Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are identified by their round, marble-like shape with shiny, red skin and firm, meaty flesh. They are normally trimmed without the calyx being present. Cherry tomatoes can range in size from 0.75” to 1” in diameter.

Storage
» Store protected in the warmest part of the walk-in cooler. Chilling injury (water-soaked blisters, shrivel and mushy, mealy flesh) can occur if held for more than 3 days, un-protected, in a walk-in cooler.
» Temperatures over 80 degrees will cause rapid acceleration of decay.
» Remove all decayed or moldy cherry tomatoes immediately from the case.
» Keep tomatoes and their cases dry away and from moisture sources. Moisture will accelerate mold.
» Proper short term storage is covered in a walk-in cooler, place the cherry tomatoes into a lexan container with lid and plan to use within 48 hours.

Handling
» Follow good rotation practices, first shipments received should be used first.
» Cherry tomatoes are normally shipped pink to light red. If necessary, store at 65-70 degrees to ripen.
» Expected shelf life of fully-ripened Cherry tomatoes is 2-3 days.
» Handle with care, do not drop, dump or shake the case, tomatoes will bruise easily.
» Avoid placing the case or raw product on non-sanitized kitchen counter tops to help prevent the potential for cross contamination.

Preparation
» Prepare as needed. Try not to use product from the previous day.
» Select the ripest tomatoes first.
» Cherry tomatoes need to be washed in a sanitary rinse, immediately prior to preparation.
» Store prepped product immediately in the refridgerator.