How To Ripen Green Tomatoes Using The Pick And Box Method
Tomatoes are some of the most delicious vegetables (or fruits) that many of us enjoy. It is no wonder that many of us try to grow our on crop and we find that it is not that difficult. Unfortunately the time that we allot for it to grow is not always enough time for some of them to ripen while still on the vine. Instead of throwing away those unripe tomatoes or even trying to eat those fried green tomatoes for weeks on end why not try to ripen them indoors. This method is called the pick and box method.
Tools:
- Cardboard box
- Garden Shovel
- Scissors
- Newspaper
- Hand pruners
- Tissue paper
- Twine
Directions:
- Pick off the green tomatoes before the first fall frost hits. Make sure that they are greenish white and not solid.
- Use the scissors to cut off the tomatoes from the vine and wash them in tepid water. Let them air dry.
- After they have air dried wrap them in tissue paper or newspaper and place them in cardboard box in one single layer.
- Place the cardboard box in a cool, dark spot. An unheated basement is best.
- To speed up the ripening process place two apples into the box. The apples give off ethylene gas that helps to ripen them.
- Check the tomatoes every couple of days and remove any of the ones that rot. When they are the normal red color remove them from box and place on your kitchen counter for them to finish ripening.