By Katie Markheim, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener
Dear Master Gardener, when should I harvest tomatoes?
If possible, harvest fully ripe tomatoes to get the best flavor and color. Pink tomatoes may be harvested and allowed to ripen indoors at room temperature (65 to 70 degrees). Ripe tomatoes should be stored at room temperature for best flavor retention. Fully ripe tomatoes may be refrigerated for several weeks, although storage temperatures below 50 degrees will cause flavor loss. Green tomatoes should be picked in the fall just before frost or a light freeze. Refrigeration is not recommended for green tomatoes, instead, leave at room temperature to promote ripening and flavor development unless used for pickling in their ‘green’ condition.