From

Location

Message

Date Posted

East Tennessee

how long can I keep one that is turning for a weigh off and whats the best way to do it?

8/30/2018 1:45:04 PM

Wixom MI.

If you need to keep it 3 weeks before a weighoff i suggest picking it about 25% turned and keep it on bubble wrap in the fridge to prevent flat soft bottom. You can rehydrate it by putting it in a bucket of water for 24-36 hours and it will gain almost all the weight back that it lost !!! Should get back to the weight you picked it at !!! I did this last year and it gained back the 2 oz. It lost.

8/30/2018 4:22:44 PM

Wixom MI.

I recomend to pick it earlyer to avoid soft spots or over ripe rotting. Only 25% ripe any more than that you may not make it 3 weeks or more ???

8/30/2018 4:25:12 PM

Central NY

U soakin son of a..that’s a good tip right there

8/30/2018 5:48:56 PM

Newcastle, CA

-_-

8/30/2018 5:54:03 PM

Wixom MI.

Actually i think i had mine floating in water for 12-18 hours !!! It willl get hard like it was on the vine !!! I rehydrated mine every 3-5 days and worked well but last year was the first time i tryied it and i dont know what the down falls are yet ??? I don't know if they will blow or not if left in to long ? Also the bigger the bubble wrap the better ! The weight of the tomato is the biggest problem. It will flatten the bottom and may cause rot on the bottom. You may have to flip it or rotate if several times to prevent that !!! Good luck

8/30/2018 7:25:52 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

If younhave access to a wine cooler you will probably have a bit more success with longer storage than the refrigerator. Best temp is just above what refrigerators cool to. This hint is courtesy of Margaret Martin. Are we crazy Wixom..telling the growers all our secrets.

8/30/2018 8:04:43 PM

Wixom MI.

Ya but it could make the weighoffs competition more interesting !!!

8/30/2018 8:31:15 PM

East Tennessee

im at around 50% turned and just need to keep it 6 days

8/30/2018 9:26:23 PM

Central NY

I'd pick it...store it... then soak it...BAM!..new Tennessee record...

8/30/2018 9:51:59 PM

Wixom MI.

Myself i would pick it now stick it in a refrigerator and soak it for 4 hours in two days and overnight before the weighoff and it will be as solid as the day you picked it. A tomato that is to red gets soft and easily get dammaged and leak. Don't forget to dry ot off before the weighoff. You don't wont water spilling out of a void in the stem area !!! Tip it upside down to make sure all the water drains.

8/30/2018 10:03:21 PM

East Tennessee

No records just turned earlier than I wanted and I would much rather take it to the fair.

8/31/2018 11:44:21 AM

Bloomington, IN USA

I put mine in the wine fridge at 55 degrees.
Never tried soaking them.
Just proves you learn something new every day!

8/31/2018 11:29:24 PM