Stem on tomatoes

Stem on tomatoes - Bunch of Red Tomatoes

I have noticed stores selling tomatoes with the stems left on. Usually 3-4 tomatoes per stem.

Is this just a new marketing gimmick? Or do tomatoes taste or store better with the stem left on?

We grow our own tomatoes, but I am wondering if I should copy this technique with the tomatoes we don't can.



Best Answer

It's supposed to be proof that the tomatoes were "vine ripened", instead of being picked green, but the definition is such that there only has to be some sign of color change when they're picked to be sold as "vine ripened", so they're generally still picked mostly green.

So yeah, pretty much a marketing gimmick, although not all that new. (it's probably been around for at least 5 years near me). If you want good tomatoes, you typically need to grow the yourself or go to a farmer's market. (or have a step father that grows way more tomatoes than he can deal with)

It's possible that leaving the vine attached might help protect them from moisture loss, but you can also just store the tomatoes upside down.




Pictures about "Stem on tomatoes"

Stem on tomatoes - Red Tomatoes
Stem on tomatoes - Close-Up Photo of Red Tomatoes
Stem on tomatoes - Red and Green Tomatoes



Quick Answer about "Stem on tomatoes"

The shoot system of the tomato plant is made up of branching stems. A stem has a terminal bud at the tip or apex that is responsible for the increase in length of the stem. Branches grow out from axilary/lateral buds.



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Images: Suvan Chowdhury, Quintin Gellar, 將將 王, 將將 王