What Cushions Tomatoes?

Cushioned Structure

• Tomatoes have a built-in cushioning system that is structured to protect a very precious cargo -- seeds. The fruit of the tomato plant is essentially a cushioned pod which supplies nutrition and shelter for offspring. When the plant is mature, the fruit is structured to fall to the ground, break and disseminate seeds, propagating a whole new generation.

Gardening Structures

• Farmers use structural cages to promote vertical growing. This practice is beneficial to the grower because it saves space and allows for more crops in a smaller area, but it can also be beneficial to the plants. First, the cage acts as a bumper preventing accidental contact from nearby plants, people and animals. Second, the heavy fruit is partially supported and cradled by the cage, taking stress off of the vine and thin stems. And finally, the air around the fruit acts like an invisible cushion preventing rot and other conditions that result from dropping moisture.

Hand-Picking

• Machines save time, money and manpower in many industries, but not in the farming of tomatoes. Tomatoes are tender fruit. If picked ripe, they are warm, juicy and soft -- and prone to damage. Any rough-handling can cause lesions and bruising, which leads to rot and contamination. Damage that is not accompanied by contamination can still alter the appearance, texture, flavor and culinary performance of the tomatoes. So during a harvest, tomatoes should be cushioned by gentle hands.

Storing

• The firm base of the tomato provides an excellent cushion during storage. The upper surface of the tomato, the area surrounding the stem, is tender and will bruise if placed under pressure. Even the weight of the tomato itself will mar these tender crests. Always store ripe tomatoes on a flat surface stem-end up in an area that is about 55-degrees Fahrenheit. Rack storage helps promote air flow and keep tomatoes fresher longer, but these units can also cause bruising and tearing by allowing the tomato to sink between the rungs. Never place tomatoes in direct sunlight or leave them in standing water -- these environments compromise the cellular structure of the tomato and make it unable to protect itself.