French gardeners cautioned on fridge storage, shown how to root tomato side shoots

Storing tomatoes in a refrigerator at temperatures below 10‑12 °C halts ripening, damages cell membranes and leaves the flesh cottony while the aroma vanishes. Scientific measurements show that at 5 °C tomatoes lose far more aromatic compounds than at 20 °C. The ideal storage range is 12‑20 °C, ideally in a cool, ventilated room area such as a hallway, cellar, or unheated cupboard.

Gardeners are also advised to keep tomato side shoots, known as “gourmands,” instead of discarding them. These shoots can be rooted directly in water or soil, with a reported success rate of about 95 % and root development in 5‑14 days. Re‑planting them extends the harvest season, allowing a second wave of fruit without purchasing new seedlings. Proper cutting length (10‑20 cm) and moisture management are recommended for optimal rooting.