How to spot the best tomatoes at the market

You might have seen movie scenes in which heroes and heroines are often seen squeezing tomatoes at the vendor while grocery shopping. Why do they do that? How does it help in determining the tomato's quality? Squeezing tomatoes helps determine if they are fresh and ready to eat or if they are too soft and overripe. Here are some tips to pick good tomatoes at the grocery store.

Colour- Choose tomatoes that have a rich, vibrant colour. The colour should be uniform without green or yellow spots. Rotten tomatoes will have soft, mushy spots. Check for any unusual dark or black spots. Discolouration can be a sign of decay or mould.

Firmness - Select tomatoes that are firm to the touch but have a slight give when gently squeezed. Avoid tomatoes that are too hard or too soft. If it feels overly soft or if you notice any mushy areas, it's likely going bad.

Smooth skin - Look for tomatoes with smooth, unblemished skin. Minor blemishes are normal, but avoid tomatoes with major cracks or cuts. Stay away from those with wrinkles or shrivelled skin. While slight wrinkles can indicate ripeness, extensive wrinkling or skin that feels thin and weak may signal overripeness.

Stem - A fresh tomato will have a green, intact stem. If the stem area is dried out or brown, it could be a sign that the tomato is past its prime.

Smell - A tomato with a sour or fermented smell is likely rotten. Fresh tomatoes should have a pleasant, slightly earthy aroma.

Size and shape - Choose tomatoes that are plump and round. Avoid those that are shrivelled or have an irregular shape, as these can indicate overripeness or poor quality.

Consider the variety - Different types of tomatoes have different characteristics. Be familiar with the variety you're buying and choose based on its specific qualities.

Check for leaks - If you see any liquid or notice that the tomato feels wet, it might be starting to rot.

By following these tips, you can select fresh, high-quality tomatoes and avoid those that are starting to go bad.