Putting that tomato in the fridge? Not so fast …
In addition to being flavorful, tomatoes are high in potassium, vitamin C and antioxidants such as lycopene. They’re also low in sodium, fat and calories.
By Mary Hightower
U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
July 7, 2025
Fast facts
- Cool temperatures inhibit flavor development
- Refrigerate only very ripe tomatoes
(222 words)
(Newsrooms: With art of Araghi, tomatoes)
Putting that tomato in the fridge? Not so fast …
LITTLE ROCK — Beefsteaks. Bradley pinks. Cherokee purples. No matter what variety, all tomatoes have one thing in common: Don’t put them in the fridge.
Tomatoes are among the most-eaten produce item, with per capita consumption in the United States estimated at 19.2 pounds in 2023, according to Statista.
What happens between the time they’re picked or purchased and then sliced into a salad or BLT can make a big difference in flavor and texture, according to Lida Araghi, assistant professor and extension nutrition and food specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
“Cold temperatures can damage the texture and flavor of tomatoes,” she said.
“When stored below about 55 degrees Fahrenheit, the enzymes responsible for developing their flavor are inhibited, and the cell membranes can break down, leading to a mealy texture and reduced taste quality,” Araghi said.
There is an exception though, for tomatoes that are “very ripe and you need to keep them from spoiling for a short time,” she said.
“If you need to refrigerate very ripe tomatoes to keep them from spoiling, it’s best to let them come back to room temperature before eating to improve flavor,” Araghi said.
In addition to being flavorful, tomatoes are high in potassium, vitamin C and antioxidants such as lycopene. They’re also low in sodium, fat and calories.
Find more information about selecting, storing, prepping and cooking tomatoes with our online fact sheet.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu/. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas
System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment)
without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital
or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other
legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
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Media Contact: Mary Hightower
mhightower@uada.edu