How to Store Cherry Tomatoes & Tell If They Are Bad

Cherry tomatoes are the candy of the vegetable world (technically fruit!). But one moldy tomato can ruin the whole pint. Knowing how to store them correctly can double their lifespan and reduce food waste.

How Long Do Cherry Tomatoes Last?

Surprisingly, the fridge isn’t always the best place for tomatoes. Cold temperatures can damage their flavor and texture, making them mealy.

Fresh (Whole)

• Counter (Pantry): Lasts 10 days.
• Refrigerator: Lasts 5 days.

Why shorter in the fridge? The cold breaks down the cell membranes, causing them to get mushy faster and lose flavor. Only refrigerate if they are fully ripe and you need to hold them for a few more days, or if your kitchen is very hot.

How to Tell if Cherry Tomatoes Are Bad

It’s usually pretty obvious when they’ve turned, but here is what to check:

1. The Squish Test: A fresh cherry tomato should be firm with a little bounce. If it is mushy, soft, or leaking fluid, it’s bad.
2. Mold: Look for white fuzz growing on the stem end or any cracks. If one has mold, check the others carefully—mold spreads fast.
3. Smell: A sour or fermented smell means they are rotting from the inside out.
4. Visuals: Black spots or dark, sunken lesions are signs of rot.

What about wrinkled tomatoes?

If they are just a little wrinkled but not leaking or moldy, they are safe to eat! They might not be great for a crisp salad, but they are perfect for roasting or tossing into pasta sauce.

Storage Hacks to Keep Them Fresh

The “Unwashed” Rule

Do not wash your cherry tomatoes until you are ready to eat them. Water sitting on the skin encourages mold growth.

Room Temperature Storage

• Keep them in a bowl or basket with good airflow.
• Keep them out of direct sunlight (which speeds up ripening and rot).

Fridge Storage (If Necessary)

• If you must refrigerate them, place them in the warmest part of the fridge (like the door or top shelf).
• Line the container with a paper towel to absorb moisture.

Freezing

Can you freeze them? Yes!

1. Wash and thoroughly dry them.
2. Spread them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (to prevent sticking).
3. Transfer to a freezer bag.

• Note: They will be mushy when thawed. Use them for sauces, soups, or stews.

FAQs

Cherry vs. Grape Tomatoes?

Storage rules are the same! Grape tomatoes tend to have thicker skins and might last a day or two longer, but treat them identical to cherry tomatoes.

Can I save a moldy batch?

Discard the moldy ones immediately. Wash the remaining firm ones in a vinegar-water solution (1 part vinegar, 3 parts water) to kill spores, dry them completely, and eat them soon.