Tomato care and preparation tips for gardeners and chefs

Gardening and culinary experts offer insights into maximizing the potential of tomatoes through better harvesting and preparation.

For gardeners, extending the harvest into October is possible by monitoring frost rather than following the calendar. Using 5 to 10 cm of organic mulch can regulate soil temperature and prolong fruit maturation. Maintaining moderate watering and harvesting green fruits before cold snaps allows them to ripen indoors.

In the kitchen, Spanish chefs such as David Guibert and Dani García recommend letting seasoned tomatoes rest for 5 to 10 minutes before eating. This resting period allows the fruit to release juices that, when combined with olive oil and a mild acid, create a natural, umami-rich dressing. For best results, tomatoes should be served at room temperature rather than cold from the refrigerator.