Quick Answer
Balsamic tomatoes stored properly in the fridge will usually last 5-7 days. The key to maximizing shelf life is ensuring they are kept at a consistent refrigerator temperature of 40°F or below. Storing in an airtight container, using promptly after opening, and monitoring for signs of spoilage will also help extend the lifespan.
How to Tell if Balsamic Tomatoes are Bad
There are several signs that indicate balsamic tomatoes have gone bad and should be discarded:
– Mold growth. White, blue, green or black fuzzy mold is an indication they should not be eaten.
– Strong sour smell. A sour or unpleasant odor means spoilage bacteria have developed.
– Soft, mushy texture. As they spoil, tomatoes become mushy and lose their firmness.
– Wrinkled skin. As moisture evaporates during storage, the skin starts to shrivel and wrinkle.
– Discoloration or dark spots. Areas that are discolored or darkened signals spoilage.
Ideal Storage Conditions
To maximize freshness and shelf life of refrigerated balsamic tomatoes:
– Store in airtight container or sealed bag. An airtight environment limits exposure to oxygen and prevents moisture loss.
– Refrigerate between 37°F to 40°F. This cold temperature slows down enzymatic and microbial activity that causes food spoilage.
– Keep tomatoes away from ethylene-producing fruits. Exposure to ethylene gas causes tomatoes to overripen and deteriorate faster.
– Avoid storing in door. The temperature fluctuations from repeated opening of door shortens shelf life.
How Long Do Balsamic Tomatoes Last Refrigerated?
Properly stored, balsamic tomatoes will generally stay fresh for:
| Refrigerator Shelf Life | 5 to 7 days |
The shelf life depends on several factors:
– Storage temperature – Consistent optimal refrigeration extends shelf life.
– Initial freshness – Fresher tomatoes last longer. Avoid tomatoes that are already bruised or damaged.
– Exposure to air – An airtight container prevents oxidation that causes quicker spoilage.
– Contamination – Proper handling prevents microbes and bacteria from shortening shelf life.
How to Extend the Shelf Life
Some tips to extend the shelf life of refrigerated balsamic tomatoes:
– Purchase vine ripened tomatoes when possible and use promptly. Vine ripened tomatoes have a shorter shelf life than commercially harvested unripe tomatoes.
– Check for bruised, damaged or mushy tomatoes and remove those before refrigerating the rest. Spoiled tomatoes accelerate spoilage of healthy tomatoes.
– Always wash hands before handling. Bacteria transferred from hands can hasten deterioration.
– Portion tomatoes into airtight bags or containers rather than keeping the whole container. This limits air exposure each time opened.
– Consume within 5 days and don’t rely on appearance or aroma. Bacteria can grow without detectable spoiled characteristics.
How to Store Tomato Slices and Puree
Once balsamic tomatoes are cut and sliced or pureed, they have an even shorter shelf life. Some guidelines for cut tomatoes:
– Store sliced tomatoes immersed in vinegar. The acidic vinegar inhibits microbial growth. Properly stored they can last 3-4 days.
– Tomato puree can be frozen for 4-6 months. Freeze in airtight bags with the air removed or ice cube trays for easy use.
– Refrigerate unused tomato puree for 2-3 days in an airtight container. Stir before use to redistribute separated liquid.
Can You Freeze Balsamic Tomatoes?
It is possible to freeze whole balsamic or sun-dried tomatoes, although they will be slightly softer once thawed. To freeze:
– Wash and dry tomatoes thoroughly. Cut or remove any bruised or damaged portions.
– Arrange in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze for 2-3 hours until hard.
– Transfer frozen tomatoes to a freezer bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible.
– Store frozen tomatoes for up to 10-12 months.
– Thaw in the refrigerator before use. Add to soups, stews or sauces as the tomatoes will be too soft for salads or sandwiches.
How Long Do Canned Balsamic Tomatoes Last?
Commercially canned balsamic tomatoes have a shelf life of 12-18 months if the can remains unopened and properly stored. Once opened, canned tomatoes should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge where they will keep for 5-7 days.
How to Store Balsamic Tomatoes for Maximum Freshness
Follow these tips for storing balsamic tomatoes to maximize freshness and shelf life:
– Do not wash tomatoes until ready to use. Washing removes their protective coating and hastens spoilage.
– Store unripened tomatoes stem-side down at room temperature. This keeps moisture and flavor in the fruit.
– Refrigerate ripe tomatoes. Cold temperatures slow ripening and deterioration. Let come to room temperature before eating for best flavor.
– Keep tomatoes away from produce that emits ethylene like bananas, melons and stone fruits. Exposure causes faster ripening and spoilage.
– Place tomatoes in anti-ripening bags if refrigerating longer than 3 days. The bags regulate oxygen and carbon dioxide to slow ripening.
– Position tomatoes in coldest area of the fridge, away from the door. Avoid placing in door shelves, which experience frequent temperature changes.
How to Preserve Tomatoes
Beyond proper refrigerator storage, tomatoes can be preserved by:
– Canning – Involves heating tomato pieces in jars to kill microorganisms and enzymes that hasten spoilage. Once sealed and processed, canned tomatoes can be stored up to a year.
– Freezing – Stopping enzyme activity and preventing microbial growth by freezing at 0°F or below. Frozen tomatoes retain freshness for 10-12 months.
– Drying – Removing moisture prevents growth of spoilage microorganisms. Dried tomatoes rehydrated in water can be used similar to fresh.
– Tomato sauce and paste – Cooking tomatoes into a paste or sauce significantly extends the lifespan. Refrigerate and use within 5-7 days or freeze for 4-6 months.
How Long Do Sun Dried Tomatoes Last?
Sun dried tomatoes can be stored for extended periods by preventing exposure to moisture. Properly stored they can last for:
| Pantry | 6 to 12 months |
| Refrigerator | 1 to 2 weeks |
Once a jar or package is opened, dried tomatoes will last 1-2 weeks in the fridge. Look for mold, sliminess or a foul smell as signs they should be discarded.
FAQs
Can you eat balsamic tomatoes after the expiration date?
It’s not recommended to eat balsamic tomatoes past the expiration or use by date printed on the packaging. The date indicates the last day the manufacturer deems the product will be at optimal freshness and flavor. Balsamic tomatoes consumed past this date are more likely to have spoiled. Relying on sight, smell and texture alone cannot guarantee safety.
Can balsamic tomatoes be frozen and eaten later?
Yes, it is possible to safely freeze whole balsamic tomatoes for later use, although the thawed tomatoes will be noticeably softer. Balsamic tomatoes can be frozen for 10-12 months before deteriorating in quality and flavor.
How will I know if my balsamic tomatoes have gone bad?
Signs that indicate spoilage include mold growth, slime formation, a sour/unpleasant smell, very soft or mushy texture, wrinkled skin, and discolored or darkened areas. Tomatoes that display any of these characteristics should be discarded.
What happens if you eat bad balsamic tomatoes?
Eating spoiled tomatoes can cause food poisoning, resulting in nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Moldy tomatoes may contain mycotoxins that can cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks. Symptoms typically clear up on their own, but seek medical care if severe vomiting, diarrhea or weakness occurs.
Conclusion
When stored properly in the refrigerator, fresh balsamic tomatoes will keep for 5 to 7 days before spoiling. Pay attention to signs of deterioration like mold, softness and discoloration. Refrigeration, airtight storage containers, prompt use after opening, and avoiding contamination are the keys to maximizing shelf life. With extra care, vine ripened tomatoes can retain their delicious flavor for almost a week after purchase.