How to Ripen Green Tomatoes

We're all for going green, but not when it comes to tomatoes. There’s nothing more frustrating than to have your tomato vines loaded with fruit that won’t ripen.  When September arrives, days get shorter and temperatures get cooler and often green tomatoes just refuse to turn red. Unless you are a big fried green tomato fan, it's such a waste!  But there is something you can do about it.  John Lyons, an LA based landscape artist who also teaches classes in a series called Earth Matters, says you should leave the tomatoes on the vine as long as possible, "There's nothing like a vine ripened tomato and they will ripen eventually. Now, the thing that could interfere is if the plant dies off first."

If your plant is expiring, Lyons advises bringing tomatoes indoors and putting them in a brown paper bag.  “Lie the tomatoes flat, so they aren’t touching each other.  You want one layer of tomatoes basically.  You can also place a ripening banana in the bag. It will release more ethylene gas to speed up the process. Put the bag in a cool, dark, pantry and the tomatoes will ripen up in 4-5 days." 

Comments

[John Lyons]

One other tip I forgot to mention was: Pull entire plant up , shake off soil and hang upside down from the garage rafters. Tomatoes will ripen soon afterwards.

[landscape design]

Can they not continue to ripen in the same way as bananas? Pluck em off the vine and stick them in a plastic bag?

[linda]

I will try this - thanks for the suggestion!