Description
Cluster tomatoes are identified by their plump shape with shiny, red skin and firm, meaty flesh. They can be eaten raw or cooked, with a tendency to have firm, flavorful flesh. These varieties are among the most heavily cultivated, commercially, since they have such a wide range of potential uses: add them in your salad, make a sauce, chop them up and add them to your casserole, or slice them to add an extra kick to your sandwich. They are ripened-on-the-vine for a fresher taste.
How to Store
Storage
– Store in the dry storage area of the kitchen. Chilling injury (water-soaked blisters, shrivel and mushy, mealy flesh) can occur if held for more than 1 day, unprotected, in a walk-in cooler.
– Remove all decayed or moldy tomatoes immediately from the case.
– Keep tomatoes and their cases dry away and from moisture sources. Moisture will accelerate mold.
– If tomatoes must be stored in the walk-in cooler, place tomatoes into a lexan container with a lid and plan to use within 48 hours.
Handling
– Follow good rotation practices, first shipments received should be used first.
– Round tomatoes are normally shipped pink to light red. Purchase ahead to allow the product to ripen at least 24 hours.
– Expected shelf life of fully-ripened round tomatoes is 2-3 days.
– Handle with care, do not drop, bump or shake the case, tomatoes will bruise easily.
– Avoid placing the case or raw product on non-sanitized kitchen counter tops to help prevent the potential for cross contamination.
Preparation
– Prepare as needed. Try not to use a product from the previous day.
– Select to use the ripest tomatoes first.
– Round tomatoes need to be washed in a sanitary rinse, immediately prior to preparation.
– Store prepped product immediately into refrigeration (covered) upon completion of the prep.
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