Have you ever come across a stall full of bright red, perfectly smooth tomatoes, so pretty you almost hesitate to buy them? And yet, behind this attractive appearance, some hide a less tasty reality. Because not all tomatoes have ripened naturally in the sun… So, how can you tell them apart without making a mistake? Here are some concrete clues that will allow you to shop with peace of mind.
Color, a first misleading clue
A tomato that has grown peacefully in the sun develops a nuanced, almost luminous red, sometimes with slight variations. This play of hues is the hallmark of natural ripening. Conversely, fruits that have undergone an accelerated process often have a uniform, almost artificial red , which lacks depth. Better to look for nuances than the perfect surface.
The underside of the fruit, a revealing detail
Few people think about it, but observing the bottom of the tomato is a very useful tip . A well-ripened tomato generally has a harmonious and fleshy shape, slightly hollowed in the center. If, on the other hand, the bottom appears irregular, flaky or too marked, it is often a sign that its growth has been disrupted by intensive techniques. This small act of observation will tell you much more than the color alone.
