Once you can see that your tomatoes are large and well shaped, you can speed up their ripening, so you can enjoy their flavor sooner.
While you usually can't make plants grow faster, you can speed up fruit ripening.
Here are some helpful tips to help you enjoy your harvest sooner.
Use a paper bag
Place the unripe tomatoes in a paper bag.
Adding an apple or a banana to the bag can help speed up ripening.
These fruits release ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that promotes ripening.
Close the bag and leave it at room temperature.
Store them with a ripe fruit
If you don't have a paper bag, you can place the unripe tomatoes in a container or bowl alongside a ripe fruit like a banana, apple, or even a fully ripe tomato.
Keep them in a warm spot
Find a warm spot in your kitchen or place them near a sunny windowsill.
Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, as it can cause uneven ripening or sunburn.
Turn them upside down
This method is based on the theory that the stem end of the tomato releases ethylene gas, so by flipping them, the gas is distributed more evenly, promoting faster ripening.
Increase airflow
Avoid storing them in airtight containers or in plastic bags, as this can trap moisture and slow down the ripening process.
Instead, place them on a plate or tray where air can circulate around them.
