Tomatoes are a beloved crop for many gardeners, offering vibrant colors, juicy textures, and rich flavors. One of the keys to enjoying the best tomatoes is knowing when to pick them, especially when considering the risks posed by birds and other garden critters. Here’s how to determine the perfect time to harvest your tomatoes, with a focus on protecting them from potential damage.
Understanding the Ripening Stages
Tomatoes ripen in stages, each marked by changes in color and texture:
Green Stage: The tomato is fully grown but remains green. It's firm and not yet ready for picking unless you plan to ripen it off the vine.
Breaker Stage: The tomato begins to change color, showing the first blush of red, orange, or yellow. At this stage, the fruit will ripen just as well off the vine as it would if left to mature on the plant. This tomato is well into the braker stage ant maybe even at the turning stage. I have picked them even greener than this.
- Turning Stage: The tomato is 30-60% colored and softens slightly. It continues to ripen after picking.
- Pink Stage: The tomato is 60-90% colored, with noticeable softening. The flavor is developing, but it’s still not at its peak.
Red (Ripe) Stage: The tomato is fully colored, soft, and has reached its full flavor. However, it is also more susceptible to damage from pests. This tomato was picked at the breaker stage and ripened on the counter.
Why Pick at the Breaker/Turning Stage?
Protection from Pests: Once a tomato reaches the breaker stage, it can ripen off the vine just as effectively as on it. By picking at this stage, you can bring the tomatoes indoors, where they are safe from birds, insects, and other critters that might damage them. This is the first reason I pick them at breaker stage. I have done this for years and they ripen just fine. If you have a bunch and want them to ripen quickly put them in a paper bag.
- Reduced Risk of Damage: Tomatoes that ripen fully on the vine are more prone to splitting, bruising, and pest attacks. Picking them early minimizes these risks.
- Optimal Ripening Environment: Indoors, you can control the ripening environment, avoiding the fluctuations in temperature and humidity that might affect tomatoes left on the vine.
Signs Your Tomatoes Are Ready to Pick
- Color: At the breaker stage, the tomato shows its first blush of color, which will deepen as it ripens indoors. I usually wait until the tomato looks about 30-40 percent colored. This may be difficult for pink or yellow tomatoes.
- Firmness: The tomato will still be firm but will give slightly under gentle pressure, indicating that ripening is underway. This helps with tomatoes that are pink, orange, or yellow when ripe.
- Ease of Separation: Tomatoes at the breaker stage can usually be twisted off the vine easily. If there’s resistance, they may need a little more time.
Harvesting Tips
- Morning Harvest: Pick tomatoes in the morning when temperatures are cooler to preserve their flavor and texture.
- Handle with Care: Tomatoes bruise easily, so handle them gently and place them in a cushioned basket or container.
- Ripen Indoors: Place breaker-stage tomatoes in a single layer on a counter, out of direct sunlight, or in a paper bag with an apple or banana to speed up ripening.
What to Do with Under-Ripe Tomatoes
If tomatoes need to be picked before the breaker stage due to weather or other concerns:
- Ripen on the Counter: Tomatoes can be ripened at room temperature, where they’ll gradually reach full color and flavor.
- You do not need to put on a sunny windowsill: While sunlight is crucial for the growth and development of tomatoes on the vine, it plays a minimal role in the actual ripening process once the fruit is harvested. The ripening is a chemical process driven by ethylene rather than a light-dependent process like photosynthesis.
Use a Paper Bag:
To hasten ripening, place tomatoes in a paper bag, Tomatoes ripen faster in a paper bag due to the natural release and trapping of ethylene gas, a plant hormone that promotes ripening. Tomatoes, like many fruits, produce ethylene gas as they ripen. This gas triggers the ripening process in the fruit itself and in other nearby fruits. When you place tomatoes in a paper bag, the ethylene gas that they naturally emit becomes trapped in the small space of the bag. The paper material allows for some air circulation, which prevents moisture buildup and reduces the risk of mold, but it still helps to concentrate the ethylene gas around the tomatoes. Just be sure to check the bag everyday so they don't over ripen.
- Store in a Cool, Dark Place: If you need to delay ripening, keep tomatoes in a cool, dark location.
6. Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Waiting Too Long: Waiting for tomatoes to fully ripen on the vine can lead to pest damage or splitting, especially in wetter conditions.
- Leaving Tomatoes on the Vine Too Long: Overripe tomatoes may attract pests or develop other issues like cracking. Regularly check your plants to harvest at the breaker stage.
- Ignoring Weather Changes: If frost is expected, pick any tomatoes at the breaker stage and ripen them indoors to avoid frost damage.
Conclusion
Harvesting tomatoes at the breaker stage is a smart strategy for protecting your crop from pests and ensuring even ripening indoors. By understanding the ripening stages and monitoring your plants closely, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of flavorful, juicy tomatoes while minimizing the risk of damage. Happy gardening!