Science-Backed Ways to Preserve and Keep Tomatoes From Spoiling!
Last year, I faced a dilemma that might sound familiar to you. I had an abundance of red, ripe tomatoes that were spoiling faster than I could eat or give them away. It was heartbreaking to see the fruits of my labor go to waste. I found myself wishing there was a way to preserve these tomatoes whole, to extend their shelf life without compromising their freshness. That’s why I delved into research and found a science-backed method to do just that. If you’re tired of seeing your hard-earned tomatoes spoil, this blog post is for you.
Today, we’re exploring a recent scientific study that offers a science-based solution to preserve those unripe tomatoes longer!
What is Calcium Chloride (CaCl2)?
Calcium chloride is a type of salt commonly used in food preservation. It’s a white, crystalline solid that’s highly soluble in water.
The Science Behind It Extending Tomato Shelf Life
The study, published in the journal Coatings, focused on tomatoes harvested at different maturity stages—mature green, breaker, and half-ripe. These tomatoes were treated with a 2% CaCl2 solution, which led to:
- 15.53% Decline in Ethylene Production: Less ethylene means slower ripening.
- 16.43% Reduction in Weight Loss: Less weight loss means the tomatoes stay fresh and juicy longer.
Extending Tomato Shelf Life
The study found that tomatoes treated with 2% CaCl2 had a significantly extended shelf life compared to non-treated tomatoes. Specifically, the treated tomatoes showed a decline in ethylene production by 15.53% and weight loss by 16.43%, thereby extending their storage duration.
Why is this Important?
Reducing ethylene production and weight loss are key to extending the shelf life of your tomatoes. Less ethylene means slower ripening, and less weight loss means the fruit stays plump and juicy.
Products
- Find food-grade Calcium Chloride here.
- Get your Tween 20 here. Tween 20 is used to help the solution spread more evenly on the tomato surface.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying 2% CaCl2 to Your Tomatoes
- Purchase Supplies: Use the link for Calcium Chloride and Tween 20 to buy the exact products used in the study.
- Prepare the Solution: Mix 20 grams of CaCl2 in 1000 mL of water to make a 2% solution.
- Add a Surfactant: Add a small amount of Tween 20 (0.03% v/v) to the solution. This helps the solution spread more evenly on the tomato surface.
- Dip the Tomatoes: Submerge your harvested tomatoes in the solution for 10 minutes.
- Dry and Store: After dipping, dry the tomatoes at room temperature and then store them in a paper carton box.
Be a Part of the Research This Fall!
The study emphasizes that “further research is required to explore the potentiality of CaCl2 as a postharvest means of extending shelf life.” This Fall, be a part of this exciting research by trying this method and sharing your results with us!
For those who want to dive deeper, you can read the full study here.
Happy Gardening! 🍅
