This Tomato Variety Stays Shelf Stable For A Long Time & Is Perfect For Your Garden

There is nothing quite like a sun-ripened tomato fresh off the vine. They're juicy, gorgeous, and go well with ... just about everything! However, we all know that fresh tomatoes aren't always available, so what can you do? What if we told you there were some shelf-stable tomatoes you could grow right in your garden that last up to a year on your shelf? Enter storage tomatoes! These unique varieties of tomatoes are specifically bred for their ability to withstand time, with firm flesh and thick skins that make them resilient and flavorful. Among the many options, you'll discover truly exceptional types, including the ramallet.

The ramallet tomato, medium-small in size, has a good balance of low water content and high acidity that results in an intense flavor. Its cultivation is steeped in tradition, reflecting generations of growth in Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera — though more people in the U.S. may be starting to appreciate the unique tomato. Packed with essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron, these tomatoes are not just delicious; they also bring a nutritional punch to any dish.

What's special about the ramallet is its remarkable storage capacity. This specific species can be picked and then hung up in your kitchen at the end of its growing season and, if done right, will last until you need to start planting for the next season. So next time you feel like you want to plant some tomatoes, maybe consider one that is going to last you a good, long while.

To grow and store ramallet tomatoes, start by planting the seeds indoors about four to six weeks before the last frost. You'll need a bed of sterile potting soil and at least seven to 10 hours of direct sunlight each day! Once your seedlings are ready, transplant them 24 to 36 inches apart in a sun-soaked garden spot. While trellising isn't mandatory, it can help support your tomato plants and make harvesting your tomatoes much easier. Once those tomatoes have grown to full size but remain hard and unripe, it's time to cut back on watering. A little drought goes a long way in toughening the skins for optimal storage! 

Finally, in order to store these red-skinned beauties, select a sturdy cord or rope to serve as your central string. Then, using a needle, thread the tomatoes by carefully pricking through the stems and tying the opposite end to or through the central cord, pulling it in tight. Leave some space between each tomato to allow for air circulation, which helps prevent rotting. Hang your string of tomatoes in a cool, dry place, and watch as they continue to ripen, offering delicious flavors throughout the season. Keep an eye on your collection and swiftly remove any that start showing signs of becoming rotten before they can ruin your healthy stash. With proper care and a bit of know-how, you'll turn your tomatoes into deliciously stored treasures, ready to be enjoyed all year long!