma tomatoes are still good. So before we get into how long Roma tomatoes last, let’s ensure they are not spoiled.
To get the full story read below.
Signs of Spoiled Roma Tomatoes
It is crucial to know if your Roma tomatoes are good or spoiled. Thankfully, it is simple to learn by giving them a gentle squeeze, a quick visual inspection, and a sniff.
The first sign that a Roma has gone bad is when you pick it up and notice it oozing liquid. If it is oozing or leaking fluid, it has very likely gone bad.
Also, give the tomato a gentle squeeze. A good tomato should not be mushy and overly soft. A good Roma tomato should be soft but still have a bit of firmness and not turn to mush with a gentle squeeze.
Visually inspect the tomato to see if you see mold growing, black spots, or broken skin. If you see any of these signs, throw the tomato away because it is spoiled.
Generally, Roma tomatoes will exhibit a few clear signs of spoilage:
- A soft or mushy texture
- They are leaking fluid
- Dark spots or patches
- Foul or off smell
- Visible mold growth
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to discard the tomato to avoid any potential health risks.
How Long Do Roma Tomatoes Last?
At room temperature, Roma tomatoes will typically last about one week, assuming they were fresh when purchased. You can extend the life of ripe Roma tomatoes to two weeks by putting them in the refrigerator.
From the moment you walk out of the grocery store, the clock starts ticking on the freshness of your Roma tomatoes.
However, the exact timeline can depend on how ripe the tomatoes were when you bought them – a slightly green Roma will last longer than one ripe Roma on the shelf.
How Long Do Roma Tomatoes Last at Room Temperature?
Roma tomatoes can last up to a week at room temperature, but this varies based upon the tomato’s quality and ripeness.
It is vital that the Roma tomatoes are not to be stored in direct sunlight. It’s best to keep them in the darkest part of your kitchen.
To ensure maximum freshness, look for firm tomatoes with a deep, even red color and a slightly sweet aroma. Avoid those with wrinkles or blemishes, as these can be signs of impending spoilage.
How to Store Roma Tomatoes for Short-Term Use
The key to storing Roma tomatoes for a short while is to keep them at room temperature and away from bright sunlight. Also, please don’t put them in the same bowl as your bananas or fruit.
Bananas, in particular, release gasses that will speed up the ripening process of your tomatoes. While throwing all the fruits and vegetables together in a bowl is tempting and handy, it isn’t good for tomatoes.
For short-term storage, follow these steps:
1. Choose a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight to store your tomatoes.
2. Place them stem-side down on a flat surface to prevent bruising and allow even ripening.
3. Avoid storing them near ethylene-producing fruits like bananas and apples, as these can cause the tomatoes to ripen more quickly.
How Long Do Roma Tomatoes Last in the Refrigerator?
If you’re unable to use your Roma tomatoes within a week, refrigeration can extend their shelf life to about two weeks.
However, refrigerating tomatoes can cause changes in their texture and flavor.
They may become a bit mealy and lose some of their fresh, vibrant taste.
As such, it’s best to use room temperature storage when possible, saving refrigeration for times when you have more tomatoes than you can use quickly.
But it is better to risk a loss of flavor than have the tomatoes go bad. I end up with Roma tomatoes in my refrigerator because I have a habit of buying more than I can use right away.
They are just so darn handy and flavorful, so I keep them on hand.
The bottom line
First, pick firm, healthy Roma tomatoes. If you start with fresh tomatoes, they will last much longer after you get them home. After that, the tomatoes can last anywhere from 5 to 14 days.