Family meals often feature tomatoes, but many are sprayed with chemicals to enhance ripening. This can pose a health risk, so it’s important to identify naturally ripened tomatoes.
Naturally ripened tomatoes are evenly colored due to sunlight exposure during their growth. They often have a round, plump shape with a slightly concave tip, indicating healthy, organic growth. In contrast, tomatoes with flaky tops or irregular shapes may have been chemically ripened.
To further check, look at the nipple of the tomato. A dark green, tight, and slightly concave nipple suggests natural ripening, while yellow or brown nipples indicate chemical treatment or aging. Naturally ripened tomatoes are also softer and juicier.
