Why You Should Be Harvesting Your Tomatoes When They're Slightly Green

By Macy Sears
Hand picking green tomatoes Ground Picture/Shutterstock

When it comes to tomatoes, the saying "red and ripe is just right" resonates for a good reason. A ripe tomato, with its rich color, subtle sheen, and tender texture, is a culinary delight. However, did you know picking slightly green tomatoes can still result in juicy and delicious fruits? While it may seem counterintuitive, it is absolutely true. And not only that, harvesting tomatoes that are on the brink of a color change even boasts a few unexpected benefits for you and your garden.

Green tomatoes get their vibrant hue from chlorophyll. But here's the fascinating part: even if plucked, these green gems will continue ripening into the succulent, deep red treats we love. The transformation is fueled by the natural plant hormone known as ethylene. Whether on the vine or on your kitchen counter, tomatoes keep ripening. The ethylene gas works to convert verdant tomatoes into luscious red delights that are oh-so-tender to the touch. And by plucking your tomatoes when they are just a tad green, you can achieve stunning visual appeal while warding off pesky pests and harmful weather. It is the perfect recipe for preserving your precious tomato harvest with style.

Captivating fruits

@chronicallyellen_eats

When I say green, I don’t mean GREEN. 🤔 Tomatoes are ready to pick for indoor ripening when they first begin to blush orange. The fruit should basically no resist being picked, and not be rock hard, but have a little give. This is a sure sign that ethylene is now being produced in the fruit, and that it will successfully ripen off the vine. But why should you ripen tomatoes indoors? 1️⃣ it stops splitting and bruising of the fruit on the plant. This can happen due to multiple reasons from overcrowding, poor water distribution, or simply being knocked about in the wind. 2️⃣ it gives you full control over the ripening process. This means you don’t get too many tomatoes all at once! Pop them in the fridge to slow down ripening, or place them on the windowsill to speed things up. 3️⃣ it protects your fruit from pests, birds, and funguses. This is brilliant if you don’t have the time to bother with bird netting and constant spraying. 4️⃣ it protects from weather related issues such as cracking, bruising, drought, and frost to name a few. 5️⃣ finally, it allows the plant to get on with growing and producing other fruit. Found this helpful? Save it for future reference! Don’t forget to like and follow @chronicallyellen_eats for more 💚 #gardening #nzgardening #homegarden #nzgarden #homegrownvegetables #gardeningnz #growyourown #growyourownvegetables #growyourownfood #gardeningfordietaryrequirements #homegrownproduce #homegrowntomatoes #growingtomatoes #tomatoes #tomatoharvest #growyourowntomatoes #ripeningtomatoes #greentomatoes #pickyourtomatoesgreen

♬ Evergreen - Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners

These tasty fruits have a reputation for developing unsightly cracks and splits as they ripen on the vine. This occurs due to an imbalance in water distribution, where the tomato skin cannot keep up with the changes in soil moisture levels. The most severe type of cracking, called radial cracking, appears as vertical splits along the sides of the fruits. This type is more likely to happen in hot and humid weather. Another type is concentric cracking, which appears as circular splits around the stem end of the tomato. One of the best ways to prevent cracking or splitting is to harvest the fruits while they are still slightly green or yellow and let the kitchen counter do the rest.

Harvesting those tomatoes before peak ripeness will also help keep your garden thriving. Once those fire-engine colors start to show, tomatoes no longer sip up nutrients. By plucking them at this stage, you keep the harvest strong and encourage your plant to produce new blossoms throughout the season.

Shielding against harm

Ripening Tomatoes On Vine KrimKate/Shutterstock

A fully mature tomato is also a feasting ground for unwanted insects and pests. However, harvesting tomatoes at the color break stage can significantly minimize the risk. By reducing the presence of pesky critters like stink bugs and birds, you protect the entire tomato plant and even safeguard other plants in your garden. Tomatoes can be affected by sun damage during the ripening process as well. This form of damage, known as sunscald, appears as yellow or white blemishes on the parts of the fruit that were directly exposed to sunlight. As the tomato matures further, these affected areas may develop blisters, and the flesh can become thin and wrinkled. At this stage, the fruit becomes more susceptible to other issues, such as fungal problems. While it is crucial to shield tomatoes from the sun's harmful rays, harvesting them earlier rather than later can also help minimize their exposure.

Hazardous pests and sun exposure are not the only concerns for your plants. Harsh weather conditions, such as intense summer storms, can also be a threat. If adverse weather is on the horizon, harvesting any slightly unripe tomato fruits is best to prevent them from falling off the vine and sustaining damage during the storm. Simply place these greenish tomatoes on your kitchen counter, and you can enjoy their delicious redness within just a few days.

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