All About Cherry tomatoes
Your complete guide to cherry tomatoes - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Cherry tomatoes Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for cherry tomatoes in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
At Room Temperature (Whole, Unwashed)3-7 days
Signs of Spoilage
Soft, mushy spots; wrinkles or shriveling; dull color; mold growth (fuzzy white, green, or black spots); fermented or sour smell; leaking liquid.
How to Check
Visually inspect for any discoloration, shriveling, or mold. Gently squeeze to check for excessive softness or mushiness. Sniff for any off-odors like sourness or fermentation. If any of these signs are present, discard.
Storage Tips
Store in a single layer, out of direct sunlight, in a cool, dry place. Do not wash until just before use, as moisture can accelerate spoilage. A breathable container or a bowl works well. If they are very ripe, consider moving them to the fridge to extend their life, though flavor may be slightly affected.
Cooked in Fridge (Leftovers)3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Mold growth (white, green, or black fuzzy spots); sour, yeasty, or unpleasant odor; significant discoloration; slimy or overly watery texture.
How to Check
Visually check for any mold, especially on the surface. Sniff for any off-odors. Observe if the texture has become unpleasantly slimy or if there's excessive liquid separation. When in doubt, it's safest to discard.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container to prevent bacterial growth and absorption of other fridge odors. Allow cooked tomatoes to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain quality and safety.
Raw in Fridge (Whole, Unwashed)1-2 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Loss of firmness; shriveling; dull or faded color; mold growth; fermented or sour smell; slimy texture; leaking liquid.
How to Check
Visually inspect for shriveling, dark spots, or any fuzzy mold. Feel for softness or sliminess. Sniff for any sour, fermented, or unpleasant odors. While refrigeration can slightly dull flavor, safety is the priority. If any spoilage signs are present, discard.
Storage Tips
Store in a breathable container (e.g., a colander, an open plastic bag, or a loosely covered bowl) in the crisper drawer to prevent moisture buildup. For best flavor, bring them to room temperature for about 30 minutes before eating.
Frozen (Whole or Halved)6-8 months (up to 1 year for quality)
Signs of Spoilage
Significant freezer burn (dry, discolored patches); off-smell (rare if properly frozen); extreme texture degradation beyond normal post-thaw softness.
How to Check
Visually inspect for excessive freezer burn, which indicates quality degradation. While frozen, a sniff test isn't practical. After thawing, if there's a strong off-odor that wasn't present before freezing, or if the texture is extremely unappetizing even for cooking, it's best to discard.
Storage Tips
Wash and thoroughly dry cherry tomatoes. You can freeze them whole or halved. For best results, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (this prevents clumping). Then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Thawed cherry tomatoes will be very soft and watery, making them suitable for sauces, soups, or stews, rather than fresh consumption.